Athletes like Nolan Ryan and Robert Parish are as uncommon in professional sports as an old carpenter is in construction. Due to the rigors of the trade, framers over 40 years old are especially rare. But as any carpenter knows after a hard day's work, all construction is hard on muscles, bones, and joints. Eventually the work catches up to you, and you either move into the office or apply for a job at the lumberyard. Or is there another alternative? Recent medical advances offer today's builders a way to strengthen muscles, and reduce the frequency and severity of work-related injuries. This article reviews advice from medical experts on ways to prevent debilitating muscle, bone, and joint injuries, and looks
