There is nothing new about sports medicine. In fact, it has been around for a long time. But, these days, the demand for specialists in this field is growing like never before. You might be tempted to think that this is because of the introduction of newer forms of sport. Far from it.

The single reason for the prominence of sports medicine is that a generation of baby boomers is growing old but refusing to slow down. As a result, these weekend warriors are clamoring for – and getting – the very best in medical care.

In the 1920s, when sports medicine was born, treatment methods were reserved for serious sportspeople. But, in the early 1970′s, there was a sudden spurt in the desire for complete physical fitness. A large number of people began to pursue tough physical fitness programs seriously. More sportspeople led to more injuries, which in turn led to developments in sports medicine.

These days, there are a large number of sports activities for the recreational sportsperson. Marathons, trialthons, and adventure sports have led to an amazing increase in the number of recreational sportsmen and women. These people are more likely to get injured, particularly after they cross the age of 40. According to doctors, the bulk of their business comes from the neo-sportspeople, not from seasoned, high-profile athletes. These sports enthusiasts who may have torn a ligament running a weekend marathon or playing volleyball at the beach are willing to pay any amount of money so long as the injury is treated.

Luckily for doctors, sports medicine is undergoing exciting changes as new technologies make it possible to get to the roots of the most complicated problems and heal them. Procedures that were once deemed impossible are now common. Many treatment procedures that were available to world class athletes are now available to the recreational athlete.

Most sports injuries are due to overwork. Many weekend warriors forget that their bodies have a limit. They go out one day in the week and test the limits of their body. “Probably more than half the soccer teams out there have ligament tears or even disc problems that restricts their movement”, says Dr Bankson who works at an Orthopedic Clinic in the US.

The most common injuries include stress fractures, shoulder injuries, ACL tears, foot and ankle problems, hand and wrist pain, cartilage and spine problems. So far, the speed with which these recurring injuries are treated and their effectiveness have been nothing short of impressive.

Sports medicine is a boon for many, regardless of whether they are a soccer mom or a serious Olympic contender. In the past, a torn ligament could well be the end of the line for a sportsperson. But, with the advent of new technologies, sportspeople only need to take a short break after which they can continue to play for the rest of their lives. Even the recreational sportsperson can demand treatment that allows them to enjoy their chosen sport well into their old age.

Medicine balls and stability balls are the most commonly used types of exercise balls, both of which are commonly used by physical therapists and personal trainers to improve core strength, balance and upper body strength. They are inexpensive, portable, easy to store and versatile.

Medicine balls range in size and weight. They are usually made of durable rubber or leather and then filled with sand. They range from 2 to 30 pounds in weight. Most exercise with medicine balls involves throwing and catching the ball (or throwing it against a wall, if it bounces, so you won’t need a partner). Because the ball is so heavy, it challenges your upper body and core muscles as you catch and release the ball. You can also use it as a weight for lifting, in place of a dumbbell. Some medicine balls have handles on them for easier manageability. Make sure you choose a medicine ball that is heavy enough to challenge your arms, shoulders, back and abdominal muscles, but not so heavy to wear you out in a few repetitions.

Stability balls are larger than medicine balls, but are very light because they are filled with air. Ranging from 45-80 centimeters in diameter, you will want to find a stability ball that allows you to position your legs so that your knees are at a 90 degree angle when you sit on the ball. Stability balls are used for a variety of balancing and strengthening exercises, such as holding plank positions, doing crunches, performing push-ups and executing squats. The ball provides a challenging back drop for these exercises, forcing you to engage your abdominal muscles as you balance and perform.

If you want to maximize your exercise potential, invest in a medicine ball and a stability ball, then hire a personal trainer for one session to learn the basics of exercise ball routines. Another option is to attend aerobics classes at a fitness center or to invest in a DVD of stability and medicine ball exercise techniques. You’ll find that exercise with the medicine ball and stability ball combined can most muscle groups effectively.

As more and more people experience the vast benefits of holistic medicine sometimes coupled with a homeopathic approach when treating their common illnesses, the question often arises if whether or not this same vein of thinking will apply to their dogs as well. Today complementary treatments, therapies, and holistic medicine for dogs are all now gaining more credence as pet owners and veterinarians work together to find effective methods of prolonging and bettering the lives of our beloved animals.

Coming from the word “whole,” holistic medicine utilizes a comprehensive approach to medical care and treats the body as one entire unit, rather than merely focusing on an ailment or its ensuing symptoms the way conventional or Western medicine often does. Some examples of holistic medicine for canines include the use of herbal preparations, massage and physical therapy, chiropractic care, homeopathy, and acupuncture.

In many instances, holistic medicine is used as a last resort or when conventional treatments alone have failed to work. However, there are many circumstances that will call for both modern and holistic medicine to bring about the most favorable results, such as a broken leg that needs surgery to be repaired along with holistic methods used to decrease healing time.

Although there are several different modalities involved with holistic medical care for dogs, many of them rely partly on modern medicines and treatments. Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese form of medicine involving incredibly fine needles, has been used for thousands of years for pain relief and improving overall health and has now made its way into the veterinary world of medicine.

Besides the use of needles, acupuncture may also involve similar techniques like acupressure in which pressure is applied using the fingertips, or even lasers or ultrasound for the treatment of ailments and conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, disorders of the stomach, and to speed up recovery time after surgery. Acupuncture may even take the place of some surgeries and be a natural alternative to pain medication or steroids.

Trigger point therapy is another modality of holistic medical care used to relieve pain in dogs. Trigger points are sore spots in the muscles with restricted blood flow that when irritated cause pain to radiate to other muscles. Through trigger point therapy, which may call for chiropractic care, massage therapy or acupuncture, the trigger points are released to bring about pain relief.

There are a number of herbal remedies used in holistic veterinary medicine and it’s highly recommended to only use herbal medicine that is prescribed by a licensed veterinarian. Although herbal and botanical medicines are natural, they can be rather powerful with some even having toxic effects especially when mixed with other medication or when given to dogs with allergies.

Some herbs used for curing dog ailments include licorice as an anti-inflammatory, passionflower or valerian as a sedative, and black walnut or wormwood in place of conventional de-worming medication.

One of the most important principles behind holistic medicine for dogs involves the proper nutrition. The foundation for a long, vibrant life always begins with the right nutritional balance and it’s essential for dogs to eat healthy without an array of added chemicals, by-products, artificial colors. Whole grains, organically grown vegetables, fish, and whole grain-fed beef, lamb, or chicken are highly recommended to give dogs the energy and vital nutrients they need to thrive.

In addition to dealing with current illnesses and conditions already affecting the body, holistic treatment methods in veterinary medicine are also used to ward off disease and improve the dog’s overall health, and hopefully lengthen life span as well.