Performance Sport Care - Douglas F. Cancel, DC

07/25/2025

https://performancesportcare.com/why-most-rotator-cuff-pain-doesnt-need-surgery/

The most important distinction every patient needs to understand is this: full-thickness rotator cuff tears.

07/23/2025

https://performancesportcare.com/high-hamstring-pain-get-expert-help-in-walnut-creek-ca/

Struggling with proximal hamstring tendinopathy (high hamstring pain)? Dr. Douglas Cancel at Performance Sport Care in Walnut Creek, CA.

07/21/2025

https://performancesportcare.com/weight-training-may-help-reduce-hot-flashes/

New data suggests that postmenopausal women can fight off hot flashes and night sweats by performing a weight-training exercise program.

07/18/2025

https://performancesportcare.com/got-knee-pain-the-surprising-solution-might-be-in-your-hips/

Hip Strengthening. A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that patients with knee osteoarthritis.

07/17/2025

https://performancesportcare.com/new-research-why-resistance-training-beats-cardio-for-heart-health/

For decades, the conventional wisdom has been that cardio exercise is king for heart health, while resistance training takes a backseat.

05/26/2025

Is Your Arm in the Right Position When Checking Blood Pressure? It Matters!

Did you know that where you place your arm during a blood pressure check can change the results—sometimes by up to 10 mmHg? That’s enough to misdiagnose or miss a case of high blood pressure!

>If your arm is below heart level your BP may read too high.
>If your arm is above heart level your BP may read too low.

New research confirms that your arm should be supported at heart level when measuring your blood pressure — whether at a doctor’s office or using a home monitor.

Here’s how to get it right:

1) Sit with your back supported, feet flat, and legs uncrossed.

2) Rest your arm on a table or pillow at heart height.

3) Stay still and quiet for a few minutes before and during the reading

Accuracy matters! Small mistakes in arm position can lead to wrong diagnoses and/or missed high blood pressure detection. Measure right, stay healthy.

03/30/2025

Warning To Athletes Taking Methylene Blue + Anabolic Steroids/Testosterone

Methylene blue(MB), the dye originally used to color blue jeans and to stain tissues for microscopic examination, is now being highly touted on social media as a beneficial supplement for brain enhancement and other purposes.

Athletes using methylene blue (MB) along with anabolic steroids or testosterone (AAS) should be aware of several potential risks and concerns. Combining MB with hormonal agents, especially at hormone levels above ordinary physiological levels can pose health risks in multiple physiological systems.

Key Risks & Concerns

1. Cardiovascular Strain
>Steroids and testosterone already increase blood pressure, red blood cell mass (hematocrit), and blood vessel wall stiffness.

>MB reduces nitric oxide (NO) signaling, which can further elevate vascular tone and blood pressure.

>Combined effect: Increased risk of hypertension, cardiac workload, arrhythmias, or vascular events.

2. Hematological Risks

>Both MB and anabolic steroids can elevate hematocrit and blood thickness.

>Combined effect: Risk of thicker blood, reduced oxygen delivery, or clotting complications (especially in high-altitude or dehydrated athletes).

3. Neurochemical Effects

>MB is a mild MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor), affecting dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.

>Anabolic steroids can alter mood, aggression, and dopamine balance.

>Combined effect: Possible CNS overstimulation, irritability, anxiety, or even neurotoxicity in sensitive users.

4. Liver Metabolism Interactions

>Anabolic steroids (especially oral) are processed in the liver.

>MB is also processed in the liver and may compete or interact at the cytochrome P450 level.

>Combined effect: Increased liver enzyme load, potential liver toxicity, especially in high-dose stacks or with other supplements.

5. Endocrine & Hormonal Interference (Theoretical)

>There is limited but emerging evidence that MB may influence oxidative stress signaling in mitochondria, which could theoretically alter hormone receptor sensitivity or feedback loops, making the supplemental hormones more/less effective or causing effects on other hormones in the body.

>Concern: Unknown impact on hormonal feedback (e.g., LH, FSH), especially post-cycle or in testosterone replacement therapy users.

6. Masking Effects or Misleading Biomarkers

>MB can affect lab readings, such as:
a) False oxygen saturation levels
b) Urinary discoloration
c) Possible interference with hormonal/metabolite lab tests.

>Implications: Could interfere with blood work monitoring during cycles or during “post cycle therapy” (PCT).

