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
