Performance Sport Care - Douglas F. Cancel, DC

**The Hidden Danger Lurking in Your Muscles: Intramuscular Fat and Its Impact on Health**

When we think of major health risks, we often focus on things like smoking and obesity. But did you know that fat stored within your muscles—called **intramuscular fat**—could be just as dangerous?

Recent research shows that this "hidden fat" can increase your risk of serious health problems like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even early death. In fact, studies found that people with higher levels of intramuscular fat face a **16% higher risk of mortality** within 10 years!

As we age, the quality of our muscles matters just as much as their size. Muscles packed with fat lose strength and mobility, which increases the risk of frailty and falls. But it’s not just about movement—intramuscular fat can lead to **inflammation**, metabolic issues, and poor surgical recovery.

At **Performance Sport-Care** in Walnut Creek we’re here to help you **optimize your muscle health** and reduce your risk. Through a combination of nutritional guidance, strength training, and rehabilitation services, Dr. Douglas Cancel can help you improve muscle quality and overall health.

Take charge of your fitness today! Contact us at (925) 945-1155 or visit us on the web at www.performancesportcare.com to learn how we can help you build stronger, healthier muscles.

🏋️‍♂️ **Nutritional Guidance**
🏋️‍♀️ **Strength Training**
🤕 **Rehabilitation for Injuries**
💪 **Maximize Muscle Quality & Performance**

Don’t wait—invest in your long-term health now!

📢 **Boost Your Immune System by Building Muscle!**

At Performance Sport-Care in Walnut Creek, Dr. Douglas Cancel, a dedicated sports chiropractor, is here to help you achieve your fitness and health goals. Did you know that building muscle not only improves your strength but also enhances your immune system? 💪

Muscles play a crucial role in regulating your immune function, reducing inflammation, and promoting overall body health. Research shows that strength training and regular exercise trigger the release of vital proteins and immune cells that boost your body's natural defenses. 🛡️

Strength training doesn't just improve your physique—it strengthens your immunity by activating key immune pathways. From reducing inflammation to supporting muscle repair, your immune system works in harmony with your muscles for a healthier, more resilient life.

🔬 Studies confirm that even a single strength training session can increase white blood cells and improve immune cell function. Imagine the benefits of incorporating regular workouts into your routine!

At Performance Sport-Care, we specialize in nutritional guidance, rehabilitative strength training, and chiropractic care to keep athletes and fitness-focused individuals at their peak. Whether you're recovering from an injury or looking to enhance your performance, we're here to support your journey to optimal health. 🏋️‍♂️

Ready to strengthen your body and immune system? Contact us today to learn more about our personalized strength training and rehabilitation services.

📍 **Location:** Walnut Creek, CA
📞 **Call Now:** (925) 945-1155
🌐 **Visit Us:** www.performancesportcare.com

Stay strong, stay healthy, and keep your immune system in top shape with Performance Sport-Care!

📣 **How Probiotics Affect Muscle Mass Preservation** 📣

Maintaining muscle strength and mass as we age is crucial for overall health and quality of life. 💪 Recent research reveals a promising dietary approach to combatting age-related muscle decline—probiotics! 🦠

A study involving over 5,000 participants found a strong correlation between higher dietary intake of fermented foods containing live microbes (like yogurt and kimchi) and a reduced risk of sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle strength and mass. This connection remained strong even after adjusting for factors like physical activity and age.

Sarcopenia can significantly impact your quality of life, increasing the risk of falls, fractures, and even disabilities, which can lead to a loss of independence. The good news? Muscle mass loss isn’t inevitable! With lifestyle and dietary interventions, including probiotics, it can be prevented or delayed.

Probiotics, found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, play a vital role in maintaining a balanced gut microbiota, which promotes nutrient absorption, hormone regulation, and reduced inflammation. These factors are essential for muscle maintenance, repair, and overall well-being.

At Performance Sport-Care in Walnut Creek, we understand the importance of holistic health in keeping you active and strong. Our services include nutritional guidance, strength training, and rehabilitation, tailored for athletes and fitness-focused individuals. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or looking to boost your performance, we're here to support you every step of the way!

