How to get the most out of your treatment?
Why not co manage your condition with one of our recommended PT’s?
Your chiropractor is perfecting your postural alignment, aiming to have you moving more efficiently and without discomfort. Treatment involves a mix of techniques, including: gentle manipulation, drop piece, activator, soft tissue massage techniques, specific stretching and rehabilitation exercises; all to increase mobility and function, and improve posture. Over the course of your treatment, your body will begin to “hold” or retain this mobility and function. However, there are many things you can do as a patient to compliment your chiropractic therapy and achieve maximum results in minimal time; below we will discuss two of these – self myofascial release and targeted strength training.
In simple terms, this is something you can do yourself in your own environment, to help release muscles in your problem areas. These areas are those of discomfort or those your chiropractor works on. Self myofascial release mimics the effects of a deep tissue massage, penetrating deep into the muscle to relieve tightness and can be done with something as simple as a tennis ball, or a foam roller. There is no limit as to how much self myofascial release you can do, but the aim of therapy is to “chase the ache” and remain as relaxed as possible, as an activated muscle is much harder to release. One common area of tightness for many individuals can be found in the gluteal and lower back areas. Follow the diagrams below to effectively treat you gluteal and lower back muscle tightness – chase the ache and remain as relaxed as possible through the muscle group you are trying to release.
Targeted Strength Training
Strength training is a form of exercise that is completed with either body eight, resistance or free hand weights, and aims to increase muscle mass and strength, tighten and tone your body as well as improve your musculoskeletal health. Musculoskeletal health is the health of your bones and muscles, and the elements that bind those together (tendons and ligaments) – these elements directly impact upon your posture. When your joints are not moving properly or are misaligned, this can directly impact upon your muscle strength and tightness in specific muscle groups, creating bad posture or ineffective movement patterns, which can then lead to pain and discomfort for you, the patient. Targeting strength training on these weak muscle groups will help improve joint function and posture for longer. The biggest consideration when thinking about strength training is technique – inappropriate or bad technique will send you backwards, and potentially cause harm and injury.
If you are unsure on where to start, want some pointers on technique, or want to look get the most out of your chiropractic care, please visit: www.pbltraining.com.au and talk to Louise McDonald about personal training.
Louise McDonald has a Bachelor of Nursing, Certificate 3 and 4 in Fitness and works from the St Kilda area. She is currently offering a free assessment for a short time only.