The Navy SEAL Physical Fitness Guide 237
Poles are essential tools for propulsion and balance while wearing a pack. It is
important to use break-away wrist straps to prevent an injury to the arm or shoulder which
can occur if the ski pole basket inadvertently catches on a stump or something else frozen
solidly to the ground.
The High Mileage SEAL
Chronic overuse injuries and accumulated
minor and major trauma to the musculoskeletal
system have a cumulative effect on the “High-
Mileage” SEAL approaching the age of 40. The
most common chronic musculoskeletal injuries
involve the neck, back, elbow, knee, ankle and foot.
Table 14-1 outlines the sites and causes of these
various chronic conditions. It also presents selected
recommendations for treating these conditions.
Poor flexibility can be a major contributory factor in
all of these conditions. A lifetime program of
flexibility, strengthening, and cross-training for
aerobic conditioning is essential for minimizing
chronic injuries and pain. In the event of an injury,
early self-referral for evaluation is an essential part
of avoiding chronic injury.
For those having recurrent problems or
nursing old injuries, fitness can still be maintained
and rehabilitation can proceed. Aerobic activities
that may help include the stationary cycles, indoor
swimming, a rowing machine, a ski machine, or a
climber. However, it is most important to
emphasize flexibility, with a specialized PT
program that includes stretching. We believe that
the Physical Fitness and PT Programs presented in
Table 14-2 and Table 14-3 may help restore
function if carried out regularly. However, you
must remember not to push yourself too hard so as