🌱 Take control of your health today by incorporating probiotics and making positive lifestyle choices. Your muscles will thank you!

www.performancesportcare.com

📢 **Is It Really A Bulging Disc Causing Your Back Pain?**

Persistent back pain can be frustrating, especially when you’re told that a “bulging disc” seen on an MRI is the culprit. But did you know that the appearance of your spinal discs on imaging studies doesn’t always tell the whole story? Not all bulging discs cause pain—many people with bulging discs experience no symptoms at all.

The real question is: what’s actually causing your pain? At Performance Sport-Care, Dr. Douglas Cancel focuses on correctly diagnosing the true source of your discomfort. Pain is subjective, and understanding its unique characteristics—whether it’s burning, electric, shooting, or aching—can provide critical insights into its origin. Too many healthcare providers rely solely on MRI reports, but your pain deserves a thorough assessment.

If you’ve been dealing with persistent back pain, it’s worth considering a second opinion. There may be multiple factors at play that haven’t been fully addressed yet. At Performance Sport-Care in Walnut Creek, we offer advanced chiropractic care combined with holistic health strategies to treat sports injuries, work-related discomfort, and various musculoskeletal conditions.

Dr. Cancel's integrative approach blends chiropractic expertise with manual therapies and non-invasive treatments to help you achieve lasting relief and get back to doing what you love.

👉 Contact us today to schedule your comprehensive evaluation and start your journey towards recovery.

📍 **Location:** Performance Sport-Care, Walnut Creek, CA

💻 Visit us at www.performancesportcare.com
📞 Call us at (925) 945-1155

🚨 **Understanding Weight Training Injuries and How to Avoid Them** 🚨

At Performance Sport-Care in Walnut Creek, we often hear the belief that weightlifting inevitably leads to musculoskeletal injuries over time. But is it true? While age-related changes can make joints more susceptible to injury, this outcome is far from inevitable.

The key lies in understanding how to adapt your training as you age. Connective tissue—like the joints, tendons, and ligaments—doesn't have the same water content or blood supply as muscle, meaning it heals slower and becomes stiffer with age. This can set the stage for chronic injuries unless adjustments are made.

At Performance Sport-Care, we emphasize **periodized training**. This method involves varying the weight lifted, reps, training volume, and intensity in different phases. By doing this, we spare your connective tissue from the constant heavy load that can lead to injury.

Another common myth is that you must lift heavy weights to see significant muscle gains. While lifting heavy can target type-2-B muscle fibers effectively, recent studies show that lifting lighter weights in a specific manner can achieve similar results—without the same risk to your joints and connective tissue.

We teach a unique method that allows for significant muscle growth, even with lighter weights, by fully fatiguing all muscle fibers. This approach not only supports muscle development but also reduces the risk of injury, making it ideal for both young athletes and those over 40.

**Your journey to strength and resilience doesn’t have to be painful.** Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting, our methods ensure you stay strong and injury-free.

💪 **Train smart, lift safe, and let us help you achieve your fitness goals without the setbacks of injury. Call us at (925) 945-1155 or find us online at www.performancesportcare.com **

🛑 **How Overtraining Destroys Your Health and Fitness Progress**

Overtraining is a common pitfall that can derail even the most dedicated athletes and fitness enthusiasts. While mistakes like poor exercise form or lack of focus can hinder progress, nothing is as detrimental as overtraining. The “more is better” mindset can lead to excessive workouts that stall your muscle and strength gains.

The first signs of overtraining include a lack of progress, fatigue, and a growing dread of your workouts. You might also experience subtle signs like excessive sweating, muscle stiffness, and prolonged soreness. Over time, overtraining can even affect your mental health, leading to sleep disturbances, decreased motivation, and difficulty concentrating.

Remember, your muscles grow during rest—not during the workout. Periodization, a training technique that cycles through heavy, moderate, and light periods, can help prevent overtraining and keep your progress on track.

