Thinking about a hip replacement?

Here's a video on the "anterior" approach -- one of the latest ways to replace the hip, preferable because there is less need to sever muscles of the hip. Nevertheless, it's a bit disturbing and I would hope that you would do all you could to prevent having to undergo the procedure.

I know this is motivation to do my own menus and keep my body aligned with Egoscue. I've been beating up my right hip for years prior to starting with Egoscue, based on leg dominance and past injuries. And while the left knee injury was the focus of my attention and efforts to keep it functional, what I was missing (pre-Egoscue) was the "body works as a unit" concept. In a nutshell, I was avoiding work on my left side and putting it all on my right side. When I started with Egoscue, my right knee was turned out close to 45-degrees AND I was doing triathlons, playing & coaching rugby and lifting weights. A lot of activity, but 80%-plus going to my right side, making me tighter and tighter in my right hip and furthering problems in the rest of my body.

Check out the video. If you're queasy, then just know it's not pretty. But know this also -- You can prevent this from happening, but do it NOW before it's too late!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEkw-p-F8yQ

Lizard Brain doing your Thinking?

Overcoming the resistance to act means conquering the lizard in your brain!

In Seth Godin's latest book, Linchpin, he describes the lizard brain and how it is seeking the simple path in life. "The lizard brain is hungry, scared, angry, and horny...and only wants to eat and be safe." And while this reptilian side of our brain will cause us to fight when necessary, it may also keep us from reaching out beyond our comfort levels.

The lizard brain wants you to order in versus venturing out to a new restaurant. It would rather you watch a movie you've already seen (possibly several times) instead of seeing a new movie or a touring play. The lizard brain may also be what's keeping you from trying something different to overcome your pain. It would rather have you sit on the couch and live with physical limitations and less activity than get out and play.

Your lizard brain says, "Oh, I've already tried everything." This statement give security and certainty in only one thing -- that you don't have to try any more. The unintended consequences, however, are devastating and include loss of desire & motivation, lack of creativity, depression, and hopelessness.

Another comment the lizard brain makes is, "I would, but it costs too much." As with the last comment, this will lead to safety & security, and create a scarcity mindset that things-are-only-getting-worse. Investing in yourself is not a lizard-brained idea because it would cause you to think ahead... think of the success, achievement and hope of actually getting better, enjoying a lifestyle you once had.

"It's too far, too complicated, takes too much time, too hard, too much effort, etc., etc." Your lizard brain will go on and on about how much you'd rather live with the pain, succumb to a less-than-optimal lifestyle, or simply wait for an act of divinity, before coming out of the safety zone. After all, drugs are cheap, surgery may be covered by insurance, and I need to save all the energy I have left! And while these comments may be justifiable, the truth is that you have more in you.

You have a gift, a birthright, to being pain free. Conquer the lizard and get back your higher functioning self. You'll thank yourself that you did, and so will those around you who've been living with the lizard.

Up & Running in the New Year?

Along the beach, boardwalk, parks or on the street, there are plenty of runners in Santa Monica and throughout LA. (After all, look at our weather compared to the icy mess back East!) And while most will tell you to start with selecting a good pair of shoes and equipping yourself with the right gear, our advice is to start from the "inside-out" by starting with preparing your body.

The proverbial "wall" that you hit with running should be from endurance and having to build up your cardiovascular system. Most people, however, will hit the wall that comes in the form of musculoskeletal pain. Whether knee pain, foot pain, hip pain, back pain or otherwise, the joints of your body that are not functioning properly will start to complain.

Pete Egoscue says in Pain Free;

Running gets the worst rap of any major sport, and many of its loudest critics are former runners. Their primary objection to running is its impact on the load-bearing joints. When those joints are unstable and out of alignment, their capacity to manage the shock of each foot strike is indeed impaired. Fancy shoes and knee braces won't help, nor will adjustments in (running) technique.

So, before you run out to get the best shoes and the stylish garb, spend some time restoring proper function within your body by doing some simple e-cises. If you've taken a significant break from running, it is likely that your gait muscles have become dysfunctional from the time off. Wake up these dormant muscles and your body will thank you for it, and you'll be able to stick to your running program a lot longer!

Egoscue can help you identify what is causing your pain or help you get on track with your workout routines by setting up your posture and function for success. Come into the clinic for a free consultation or get started by reading one of Pete Egoscue's books. I recommend "Pain Free" if you have symptoms. You can also get started with the exercises on Egoscue.com. Call to set up your free consultation and find out what the best path is for your personal condition at 310-450-2549.