STRETCH PROUDLY

As a muscular therapist and bodyworker teaching exercise for Osteoporosis, I teach stretching regularly - in classes and in private sessions.  So often, the client has a history of stretching and religiously follows an illustration;   however, there is no change in the muscle length. That usually means  the restriction is still there, the tightened muscle is still crowding the blood circulation preventing oxygen from entering the muscle cell and ultimately, the pain reigns. Stretching can not only relieve the above mentioned conditions, but work as a "stress buster" to trigger calmness almost immediately.

I am just quickly going to instruct a technique that could benefit your stretching routine and reduce the time of the stretch held.

 1.  Identify the muscle to be stretched
 2.  Engage the stretch position
 3.  Feel only the beginning of the stretch - there should be  no pain;  if so,
      reduce the stretch
 4.  In position, exhale and allow the muscle to release.  Inhale and exhale a
      regular   breath  or two.  Then exhale again, and release.  Repeat this
     3 to 6   times
 5.  You are "ratcheting" down into the stretch.
 6.  Feel the change in the muscle length.
 7.  Stretching properly makes all the difference.

      Any  questions?

For more information, see http://www.theikiercenter.com/

Get in touch with your feet

March 2011 is Deep Vein Thrombosis Month.

Roll your foot on a tennis ball, golf ball or a laundry ball!

This can help:

Circulation (cold feet)
Balance stimulation
Pump venous blood to heart
Generally stimulate relaxation points

Place ball under ball of foot and rest heel on floor.

Rest - Spread toes and allow them to drape over ball.

Rock foot on ball in a pumping motion

Roll foot over ball- going from heel to ball of foot

Rest heel on ball and roll over heel surface

For ball stability, place ball in toe of long stocking.