Muscles all knotted up??

Some runners have to put them selves through what people would call TORTURE to be able to run strong. And no, I’m not referring to hill repeats or 1000m repeats on the track. And no, I’m not referring to deadlifts or high box step ups.
I’m talking about another form of therapy called Graston Techniques. This form of therapy really looks like a form of torture because of the TOOLS involved!!

Today, Dr. Cupido discusses why and how Graston can help you RUN STRONG.

Graston® Technique for Runners

Most runners have heard of ART®, but Graston® is just starting to become better known within running circles. This technique has been around for close to 20 years now and is part of the curriculum at 38 colleges and universities. It was developed and researched at Ball Memorial Hospital and Ball State University in Indiana and since, the company has continued to place an enormous focus on medical research to prove its effectiveness for managing various injuries / conditions.

Graston Technique® employs specially designed stainless steel instruments with beveled edges to perform muscular and fascial mobilizations. A multidirectional stroking technique is applied to the skin at a 30 to 60 degree angle. In addition to removing scar tissue adhesions, this technique is proposed to enhance the proliferation of extracellular matrix fibroblasts, improve ion transport and decrease cell matrix adhesions. That is geek talk for improving tissue health.

The following conditions respond very well to Graston® Technique:

-Fascial Adhesions / Scar Tissue
-Nerve Entrapments
-Muscle Strains (Acute or Chronic)
-Iliotibial Band (ITB) Irritation / Syndrome
-Anterior / Posterior Tibial Stress Syndrome (Shin Splints)
-Tendinopathies
-Runner’s Knee / Patellar Tendinopathy
-Achilles Tendinosis
-Plantar Fasciitis
-Snapping Hip Syndromes
-Post-Ankle Sprain Muscle Dysfunction
-Post-Surgical Scar Tissue
-Superior Tibiofibular Joint Fixation

As previously mentioned my blog on A.R.T.® for runners, determining and managing the cause of the injury or muscle tightness is imperative to ensure it does not return. Therefore, orthopedic, muscle, and functional testing should be performed to develop an optimal plan of management that will include not only passive care provided by the practitioner, but of course active rehabilitation performed by the patient.

Remaining healthy in the sport of running is a team effort. Due to the demands running places on your body, tissue maintenance and preventative functional testing is a good way to remain healthy and strong. Individual rehab and “prehab” programs remain an integral component to every successful runner’s plan!

As Jon Kawamoto says, RUN STRONG!

*****

Dr. Carla Cupido, Hon. B. Kin, D.C.
Certified in A.R.T. ®, Graston® Technique, Kineio® Tape & Functional Movement Systems™
www.drcarlacupido.com

Lisa Dobbin

Personal Strength Training by Jon-Erik Kawamoto

JKC was recommended to me by a fellow runner. I was experiencing injuries, and feeling weak and fragile. When I started with JKC, Jon asked me about my goals and my focus. I wanted to concentrate specifically on running, and preventing injury. Jon developed a program for me that has enabled me to focus on my form and strength and has been flexible enough to enable me to train for many different races. I have been training with JKC for six years, and during that time I have enjoyed Jon and Thomas’s expertise in a very warm and supportive atmosphere.

Cas Dyke

Personal Strength Training by Thomas King

I started training at JKC in 2016 because I had built up a number of muscle imbalances from old injuries and activities like rock climbing which had led to some really bad posture and mobility issues. On top of that some friends had convinced me to sign up for a half-ironman. Working with Jon and Thomas was a way to pull my body back into alignment and make sure it wouldn’t fall apart during my race. The staff at JKC pride themselves on continuously advancing their knowledge, which leads to new and inventive way to address problems, old and new. I got my Dad to start training here and recommended JKC to all looking to improve their strength and fitness.

Stephanie Hartery

I’ve always been a gym rat, but was getting tired of the same ol’ routine. My better half was attending JKC and encouraged me to try it out. My favourite part of JKC is that is isn’t a gym – it’s a community. Jon and Thomas are awesome, and I love that every time I go I know who’s working out with me and we can socialize while working on our health. Everyone is supportive, encouraging and genuinely looks out for one another. It’s an upbeat and positive experience and I can honestly say that I look forward to each and every workout.

Tara Rector-Whelan

I started at JKC after a good friend recommended it to me. She had been coming for about a year and I was envious of her great results. I felt sluggish after failing to motivate myself with various home workout routines. I love the fun and relaxed atmosphere at JKC. It’s such a comfortable gym space and I enjoy knowing so many of the people I work out with. Jon and Thomas make an effort to introduce everyone to each other and with all the joking around, it starts to feel like a family. Not to mention the awesome results. I’ve always liked to run on a treadmill but I’ve never had the drive to lift weights on my own. Going to JKC makes me accountable which was what I really needed. I feel so much stronger and healthier than I did 4 years ago when I started.

Lloyd Hussey

I started at JKC in January of 2014 and I’m 67 years old. When I had my Initial Assessment, I knew – almost immediately – that Jon knew what he was doing and what he was talking about. I was overweight, out of shape, and in serious need of someone, like Jon, who could get me back on a fitness/conditioning routine that suited me, my age, my less than acceptable physical condition, my sometimes intermittent RA, and my need for a structured, consistent and yet flexible training and conditioning program that would work for me.

Fundamentally, if I made a choice at all with respect to JKC – it was to continue to come back each week. I have not been in a lot of gyms. To be honest, they used to intimidate me. What makes JKC different is their approach to each and every one of their clients. Jon and Thomas – and now Craig – tailor each training regime to the particular needs of each client. That ensures that the training regime will suit each client upon the start of training and changes as the client improves. It adjusts for any physical setbacks such as injuries and it adjusts for success. It is just that simple.

It is also the consistent encouragement that comes from Jon, Thomas and Craig. That voice that comes to you while you are in the middle of a particularly difficult set – rear-foot elevated split squats comes to mind immediately – that says “good job” or “keep it up” or “just a couple more reps.” To know, in that moment, that you are not alone and the trainer is paying attention to what you are doing. That is priceless for me.

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