Stretching
Back Muscles: Structure, Strengthening and Stretching
Almost everybody has experienced back pain or tightness at one time or another. Limited flexibility, chronic aches and time lost from work are some of the consequences of this ailment. We strive to stay ahead of this disabling situation, but we are affected by it for a variety of reasons. They may include weak muscles,…
Active Isolated Stretching (AIS)
Active Isolated Stretching is a stretching technique used by professional athletes and fitness coaches to increase flexibility and treat injuries. Definition: “Active” The movement is initiated by the athlete then deepened by the therapist, to go beyond what the athlete would normally do on their own. The active participation favors muscle awareness and relaxation for…
Achilles tendonitis
[1] One of the largest and strongest tendons in the body is the Calcaneal tendon, better known as the Achilles tendon. This tendon is responsible for helping you walk to work, run those long runs, and jump with during that HIIT workout. When you stand up on your toes or push off, this is the…
The Importance of SI Joint Function
What is the SI Joint? The sacroiliac joint or SI joint is the joint that connects the sacrum with the pelvis and is located on each side of the lower spine. Ref. 1 The SI joint’s main job is shock absorption. It does this by transferring the forces of the upper body to the lower…
Two Minutes A Day For A Healthier Spine
Spinal hygiene is often compared to dental hygiene. Similar to teeth, the spine can develop disorders and deteriorate. The only difference is that if there is dysfunction or decay, it is more difficult to replace the spine than it is to install dentures in someone’s mouth. The spine protects the nervous system in the body…
Neck Pain: Where is Your Head Right Now?
Neck pain is one of the most common complaints we see as massage therapists. And in a world where most people spend the majority of their day on a computer, that’s no surprise. In fact, if you’re reading this blog post, you’re on a computer right now. Time for a pop quiz: Where is your…
Shin Splints Or Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome
Shin splints are a common sports injury, especially amongst beginner runners or those starting a new high impact activity. Maybe you’ve had them at some point: it is a pain in the lower leg, along the inner part of the tibia.In spite of the fact that they are so common, there isn’t a clear histological…
Use It Or Lose It: How Age Affects Flexibility
We all remember that test in gym class, the famous V-sit and Reach. The one that had us sit upright as we effortlessly bent forward at the waist reaching out beyond the tips of our toes to the floor beneath us. Fast forward a few decades later, and how many of us would now consider…
Understanding Hamstring Strains: “POP!”
Hamstring strains, or tears, are a common occurrence in runners and sprinters. There are several contributing factors to hamstring strains and there is a high chance of recurring injury. Strains in the hamstrings are more frequent than in some other muscles for several reasons: muscle imbalance, excessive neural tension (tonus), lack of flexibility, fatigue, and…
The Elusive Psoas!
Stand up, take a deep breath. On exhalation, draw your belly button to your spine – Do you feel your Psoas contracting? The Psoas is a deep core muscle that works in conjunction with surrounding muscles to stabilize the lumbar spine and flex the hip. Together with the Iliacus, the Iliopsoas is an important low…