Tag: stretching
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Treadmill Turmoil; Stretching and Strengthening Exercises for the Hip Flexors and Extensors
Treadmill VS outdoor running The weather is warming up, but we’re not in the clear yet! By now, training has commenced for anyone who is planning to race this spring season. Have you had to move your workout inside over the winter months? There are many variables that come with running outside. From potholes to…
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PREVENTING MUSCLE TENSION DURING TRAVEL
Brrr!! It’s that time of year again when many of us travel (or wish to travel) to warm places to escape the cold. Travel can be a strain on the body whether you’re traveling via plane, train or automobile. Prolonged sitting in a cramped space can cause muscle tension and create pain in the body. …
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Effective stretching with PNF
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretches are a method of rapidly expanding range of motion. While originally designed for rehabilitation, they are now used by athletes and weekend warriors as well as studies show PNF stretches are one of the most effective stretching techniques if done twice a week [4]. Below is an overview of PNF…
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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…
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Piriformis Syndrome: What A Pain In The Butt
A bit of anatomy and physiology: The Piriformis muscle is located beneath the Gluteal muscles in the buttocks. In that same region, the Sciatic nerve passes from the lumbar region of the spine, through the pelvis (beneath the Piriformis) and extends down the back of the legs. If the Piriformis muscle is tight, it creates…
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Stretching and Self-massage of the Pectoral muscles
When your parents told you to stop slouching and stand up straight what did you do? Other than mutter a smart remark under your breath? You PULLED both shoulders backwards and felt a tight sensation around the front of your chest. Those muscles that feel tight are the pectorals. This two muscle group is responsible…
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IT band syndrome or Why is my IT band sore and what can I do about it !?
Many athletes, especially endurance athletes, suffer from Ilio-Tibial Syndrome (ITBS). ITBS is an inflammation of the Ilio-Tibial band (ITB) at the knee, causing outer knee pain. The causes of ITBS can be varied but the treatment options are usually the same: massage, stretching and strengthening. What causes ITBS? The IT band is a fibrous band…
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Self-Care Tips to use in-between massage sessions
Getting regular massages has many benefits, but those benefits are tremendously increased if self-care techniques are used in between sessions. This “homework”, given by your therapist, usually includes: hot/cold therapy, stretching, self-massage, lifestyle habits and rest. 1) Hot/cold therapy: Hot therapy: heat helps soothe and relax the muscles, and increases blood flow to the area. It…
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The role of massages in the athlete’s life
Massage is a part of many professional athletes’ lives. Nowadays, even amateur sportspersons have access to certified sports massage therapists who offer their services in fitness centers, gymnasiums, and events such as marathons. This allows everyone to include massage in their fitness and wellness regimen. Indeed, exercising regularly increases the amount of Lactic Acid in…