At Performance Sport-Care in Walnut Creek, Dr. Douglas Cancel specializes in helping athletes and fitness-focused individuals avoid the pitfalls of overtraining. We provide expert guidance on optimizing your training routine and offer nutritional advice to support your recovery and growth. Don’t let overtraining stall your progress—contact us today at (925) 945-1155 or online at www.performancesportcare.com to learn how to achieve sustainable gains in muscle size and strength! 💪

🌟 **Want to Look Good in a Swimsuit After 50?** 🌟

How about at 58, like our lead supervised exercise specialist, Dana McDaniel-Cancel? 💪

At Performance Sport-Care in Walnut Creek, we offer custom-crafted nutrition, exercise, and fitness programs designed to help you achieve the results you want. Whether you're dealing with pain that’s kept you sidelined or you’re ready to transform your physical performance and appearance, we’ve got the program for you.

This is the real deal for serious people seeking serious results. We carefully evaluate your health history, injury history, exercise experience, and diet habits to create an individual plan that is effective, safe, and delivers results—without spending hours each day in the gym.

Ready to make a change? Contact us today at (925) 945-1155 or visit us online at http://www.performancesportcare.com 🌐

🏋️‍♂️ **How Omega-3 Fatty Acids Can Help with Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)** 🏋️‍♀️

Ever pushed yourself hard at the gym and felt that familiar muscle soreness a day or two later? That’s Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) at work! While the exact cause of DOMS remains a bit of a mystery, we do know it often follows intense exercise—especially if it involves eccentric muscle contractions, which can cause significant muscle damage and inflammation.

But here’s the good news: Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA found in fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, have shown promise in reducing the inflammation that contributes to DOMS. Studies reveal that doses of 1.8 to 3 grams of Omega-3 daily can effectively reduce muscle soreness and inflammation post-exercise. 💪

At Performance Sport-Care, we not only focus on Chiropractic, manual therapy and rehabilitative strength training but also provide nutritional advice to help you recover faster and perform better. If you're dealing with DOMS or any other fitness-related issues, consider Omega-3s as part of your recovery plan!

Remember, always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions.

Stay strong and keep moving! 🏆
www.performancesportcare.com

🏋️‍♂️ **The Stages of Muscle Healing and How Nutrition Plays a Vital Role** 🍎

At Performance Sport-Care, we understand that recovering from a muscle injury is a journey that requires the right balance of care and nutrition. As a sports chiropractor specializing in helping athletes and fitness-focused individuals, Dr. Douglas Cancel is here to guide you through every step of the healing process.

💥 **Stage 1: Destruction-Inflammation**
The first stage, lasting 4-6 days, is characterized by inflammation, which, though painful, is crucial for healing. During this time, it's important to let your body rest and avoid physical activity that could strain the injured area.

🌱 **Stage 2: Repair (Proliferation)**
Around the fourth day, your body begins repairing itself. This phase involves the formation of new blood vessels and muscle repair. Proper nutrition, especially ensuring an adequate intake of calories, plays a significant role in supporting this stage.

🔨 **Stage 3: Remodeling**
This final phase can last up to a year, where the muscle undergoes a complete remodeling. Collagen protein synthesis is key here, and it's essential to maintain a balanced diet that supports this process without promoting excess body fat.

🥗 **Nutritional Advice for Optimal Healing**
- **Avoid calorie restriction**: During the healing process, your body needs extra energy. A slight increase in your caloric intake (10-15% more) is recommended to support muscle repair.
- **Balanced intake**: While it's important not to restrict calories, overindulging, especially if you're less active, can lead to unwanted fat gain.
- **Stay active (if possible)**: Engaging in moderate activity that doesn't involve the injured area can help offset muscle breakdown.

Dr. Cancel is dedicated to providing personalized care that not only helps you heal but also optimizes your overall health. If you're recovering from an injury, reach out to Performance Sport-Care in Walnut Creek to get the expert guidance you need. 💪

**🟢 Protein: Your Key To Muscle Healing 🟢**

Injury can be a setback, but with the right nutritional strategies, you can speed up your recovery and get back to your active lifestyle sooner! 🏋️‍♂️🏃‍♀️

During periods of physical inactivity due to muscle injuries, our bodies experience a decrease in muscle protein synthesis (MPS) after just 10 days. This can lead to muscle mass loss, but it’s preventable with increased protein intake.

