By John Chen–
An athlete’s biggest adversary often times is not the opponent; it is the dreaded injury! This unrelenting hurdle pops up at the most inopportune time: when you are driving for the winning basket, sliding into home plate, going for that interception, or sticking that dismount in the hotel room.
Worst yet, for the vast majority of social sports hacks like me, it is the nagging pains that come with previous injuries and, god forbid, age! For the last several years—OK, perhaps decades—I’ve nursed shoulder injuries, ibuprofen-ed joint pains (yes, I buy the industrial size bottles), managed ankle sprains and shaken away tingling nerves stemming from something similar to a tennis elbow. All of which, in one form or another, hampered my performance on the court, in the field and, well, you get the picture. If you can relate, raise your hand and read on. If you can’t, please contact me, because I would like to know your secret (young, injury-free freaks of nature readers exempted).
So, here I am, staring intently and intensely at a big, thick black vibrator at my friend Dr. Ryne Ibarra’s chiropractic office, wondering how in the world this contraption would, and could, alleviate my sports-related pains.
“Shouldn’t this cause a lot, and I mean a lot, of pain?!” I exclaimed, wide-eyed and in protest.
“Don’t worry, and trust me, the pain will gradually dissipate and you’ll be asking for more every time you see me,” Dr. Ibarra calmly and gently whispered in my ear.
Censored, but there will be more about the vibrator in about two paragraphs. Please do not skip reading, however, because that’s just rude.
For the longest time, I didn’t realize chiropractic care is crucial and critical to athletes. I thought it was just for people who needed their back and spine straightened out. Dr. Ibarra dispelled the many myths. Simply put, musculoskeletal manipulation and treatment can drastically reduce muscle, joints and nerve pains caused by overexertion, such as playing lots and lots of sports at any age. In fact, chiropractic care can be preventative, enabling even slightly older (and I do mean ever so slightly) sports hacks like me to go out and enjoy a good game or two of cricket.
“Playing sports actually enables people to be social.” These words of wisdom from Dr. Ibarra were like an epiphany. Playing sports helped me to be active and to stay healthy. They helped me to make lots of friends, and to stay connected with them. Just as importantly, they made me more hungry and thirsty so I can eat and drink more, vastly increasing the quality of my life! But, I can’t do any of that if I am in pain.
John Ruys, an avid weight lifter, biker and sports enthusiast, was receiving chiropractic treatment while I was at Dr. Ibarra’s office. Ruys told me that chiropractic care greatly changed his life. Several years ago, Ruys was suffering from major joint and back pains that completely derailed his life. Following the advice of his doctor, he sought chiropractic therapy and is now back to his old active routines nearly pain free. Ruys was particularly complimentary of the role the big vibrator played in his recovery and now prevention.
I, on the other hand, will be experiencing the full thrust of the vibrator very, very soon. I am excited, eager and somewhat nervous. I know I need to learn to breathe properly and relax, and the pain will dissipate. For all of you weekend athletes out there, no matter your age, join Ruys and me in worshipping the hallowed ground of the … well … you know (coy grin). Let’s all feel less pain so that we can enjoy our lives through sports and other physical activities with all the benefits like eating and drinking with friends, rather than sitting on the sidelines or on the couch.
By now you must be wondering: What is this big vibrator and how can it possibly help treat muscle pains? I recommend that you find out for yourself! (Editor’s Note: Google “vibrator chiropractor” for a start.)
John Chen, a UCLA alumnus and an avid sports fan, has competed as well as coached tennis, volleyball, softball and football teams.
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