Dr. William Standeffer has received his medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham. After completing a residency in Orlando, Florida, Dr. Standeffer then received a Sports Medicine Fellowship at the Lipscomb Clinic in Nashville. Dr. Standeffer has worked as an assistant team physician with Tennessee State University, The Nashville Kats, the University of Alabama, and as team physician for Stillman College.

Whether it's aerobics, jogging or team sports, adults of all ages are exercising more than ever. According to the Program Supervisor for PARA's Athletic Department, more than 3,500 adults now participate in PARA team sports. Recently, PARA formed The Grumpy Old Men, a seniors only softball team to compete in the State Tournament. As more adults enjoy the health benefits of an active lifestyle, more are experiencing sports-related injuries. Dr. Standeffer of University Orthopaedic Clinic believes many of those can be avoided. Here's Dr. Standeffer to answer some of your questions about sports-related injuries.

Q: Maintaining my health is important to me. What's the best exercise for healthy joints and bones?
A: All exercise is good. However weight-bearing exercise, such as walking and jogging is helpful because it strengthens bones and works the body's largest muscles. Well conditioned muscles and strong well mineralized bones will help protect senior-aged patients from hip fractures. Any aerobic activity including swimming and biking is very good for the heart.

Q: But I've heard that jogging causes problems with joints?
A: There is no evidence that running causes arthritis in normal joints. If a runner has had a previous injury to the joint which has resulted in deformity or arthritis then a non weight-bearing exercise might be preferred, but if the joints are normal, moderate exercise may actually be beneficial to the joints.

Q: I'm a senior and I still enjoy exercising. At what age should I slow down?
A: Never! Regardless of your age, you will benefit from regular exercise. The human body is designed for physical work. If we don't use our bodies as they were intended, we become susceptible to strains, joint problems, even fractures. So don't slow down. I have cared for patients into their 80's who have maintained active exercise programs of jogging and walking.

Q: Is it important to stretch or warm up before exercising?
A: Stretching is probably best performed after a short warm up period, when blood flow to muscles, tendons, and ligaments has started. Activities should be started slowly (warm-up) and then stretching may be done before, during or after. The older we are the less flexible we become because collagen, the main connective tissue of the body, becomes stiffer and loses its elasticity so we need to spend more time in stretching and warm up.

Q: What's the best way to avoid a sports-related injury?
A: Many sports related injuries can be avoided with regular exercise. A number of people go all week without exercising, then they play hard over the weekend, leaving themselves vulnerable to injury. It's helpful to establish a regular exercise routine, daily would be good but may not be practical. Every other day or 3 times a week would be a good goal. Many fitness experts recommend 20-30 minutes per day of aerobic activity three times a week.

Q: Can physical therapy be performed a home?
A: Yes and no. Some people achieve satisfactory results for range of motion and strengthening by stretching and exercising at home. However, many people lack the motivation and discipline necessary and need the supervision, encouragement and structure of a well conceived program monitored by a physical therapist.