
My personal mission is to help people achieve health without drugs or surgery.
This mission can only be accomplished if my patients learn how to equip themselves with the knowledge to perform basic maintenance on themselves and take their health, into their own hands.
As you’ve probably picked up by now… most of our physical problems are due to:
1) Poor Mechanics
2) Poor Lifestyle Choices
3) Poor Mobility (the ability to get into positions without hurting ourselves)
None of these can be addressed without performing self-maintenance.
Back pain, neck pain, achy feet, tight hips- these are all symptoms that can be addressed and prevented by using mobility techniques outlined in this story.
In order to live pain-free and ensure optimal joint and tissue health, you need to take a strategic and systematic approach.
If your lower back hurts, you’re not going to resolve your symptoms by simply rolling the soft tissue in that area. It’s only 1/3 of the equation.
To truly get to the root of the problem, your plan must include improving every day spinal mechanics (movement and posture or position) and addressing soft tissue and joint restrictions both above and below the area of complaint.
Below you will find links to Self Maintenance or Soft Tissue techniques that you can start incorporating for improved movement.
Keep in mind that many of you will likely have pain while performing these exercises.
Self-Release is a technique where you apply pressure to your tissues to release muscle tightness or trigger points. It can be performed with various tools, (foam rollers or lacrosse balls are my favorite).
Self release techniques can help to increase the blood flow and thus decrease recovery time and increase range of motion, especially in muscles that are typically tight.
As for technique, it is important to execute all movements slowly and spending between 30 –90 seconds on each muscle to allow it to respond. If a tight spot is found, try to stay on it until it relaxes. The intensity can be altered by using your body weight pressing harder or softer into the foam roller.
1) Spine Release Techniques
2) Hip Release Techniques
3) Shoulder (Upper Body) Release Techniques
4) Ankle (Lower Body) Release Techniques
Until next time,
Dr. Daniel