Final Recommendation: Consult Your Doctor

>Avoid high doses of MB (especially >2 mg/kg) unless under medical supervision

>Monitor blood pressure, hematocrit, and liver enzymes

>Use cautiously during bulking or stacking phases

>Avoid combining with serotonergic agents, pre-workouts, or stimulants

>Cycle MB separately from androgenic compounds, if possible.

03/10/2025

Did you know that soda is the item most frequently purchased by the 41 million Americans who benefit from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as "food stamps"?

Almost a quarter of food stamp dollars are used to buy foods such as sweetened beverages, candy, desserts, and salty snacks. Not surprisingly, adults who are on SNAP have a higher obesity rate than those with similar incomes who aren’t.

A stunning 42 percent of American adults are obese, and much of our gargantuan government spending aimed at battling diabetes, heart disease, and chronic conditions is driven by that fact.

02/06/2025

Heavier Electric Vehicles Are Creating More Severe Crash Injuries

As electric vehicles (EVs) have become more prevalent, their increasing weight is raising serious concerns among traffic safety experts. Unlike their gasoline-powered counterparts, many EVs carry significantly heavier battery packs, leading to greater crash forces and potentially more severe injuries in collisions.

At Performance Sport Care in Walnut Creek, Dr. Douglas Cancel—an expert in sports chiropractic care, manual therapy, supervised strength rehabilitation, and nutritional guidance—is closely monitoring the impact of crash forces on spinal and soft tissue injuries. Given the evolving nature of motor vehicle safety, it is crucial to understand how increased vehicle weight affects the severity and recovery of injuries, particularly to the neck, back, and spine.

What the Research Suggests About Heavier Vehicles and Injury Risks

🔹 Larger Crash Forces Mean Greater Injury Severity!

- EVs like the Tesla Model S (4,500+ lbs) and GMC Hummer EV (9,000+ lbs) weigh significantly more than conventional vehicles.

- A heavier vehicle in a crash transfers more force often resulting in more severe injuries for occupants of lighter vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.

🔹 Back, Neck, and Soft Tissue Trauma in High-Impact Collisions

- Whiplash severity increases when a heavier vehicle is involved, as the sudden acceleration creates more forceful head and neck movement.

- Spinal injuries, disc herniations, and soft tissue damage are more common when vehicles with greater mass are involved in rear-end or side-impact crashes.

- Soft tissue injuries from high-energy crashes are linked to LONGER RECOVERY times and higher risks of CHRONIC PAIN.

🔹 Delayed Healing and Long-Term Health Risks

- Research indicates that higher-impact collisions lead to longer rehabilitation periods, particularly for soft tissue injuries.

- Chronic post-crash pain syndromes, including whiplash-associated disorders (WADs), are more likely when crash forces are elevated.

- Braking distances increase with heavier vehicles, raising concerns about pedestrian safety and urban mobility risks.

How Performance Sport Care Can Help

Dr. Douglas Cancel specializes in evaluation, medical-legal documentation and pro-sports grade care, with evidence-based treatments to restore function after motor vehicle injuries. With expertise in:
✅ Manual therapy for spasm reduction, pain relief and restored joint movement patterns.
✅ Supervised strength rehabilitation to consolidate improvement and prevent chronic issues
✅ Nutritional guidance to support tissue repair and optimize recovery

If you or someone you know has suffered a back, neck, or soft tissue injury due to a motor vehicle collision, early intervention is key to preventing long-term damage. Don’t let an untreated injury turn into a forever problem.

📍 Visit Performance Sport Care, Walnut Creek
📞 Call today to schedule an assessment with Dr. Douglas Cancel, your trusted expert in sports chiropractic care and strength training to conquer pain.

02/05/2025

🚨 Did Childhood Lead Exposure Impact Mental Health? 🚨

New research suggests that exposure to leaded gasoline exhaust over the past 75 years is linked to 151 million excess cases of psychiatric disorders in the U.S.

🔎 The most affected group? Generation X (born 1966–1986), especially those born between 1966–1970, when leaded gas use peaked. Studies show:
✔️ Anxiety & depression increased 1.75 times
✔️ ADHD symptoms increased 1.17 times
✔️ Overall mental health issues increased 0.35 times

While leaded gasoline was banned in 1996, lead exposure is still a concern in old water pipes, paint, and soil. The CDC states that NO BLOOD LEVEL IS SAFE—and past exposure may still affect mental health today.

