Consider for a moment the intricacies of an orchestra: the synchronization of the instrumentalists, the guidance of the conductor, even the movement of the whole as each section plays its part. The average size of a full orchestra is about 100 musicians, all playing together to create a universal rhythm and tone. If one of these musicians fails to play in tune or at the correct rhythm, it will throw off the entire piece and diminish the quality of the musical experience.
No doubt, the human body is one of the most complex and most dynamic orchestras ever conducted. Muscles, joints, circulatory structures, and nerve impulses in our bodies all work together to create a unified rhythm that allows us to stay active in our life. Every individual link in the chain must do its job in perfect order to create a desired physical motion. A neurologic signal must travel from the brain into a nerve bundle that is carried to the desired area of the body, stimulating a cascade of events that ultimately creates an infinitely delicate event such as raising our arm or bending our knee. Even the smallest trip or pull has the potential to produce negative outcomes commonly known as pain. Most people don’t associate doing a bench press or a burpee as a “symphony in your body”, but this is in fact what is occurring behind the sweaty t-shirt.
Now consider a doctor’s job. When somebody comes in to the doctor’s office with pain, it is his or her job to find the disruptive part of the orchestra. In order to prevent issues during performances, it is important to keep the body, or the orchestra, precisely tuned and practiced often. Timing, rhythm, quality, and quantity are all factors that must be taken into consideration, just as a conductor must keep in mind how much practice is necessary for the entire orchestra to perform the best it possibly can. To summarize this metaphor: Your body is a delicate instrument. Care for it well and keep it finely tuned.
