Summer Injury Prevention: Tools to Avoid Pain
Regardless of the time of year each season brings certain risk factors for injuring your back. In the Spring and Summer many people get outside and become more active drastically increasing work or exercise intensity and frequency. In a past post I discussed how physical therapists can help your back pain but today I thought we could focus more on prevention. Below you will learn some common sense strategies, postures, and or body mechanics to help you minimize risk of back injury in the first place.
Deep Tissue Massage: What is it and do I need it?
It seems like people who call to get a massage fall into 2 camps: those who want a deep tissue massage, and those that are afraid of it. I have heard a lot of interesting stories of people getting a massage on vacation and barely being able to move the next day. Or people who think they should be sore for a week after a massage “if it’s a good one”. Well I think it is time we went over what Deep Tissue Massage (DTM) is, and when it is indicated. (more…)
Stretch of the Week: Rabbit Pose
The final week of June brings us to a yoga posture called Rabbit pose. Please proceed with caution if you have neck issues. (more…)
Stretch of the Week: Combination Stretch
Is it week 4 of June already!? That means summer has officially started, yay! Ok let’s get back to stretching 🙂 The fourth stretch of the week brings us to a combination stretch, with some ROM (range of motion). If you have some neck issues I would encourage you to give this one a try. (more…)
Minimalist Shoes vs. Maximalist Shoes
What’s the best shoe to wear when running? Minimalist shoes, maximalist shoes, or your current running shoe? Here are some things to consider.. (more…)
Stretch of the Week: Self Massage for the Neck
Correction of Muscle Imbalances for Gymnasts and Cheerleaders
Most people agree that gymnasts and cheerleaders must be very strong and flexible. Although each athlete is different, patterns of tightness and weakness are often found when screening gymnasts and cheerleaders. As with many sports, some muscles will become naturally stronger and more flexible, while others will be weaker and tighter due to the positioning of the skills practiced. Correction of these muscle imbalances is important to enhance skill level and prevent injury. (more…)
Stretch of the Week: Lateral Neck Stretch
For the month of June we will address our cervical vertebrae! There will be five weeks in June so I will be giving you some self massage techniques for the neck too, yay! As always if you have injuries please be cautious and only do what feels good. If you have stiffness in the neck these will be great ones for you! (more…)