**Here’s why protein is essential for healing:**

🔸 **Combat Anabolic Resistance:** Injuries cause resistance to amino acid uptake in muscles. This condition, known as Anabolic Resistance, can be mitigated by consuming more protein.
🔸 **Boost IGF-1 Levels:** Injuries increase free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which delay healing by reducing the release of the anabolic hormone IGF-1. Protein helps in promoting IGF-1, essential for muscle repair.
🔸 **Prevent Muscle Loss:** A study showed that 14 days of immobilization led to a 30% reduction in the MPS response to protein in young men. Increasing protein intake compensates for this reduction.

**Recommendations for Protein Intake During Injury:**

💪 **Increase Intake:** Aim for about one gram of protein per pound of body weight during the initial healing phases.
💪 **Incorporate Leucine:** Ensure at least 3 grams of leucine per meal, combined with all essential amino acids, to trigger muscle protein synthesis. High-quality food sources like meats, fish, eggs, milk, and poultry are excellent options that already contain leucine.
💪 **Consider Whey Protein:** If you struggle to meet your protein needs through food alone, a high-quality whey protein supplement can help. Avoid “spiked” proteins with added amino acids.

At Performance Sport-Care, we offer tailored nutritional advice for injured athletes and fitness-focused individuals to support optimal recovery.

📞 Contact us today to learn more about how proper nutrition can enhance your healing process!

🌟 Dr. Douglas Cancel
Performance Sport-Care, Walnut Creek, CA
(925) 945-1155
www.performancesportcare.com

🔍 **What You Need To Know About Creatine And Brain Health** 🧠✨

At Performance Sport-Care, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve peak performance and optimal health. Dr. Douglas Cancel, our expert sports chiropractor in Walnut Creek, offers specialized services including nutritional advice for injured athletes and fitness-focused individuals.

Here's some insightful information on how creatine can benefit your brain health:

1. **Neuroprotective Properties**: Creatine has been shown to have neuroprotective properties, potentially protecting brain cells from damage and aiding in the recovery from injury.

2. **Cognitive Function**: Studies have indicated that creatine supplementation can improve cognitive function, particularly in tasks requiring short-term memory and quick thinking. For example, some research has shown that creatine can improve performance on cognitive tasks in both young and elderly adults.

3. **Mental Fatigue**: Creatine may help reduce mental fatigue. A study involving sleep-deprived individuals found that those who took creatine performed better on cognitive tasks compared to those who did not.

4. **Mood and Depression**: There is some evidence to suggest that creatine may have antidepressant effects. A few small studies have found that creatine supplementation can improve symptoms of depression when used alongside traditional antidepressant medications.

5. **Brain Energy Metabolism**: Creatine plays a role in brain energy metabolism, enhancing the availability of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) which is crucial for brain function. Improved ATP availability can support overall brain health and function.

6. **Neurological Diseases**: Research is ongoing, but some studies have explored the potential of creatine in managing neurological diseases such as Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases. Although the results are early and mixed, there is potential for creatine to be part of therapeutic strategies for these conditions.

It's important to note that while these findings are promising, more research is needed to fully understand the extent of creatine's benefits for brain health, particularly in different populations and over longer periods. As with any supplement, **DO NOT START** creatine supplementation without first consulting your healthcare provider.

At Performance Sport-Care, we're here to support your health journey. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your fitness and health goals.

📞 Call us at (925) 945-1155 or visit us at www.performancesportcare.com for more information.

📣 **Boost Your Mood and Performance with Nutritional Advice from Dr. Douglas Cancel!** 🌟

At Performance Sport-Care in Walnut Creek, Dr. Douglas Cancel, our expert sports chiropractor, goes beyond traditional treatments by offering specialized nutritional advice for injured athletes and fitness enthusiasts. 🏋️‍♂️🤕

**Did You Know That Whey Protein Can Influence Mood and Behavior?** The answer is YES! Whey protein is packed with amino acids that are easily absorbed by the body and can have a positive impact on brain function. One of these amino acids is tryptophan, a key nutrient precursor for the brain neurotransmitter serotonin.