💡 The Good News: While we can’t reverse early lead exposure, healthy lifestyle choices, strength recovery, and proper nutrition can support both mental and physical well-being. If you’re looking for ways to optimize your health, we’re here to help!

📍 Dr. Douglas Cancel | Performance Sport Care
📍 Walnut Creek, CA
📞 Call us at (925) 945-1155 to learn more about our services

10/22/2024

Understanding Sarcopenia, Weight Loss, and Aging

As we age, muscle and strength loss are inevitable, leading to a condition known as sarcopenia. This condition, characterized by the progressive decline in muscle mass, significantly increases the risk of falls, reduced quality of life, and even mortality. Sarcopenia is often overlooked in medical practice due to limited insurance coverage for screenings. However, it’s crucial for patients and healthcare providers to proactively address this issue before it leads to severe physical impairments.

The Role of Strength Training in Preventing Sarcopenia

Preventing sarcopenia doesn't require long hours at the gym. In fact, research shows that engaging in strength training just once or twice a week can increase lean body mass (LBM), a key marker of muscle mass. A study revealed that individuals training twice a week saw a fourfold increase in LBM compared to those training once a week. While more frequent sessions didn’t show additional benefits, maintaining consistent strength training remains vital for preventing muscle loss.

The Importance of Protein for Muscle Mass

Protein intake plays a significant role in muscle mass retention, especially during strength training. Studies indicate that older adults consuming 1.3 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day experienced notable gains in muscle mass compared to those consuming less protein. Optimal protein intake for strength training is typically recommended at 1.5-1.62 grams per kilogram per day. This approach is beneficial not only for muscle health but also for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), as recent findings suggest higher protein consumption may reduce mortality risk in this group.

Weight Loss, GLP-1 Medications, and Muscle Loss

While weight loss is often pursued for health benefits, it can lead to muscle loss if not carefully managed. GLP-1 medications, commonly used for weight loss, may contribute to sarcopenia as muscle accounts for up to 40% of the weight lost. Without proper strength training and protein intake, individuals, especially older adults, may lose critical muscle mass, increasing the risk for conditions like hip fractures and long-term physical limitations.

Proactive Sarcopenia Assessments

Sarcopenia is often underdiagnosed, but early assessments can help identify those at risk. Significant muscle loss can also occur after illness or injury, highlighting the importance of prompt recovery strategies, including strength training and nutrition. For example, five days of limb immobilization due to injury can result in a loss of quadriceps volume that could take 10 weeks of training to regain.

The Impact of Muscle Loss in Aging Populations

The long-term risks of muscle loss are particularly concerning for older adults. For instance, sarcopenia contributes to a high percentage of hip fractures, which are linked to increased mortality and reduced mobility. Strength training and proper nutrition can mitigate these risks, making it essential for individuals, especially those undergoing weight loss or facing aging-related muscle decline, to proactively manage their muscle health.

About Dr. Douglas Cancel

Dr. Douglas Cancel at Performance Sport-Care in Walnut Creek is a sports chiropractor who offers specialized guidance in strength training and nutrition to prevent conditions like sarcopenia. His holistic approach helps individuals maintain muscle health as they age, ensuring a higher quality of life and reduced risk of age-related complications.

For further information call us at (925) 945-1155 or find us online at www.performancesportcare.com

10/21/2024

**Understanding MASLD: The Role of Diet and Exercise in Liver Health**

At Performance Sport-Care in Walnut Creek, Dr. Douglas Cancel emphasizes the importance of strength training and nutritional guidance, not only for physical performance but also for overall health. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, affects nearly 40% of people worldwide and can lead to serious liver complications like cirrhosis. The condition is particularly prevalent in individuals with obesity or Type 2 diabetes.

MASLD can progress silently for years, often going undetected until severe liver damage, like cirrhosis, occurs. However, early intervention through weight loss, diet, and exercise can stop or even reverse liver damage. Experts recommend dietary modification combined with regular strength training and aerobic exercise for those at risk.

Dr. Cancel’s expertise in strength training and rehabilitation, combined with his knowledge of nutrition, can be instrumental in helping patients reduce risk factors for conditions like MASLD. By focusing on personalized care, he helps patients achieve better health outcomes through fitness and lifestyle changes. Maintaining liver health is crucial, and incorporating strength training into a routine can be a significant step toward preventing metabolic conditions.

For more information on how Dr. Cancel can support your health and fitness journey, contact Performance Sport-Care in Walnut Creek at (925) 945-1155 or visit us online at www.performancesportcare.com