Posts Tagged ‘athletic therapy’
NFL Players Love Cupping (via National Geographic)
National Geographic’s instagram featured a picture of New England Patriots linebacker James Harrison yesterday with his shoulders and back covered in cups. He is the oldest defensive player in the NFL. The caption under the picture relates how some people are skeptical of the effectiveness of cupping. James’ reponse? “All I know is before I get treated, I HURT, and after, I feel better.”
Read MoreWhat is Gua Sha?
Gua sha is a therapy which involves scraping your skin with a tool to improve your circulation. This ancient Chinese healing technique is great for addressing issues like chronic pain.
Read MoreWhat is Athletic Therapy?
We are pleased to welcome Kristin Hodgen to our roster of therapists. Kristen is a Registered Massage Therapist, a Registered Kinesiologist, and a Certified Athletic Therapist. This means that she will be as useful to you whether you’ve had hard day at the office or if you’re recovering from a sports-related (or non sports-related!) injury.
Read MoreStanding Calf Stretch
Tight calf muscles are prone to cramping: the dreaded “charlie horse” that wakes you up in the middle of the night or attacks as you move from sitting to standing. The large muscles in the back of the lower leg are the soleus and gastrocnemius, both of which attach into the Achilles tendon and run…
Read MoreBanded Tricep & Shoulder Stretch
This is an advanced mobility technique that uses an exercise band to increase the intensity of the triceps stretch, and helps release restrictions in the shoulder capsule – a collection of fibrous ligaments, tendons and connective tissues that form the shoulder joint. This stretch is excellent to increase or regain range of motion following a shoulder injury, and can…
Read MoreAdvanced Lunging Hip Stretch
Chronic tension in the muscles at the front and sides of the hips can contribute to low back pain and poor posture. This stretch is particularly helpful for hip flexor contracture and ITB syndrome when combined with glute strengthening exercises. Changing toe positions of the back foot helps target different muscle fibers for a more…
Read MoreForearm Flexor Stretch
If you spend long hours at a computer, this stretch is for you! The muscles in the forearm cross the wrist via the carpal tunnel; when tight, they can cause pain in the wrist and hand. Stretch them by holding your arm out in front of you, palm facing up. Keeping your elbow straight, bend…
Read MoreNose-to-Armpit Levator Stretch
This stretch targets the muscle that shrugs your shoulders, the Levator Scapulae. It attaches to the top of your shoulder-blade, and to the sides of the uppermost bones of the neck. To stretch, first side-bend your head away from the side you want to stretch, and hold for a couple of breaths. Secure the arm…
Read MoreThrough-the-Doorway Pectoral Stretch
The pectorals are the largest chest muscles, and they tend to be tight on almost everyone, especially if you spend long hours at a computer. This stretch can give you relief from upper back & neck pain, which are often sore due to the opposing pull of the pecs. Simply position yourself in an open…
Read MoreStanding Quadriceps Stretch
Target the front of the thigh to relieve knee and low back pain. Stand with feet just at hip width. Bend the knee of the side you want to stretch so that your heel comes up toward your buttock. Use a towel roll tucked behind the knee to open up the joint. Grasp the foot…
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