✨ **Benefits of Serotonin:**
- Promotes relaxation and better sleep 🛌
- Improves mood 😊
- Suppresses feelings of anger and rage 😤

Increasing your tryptophan intake through whey protein can boost serotonin levels, helping to counteract mood swings in some individuals. Additionally, fish oil can enhance serotonin efficiency in the brain.

**Fun Fact:** While serotonin is crucial for brain function, did you know that 90% of it is actually produced in your gut? This connection explains why consuming whey protein, rich in tryptophan, can lead to mood improvements.

🔬 **Scientific Insights:**
- Alpha-lactalbumin, a component of whey, has the highest proportion of tryptophan and has been shown to reduce depression and lower cortisol, a stress hormone.
- Whey peptides have been linked to better cognitive abilities, increased memory, and lower prolactin levels, which can benefit overall brain health.

Discover the holistic benefits of whey protein and other nutritional strategies to enhance your performance and well-being. Contact Dr. Douglas Cancel at Performance Sport-Care today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you!

📞 Call us at (925) 945-1155 or visit our website www.performancesportcare.com to book your appointment now!

**Exploring the Benefits of Sports Massage for Athletes: Insights from Dr. Douglas Cancel of Performance Sport-Care**

At Performance Sport-Care in Walnut Creek, Dr. Douglas Cancel offers specialized sports chiropractic services, including myofascial release, cyclic compressive loading (CCL), supervised exercise and bodybuilding instruction. These advanced techniques, when properly selected for the correct situation, provide athletes with targeted therapy to enhance performance and recovery.

Sports massage, a key element in many athletes' recovery programs, differs significantly from standard massage styles due to its intensity and focus on specific muscle groups. Originating from ancient Greek and Roman practices and gaining formal recognition in the 1960s by Soviet athletic teams, sports massage has become a staple in modern athletic training.

> The Two Categories of Sports Massage

**Pre-Event Massage**: Applied before athletic competitions, this type of massage aims to prevent injuries by stretching and warming up muscles. It enhances blood flow and provides a psychological boost, preparing athletes for optimal performance.

**Post-Event Massage**: This focuses on reducing muscle microtrauma caused by intense physical activity. It helps alleviate muscle swelling and aids in the removal of lactic acid, promoting faster recovery.

> Techniques Used in Sports Massage

- **Effleurage**: Light stroking using palms or thumbs to increase blood flow.
- **Petrissage**: Two-handed kneading to loosen tight muscles.
- **Transverse Friction**: Release focal tight muscles.
- **Passive-Assisted Stretching**: Stimulate muscle contractions and enhance muscle tone.

> Advanced Techniques and Emerging Research

Dr. Cancel employs myofascial release, a technique popularized by the late trainer Charles Poliquin, which involves deep cross-fiber friction to break down scar tissue and improve muscle function. Additionally, cyclic compressive loading (CCL) is an innovative method that involves rolling a cylinder over muscles at fixed frequencies, forces, and durations. This consistent application has shown to significantly enhance muscle recovery and strength gains by minimizing muscle fiber disruption and inflammation.

> Anabolic Effects of Sports Massage

Recent research suggests that sports massage can activate anabolic pathways in muscles, leading to increased muscle size and strength. This is achieved through several mechanisms:
- **Immune Response Modulation**: Reduces migration of immune cells into muscles, decreasing inflammation and speeding up recovery.
- **Enhanced Muscle Protein Synthesis**: Positive influence on the extracellular matrix (ECM), promoting integrin activity, which is crucial for muscle growth.
- **Satellite Cell Activation**: Stimulates muscle stem cells involved in repair and growth, even in the absence of evident muscle damage.

> Massage and Aging Muscles

As muscles age, their response to anabolic stimuli decreases. However, intense massage techniques can still promote beneficial effects by activating stress proteins and improving ECM responsiveness. This makes massage a valuable tool for older athletes to maintain muscle health and prevent atrophy.

