This past weekend I was enrolled in a continuing eduacation seminar. The last 4 hours of the day featured a most remarkable speaker. His name is Dr. Peter Thibodeau DC. He has practiced chiropractic in the Santa Cruz area for the past 40 years, or so. He teaches at no cost to the profession, which is amazing in itself. He was donating his time on behalf of the International Chiropractic Association, an organization that he has been involved with for many years. On this day he would share with us his thoughts and abilities on the art of chiropractic adjustive technique (Manipulation). At 67, Dr. Thibodeau is in tremendous physical and mental shape. He follows a rigorous daily exercise program that has him doing, among other things, pull-ups with 90lbs attached to his waist, one-handed pull-ups, dead lifts, heavy squats and bench presses. This is just a small part of his routine. He also does daily cardio in some form. I’m guessing he’s about 6′ 1″ and maybe 175 lbs and very lean. I mentioned he’s only 67, right?
He describes himself as “Overly enthusiastic”. I’d say that would be an understatement. The creed he lives by, and I heard it several times during his class is Eat Well, Think Well, Move Well. He definitely lives by all three. I have decided to make Dr. Thibodeau my role model. I’ve thought extensively how those three things sum it all up. Health can be that simple. However, it’s not easy. It takes effort.
As a chiropractor, It is my responsibility to see that people move well at a basic level, taking it to the spinal and joints. What we do is the following.
- Chiropractors check the spine regularly to evaluate the motion of the joints
- Good motion is essential for the health and nutrition of discs and joints because it permits the exchange of nutrition, fluid and wastes.
- Without movement, discs and joints may degenerate quickly
- Motion also reduces the formation of fibrosis (Scar Tissue)
- Fibrosis occurs in motionless joints and can lead to stiffness and degeneration
Having My own spine adjusted on a regular basis is part of what I do to continue to “Move Well.” If we are interested in setting goals with regard to our health, we would do well to consider these three areas and chiropractic care should play a part.
