NOVA Chiropractic & Acupuncture Sept. 2018

DID YOUR WORKOUT ROUTINE TAKE A SUMMER VACATION? Jump Back in With These Strategies With barbecues, trips to the pool, and indulging in refreshing beverages on the patio, summer is full of relaxation and fun. But those heart-pumping, muscle-building trips to the gymmay have become less frequent during the warmer months. If your workout routine went on its own summer vacation, here are three strategies to get back to it. 1. FIND SOMETHING YOU LIKE TODO. Maybe part of the reason your fitness routine took a break was because you didn’t enjoy doing it. If that’s the case, re-evaluate your options. There is no superior form of exercise, and there are plenty of options to align with your preferences. If you couldn’t get enough of hiking in national parks over the summer, join a hiking group in your community. If you prefer being on a team, look for a local adult league for your favorite sport. 2. SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS. You would go to that 5:30 p.m. boot camp class, but it’s right in the middle of your daughter’s dance practice. Getting to the gym is half the battle, so make it easier on yourself by preparing in advance. Find a facility with a schedule that easily fits yours. If you’re planning to work out in the morning, set your clothes out the night before, and choose an energetic song for your alarm. If there’s a class after work, consider leaving an extra set of gym clothes at your office so you’ll never have an excuse not to go. 3.MAKEYOURWORKOUTANUNAVOIDABLE PARTOFYOURDAY. It’s tempting to join your coworkers for happy hour, especially when that outdoor patio is just around the block from your office. But what if it were that easy to get to the gym? Look for facilities that are on your commute, near your work, or close to home. If it’s easy to get to, you’ll be more likely to go and still have time for that drink afterward. It may take time to make your workout routine a seamless part of your life, but implementing some of these strategies will make it easier and more enjoyable. You might even find yourself looking forward to back-to-the-gym season!

STABBING PAIN IN YOUR FEET?

We Can Help!

One of the most common conditions we treat at NOVA Chiropractic & Acupuncture is plantar fasciitis. This condition is when the connective muscle on the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed or swollen, making it painful to run or walk. With every step, patients experience a stabbing pain in the arch and heel of their foot. Plantar fasciitis is most commonly found in runners and athletes, but it can afflict anyone. If you were to go for a long walk or spend a day hiking with friends, you might experience these sharp pains in your feet the following day. It’s also quite common in people who are overweight, have flat or high arches, are over the age of 40, wear shoes with little support, or stand for long hours. The muscle or tissue on the bottom of your foot that connects your toes to your heel is called fascia. The fascia’s function is to cushion your foot while you’re walking, but if it’s overworked, small tears can appear on its surface. These tears are what cause the sharp pains in your feet. Depending on how acute or painful it is, our office offers many different treatments. For acute and chronic plantar fasciitis, we use laser therapy to reduce the pain, swelling, and inflammation. Other treatments include Active Release Techniques and the Graston Technique. Another treatment we offer is dry needling to the calf muscles, which can help reduce the strain on the plantar fascia. If you’re suffering from acute pain, you can expect pain relief in 4–8 treatments, while chronic cases can last for 1–3 months of treatment, depending on how long you’ve had the pain. Acute plantar fasciitis will improve with time by resting your feet and allowing your body to heal itself. However, if the pain refuses to dissipate, it’s time to seek professional help. Patients who ignore the problem or simply live with it can face long-term complications. Simple activities, such as taking the first step out of bed, can become excruciatingly painful. If you’re suffering from sharp, stabbing pains in your feet, you shouldn’t have to live with it. Call our office today at (703) 912-7822. Don’t live your life around the pain!

NovaChiroWellness.com

(703) 912-7822

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