Healthy Life: Human Nature – Indulgence (786)

Healthy Life: Human Nature – Indulgence

蘇鎮邦 (Christopher So)：

舒整物理治療師 (Manipulative Physiotherapist) 人類工程師 (Ergonomist)

There is underlying character of indulgence in human nature. Such desire to win more usually ends up in loss than gain. Confucius’ teaching has insight into this and promotes “moderation”. However, it is easier said than done. Most of the people like me admit that they have been wrong only when they reach old age. Then, we accept that we should not indulge ourselves anymore. I wish people could realize this fact at an earlier age.

When I was young, I liked to jump down a flight of stairs. The reasons were to challenge one’s limit and to show off to others. On account of that, my right big toe began to be painful when I was only 25 years old. I treated myself with manipulative therapy and ultrasound heat treatment. I even tried cortisone injection. However, the relief was only for one month. Now, my kids do the same in jumping down a flight of stairs. I have advised them not to. Do you think they listen to me?

When I was studying in high school, every day I walked four times (including lunch time) to and from school. It took about 20-30 minutes each trip. Every week, I walked to church twice which took me about 40-50 minutes. The reasons were that bus did not come on time and a lot of the time it did not stop because it was full. Therefore, walking could be faster and more reliable than taking bus. Moreover, I spent a lot of time studying so walking was a good way of exercise. On account of that, my legs’ strength and endurance were pretty good. It is supposed to be a good thing. However, I did indulge myself in the past and for the last few years my knees get sore after tennis. I have to treat myself a lot with ultrasound and interferential therapy. To my surprise, the new breed of physiotherapists do not use these therapies because lack of research evidence.

Recently, a young physiotherapist came for treatment. I applied manipulative therapy to her back problem. Then, I told her that I would give her ultrasound treatment. She told me if I did she would not pay me because it has no evidence-based effect. I gave her a bit more soft tissue massage and let her go. I reminded her to do some back exercises. I would not attempt to show her any of my exercises. She graduated in 2008 and I graduated only in 1979. My attitude is to treat every one of my patients as my own child. If I know that a certain therapy does not give me any benefit, I will not apply it to my patients. After working for 35 years, I am on the verge of retirement. I have seen almost every kind of patient. She is no surprise to me.

Coming back to the topic of indulgence, why do I feel pain after tennis? After reflection, it stems from my indulgence at a younger age. Once, I hiked from 8 am to 8 pm in a very difficult up and down mountainous track in Hong Kong. Another time, I played tennis for the whole morning then I went hiking in the afternoon. All these over exertions accumulated much wear and tear in my body, especially my knees. Recently, I entered club tournament at my tennis club. On the Saturday, it was 29 deg. I played against 15 -16 years old kids. In my younger days, I played in 40 deg heat with no problems. Now it is another matter. I was lucky to get into the final on Sunday. On the Sat night, I rested completely and treated my sore arms and legs. I did the same the next morning. It was still 28 deg on Sunday afternoon. Luckily, I won by 6/3 and 6/1 and avoided playing the third set which I would likely have lost because of my stamina.

After that, I told myself never to over-exert myself. Moderation is the key. I hope the readers will exercise the same principle.