In an insightful analysis of Derek Jeter’s career since his shoulder dislocation 7 years ago, The NY Daily News quotes SPEAR President Dan Rootenberg

Harris/AP            

New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter recalls collision with Toronto catcher Ken Huckaby - click for full article

Derek Jeter tries not to discuss or think about the Opening Day seven years ago in which he had the worst injury of his career - a dislocated left shoulder from a violent collision with Toronto catcher Ken Huckaby.

...."it is remarkable that Jeter has never had another problem with his shoulder, according to physical therapist Dan Rootenberg, the president of SPEAR Physical Therapy in Manhattan....."

"At the time, I remember being doubtful that he would return to the same level," Rootenberg said. "If you dislocate your shoulder, your odds of doing it again go up exponentially. I never thought I'd see him dive into the stands like he did against Boston (July 1, 2004) or slide headfirst."

"And it obviously would've been a career-altering injury had it been his right (throwing) side."

Jeter was on the disabled list until May 13 that season, missing 36 games, but did not have surgery on the shoulder.

While the shoulder doesn't bother Jeter, the long-ago injury does make him uneasy. "If I have any (shoulder) problems," he told a reporter, "it's your fault for bringing it up."

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Life is a Balancing Act – Are Your Muscles Up to the Challenge?

Balance is something we usually do not think about until the winter snow and ice arrives, and we try to precariously pick our way across frozen parking lots and avoid snowdrifts. However, balance, like flexibility, core strength and mobility, is something that we need to work on so our bodies will work effectively.

When your body is in perfect balance, your center of gravity is aligned directly above the point where your foot touches the ground. If there are any misalignments, you will start to wobble. In order to keep your balance, your body has to recognize what is occurring and know how to correct it as quickly as possible. If you notice too late, or if your body over-corrects, you will fall over, potentially injuring yourself.

Unfortunately falling is more likely to occur with age because, like so many other aspects of our bodies, balance deteriorates as we get older. Balance also weakens as a result of injuries to the lower extremities. A sprained ankle, a twisted knee, a bum hip – all of these can break the communication between the leg joints and the brain, weakening the body’s ability to perceive where it is in a space.

There are, however, a few simple things you can do to improve your balance. In fact, if you exercise regularly, you already have a head start on this process.

• Incorporate balancing exercises into your workout. During strength training, add exercises that work one arm or leg at a time. You can also change your stance. A split stance requires more balance than a wide stance. And, of course, if you are really up for a challenge you can stand on one leg.

• Use an exercise ball. There are many different exercises you can do with an exercise ball, but another good way to improve your balance (and burn a few extra calories) is to sit on the ball while you watch TV or check your email.

• Add balance exercises to daily chores. While you are standing in line at the grocery store or bank, try to balance on one leg for as long as possible. If you start to wobble, bend your knee slightly or focus on a stable point in the distance. You can also stand on one leg while you are brushing your teeth or washing the dishes. If that becomes too easy, challenge yourself by closing your eyes or by standing on an uneven surface (like a pillow).

• Work on your stomach muscles. Having strong stomach muscles improves your balance so doing exercises like sit-ups and other core exercises will make a big difference.

• Take yoga. You might think that yoga just helps improve flexibility, but many yoga postures are done while standing on one leg, helping to improve your balance as well. Yoga will also help improve your stability and muscle endurance.

• Learn how to do Tai Chi. Many scientific studies have shown that Tai Chi greatly improves balance and reduces the risk of falling, especially among the elderly.

• Find a class or play a sport that requires balance. If you are not into yoga or Tai Chi, there are tons of other interesting and fun activities you can do that will also improve your balance. Try martial arts, horseback riding, skateboarding, ballet, jazz or hip-hop.

• Take it slow. Whatever you decide to do to improve your balance, you need to make sure that you start slowly. You can easily hurt yourself if you rush into balancing exercises and without allowing your body to adjust to being in an unstable environment.

Improving your balance is an easy way to make your life a little easier and safer. Better balance reduces the risk of falls in the elderly and reduces the risk of sprained ankles and other injuries in younger age groups. You do not have to wait until you have been injured to have a consultation with a physical therapist. Talk to a physical therapist at SPEAR Physical Therapy to help prevent falls from occurring. We are trained to understand that way the body works and can help develop an exercise and balance program that fits your body’s needs.

Do you sometimes feel dizzy or lose your balance? Do you feel like the room is spinning? You may be a candidate for the SPEAR Balance & Vestibular Rehab program. Call 212-759-2211 to set up an evaluation with Matt Rome, DPT our certified vestibular and balance specialist.

Relevant Studies

Hain TC, Fuller L, Weil L, Kotsias. Effects of T’ai Chi on Balance. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1999;125:1191-1195.

Judge JO, Lindsey C, Underwood M, Winsemius D. Balance Improvements in Older Women: Effects of Exercise Training. Phys Ther. 1993;73:254-265.

McHugh MP, Tyler TF, Mirabella MR, Mullaney MJ, Nicholas SJ. The Effectiveness of a Balance Training Intervention in Reducing the Incidence of Noncontact Ankle Sprains in High School Football Players. Am J Sports Med. 2007;35:1289-1294.

Wu G. Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Tai Chi for Improving Balance and Preventing Falls in the Older Population – A Review. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2002;50:746-754.