> Conclusion

While sports massage should not replace resistance training for muscle growth, it serves as an excellent adjunct therapy to enhance muscle recovery, flexibility, and overall performance. At Performance Sport-Care, Dr. Douglas Cancel carefully selects from these advanced massage techniques and other rehabilitative modalities along with personalized sports chiropractic care to help athletes and other high performance individuals achieve their peak potential. Whether you're recovering from an injury or looking to improve your training outcomes, Dr. Cancel can play a vital role in your fitness journey.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new blood test for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening for adults ages 45 and older who are at average risk for the disease

The FDA’s decision follows a strong recommendation for approval from an advisory committee panel in May 2024. The approval of Guardant Health’s “Shield” test marks the first time that a blood test has been recognized by the FDA as a primary screening option for CRC, offering a noninvasive alternative to traditional methods such as colonoscopies and stool-based tests.

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, with the American Cancer Society estimating more than 150,000 new diagnoses and 53,000 deaths in 2024 alone.

Early detection is crucial, as the five-year relative survival rate is 91 percent when CRC is identified early, compared with just 14 percent if the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body.

🪑 **The Bad Health Effects of Prolonged Sitting Part II** 🪑

It's well established that extended sitting is detrimental to health and longevity. But what makes it so dangerous? The most severe effects are due to prolonged stasis or lack of blood flow. Our bodies are designed for movement, and their mechanical functions, including muscles and blood vessels, are maintained by movement. Without it, capabilities decline, leading to serious health issues.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, and diabetes are often linked to genetics and poor diet. However, the lack of physical activity plays a significant role. The heart, like other muscles, needs regular exercise to stay healthy. While diet helps control risk factors like blood lipids and blood pressure, exercise is crucial to maintain blood flow. Extended sitting interferes with this, leading to various health problems that could be avoided with regular movement.

Even if you exercise for 2 hours but sit for 8-10 hours, you negate most exercise benefits. Prolonged sitting can cause "arterial bending" in leg blood vessels, blocking blood flow and increasing blood pressure. This impairs the production of nitric oxide (NO), which relaxes and dilates blood vessels. A lack of NO leads to high blood pressure and premature aging of blood vessels, increasing CVD risk.

Extended sitting is also a major risk factor for atherosclerosis, or plaque buildup in arteries. To prevent CVD, it's vital to include movement breaks if you sit for long periods. Simple exercises like free-hand squats, walking, or resistance training can help maintain blood flow and prevent serious issues like blood clots.

Exercise increases blood flow, promoting the synthesis and release of NO, which dilates blood vessels and maintains their health. Women have lower heart attack risks before menopause due to higher estrogen levels promoting NO synthesis. Exercise also promotes prostacyclin release, preventing internal blood clotting, something aspirin also does (Never take aspirin before consulting your doctor).

As a side note directed to those athletes and bodybuilders to whom it applies, when large doses of anabolic steroids are taken, prostacyclin levels decline, and another eicosanoid, Thromboxane-A2, increases. This isn’t good because thromboxane is associated with increased internal blood clotting. The increased release of thromboxane produced by high-dose steroid usage, at least partly, explains the increased risk of cardiovascular problems recently attributed to these drugs, including death.

Extended sitting reduces blood flow, releasing substances that promote CVD. It increases sympathetic nervous system activity, which releases hormones constricting blood vessels. This, combined with blood flow disturbances, creates serious health risks. Low-intensity muscle contractions can counteract this response, reducing sympathetic activity.

Endothelial dysfunction from excessive sitting induces local inflammation in blood vessels, leading to structural changes like calcium deposition and reduced arterial compliance. This significantly increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Some compare the effects of prolonged sitting on blood vessels to smoking two packs of ci******es a day.

Interestingly, a study found that taking 1,000-1,500 mg of vitamin C before sitting for 1.5-3 hours prevented some negative blood vessel changes. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that counteracts free radicals, which are linked to the adverse effects of prolonged sitting. This effect was seen in men, but not women, possibly due to naturally higher NO levels in women from estrogen.

💪 Stay Active, Stay Healthy! 💪

For more tips and personalized care, visit Performance Sport-Care in Walnut Creek. Dr. Douglas Cancel, your sports chiropractor and rehabilitative strength specialist, is here to help you stay in top form!