Having wrist pain, tension or just looking to loosen up before an activity? Here is a safe way to stretch your wrists. First: Your stretch should be gentle If you are having pain with a stretch, something may be tearing. Sometimes necessary, but better done under supervision. If unable to stretch without pain seek professional...
Are you doing dynamic stretching or static stretching? Or even better a combination of both. Dynamic stretching Dynamic stretching is a type of mobilization, an active motion bringing stretch to a muscle. This is the best type of activity right before an exercise. In the absence of an injury, our bodies are good at handling...
Stepping on a bent knee means that the force of each step is being absorbed by the muscles around the knee. Instead of being distributed through your bones. Heel-to-toe walking is a normal stride when you are going more than a few small steps. When you take a step, you do not just place your...
In the blog “So you think you can breathe? – Part 1” we described the importance of proper breathing form. This blog is focused on how to change your breathing pattern. Progression: Prone: Lying on your stomach, the easiest position to breathe with your diaphragm. Feel your stomach push into the table, then as you...
The ONLY muscle that should be used when breathing (unless doing intense activity) is your diaphragm. All other muscles are known as accessory muscles for breathing. Proper form: Your diaphragm is attached to the bottom of your lungs. When relaxed the lungs are higher in the chest cavity. When the diaphragm contracts it pulls the...
Holding an infant car seat can cause nerve damage. A previous blog discussed the importance of child car seats in decreasing motor vehicle injuries and why it is important to get your seat inspected. This can be found here. Holding improperly can cause direct nerve compression damage or indirect damage through Nerve traction. Direct compression...
Properly installed child safety seats reduce the risk of death by 71% for infants involved in crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Car seats save lives when used properly. I was involved in EMS for 10 years. Responded to many a car accident to find concerned parents with injuries, but thankfully not...
Foam Rollers are a great tool to work out muscle knots, but rolling can also increase flexibility. In a previous Blog post, we discussed how to perform static and dynamic stretches. One downside is that static stretches can cause a temporary small decrease in performance. So in the two hours before a competitive event, you...
A safe way to stretch all three regions of your neck in less than 5 minutes. Be gentle. Always start with your best posture. If there is a referral into your arms head, or anywhere else stop and get personalized medical attention, you may not be able to tolerate this at this time. Something is...
Do I have flat feet? Does it matter? Like many things in medicine, the answer is: it depends. Flat feet can be Congenital or Acquired. Crossed leg test. Have a seat and take off your shoes and socks. Put one ankle on the opposite knee and look at your foot. There is an arch that...