Although the sessions can be useful and expensive why not get a superball or lacrosse ball and do it yourself on the floor or against a wall.
Trigger point therapy works best if done at least 3 times a day (small doses). You may have the greatest therapist in the world but only you can feel the points where it is needed most on your body. In addition you will need to maintain these muscles if you continue to play golf or exercise.
Use the ball for 5 minutes before you play and later after you play when the muscles tighten up. I recommend rubbing over a sore spot (Trigger point) a minimum of 12 reps before moving on to the next trigger point.
Wow I love this expansion of the discussion of managing a healthy back. Exercise is necessary but these tools are viable and I use them in my practice daily.
There is a tool that also can help you reach your pressure points without straining your body or needing another person to assist and is more specific than balls. You can get it in any good health food store (not the GNC). It is shaped like an "S" and is probably about 2-3 feet long. It has a number of stretegically placed blunt nose nodules that you can place exactly on your pressure/trigger point and because of the curves you can apply pressure with the greatest of ease.
When I return from the client I am running out now to see I will find a resource on the internet and supply a link. I don't want to endorse any one provider and personally love to support my local businesses when I can but a picture is worth a thousand words and you can know better what you are looking for.
Ok this tool is called the Backnobber. The ones you cn find from the site I listed below only have knobs at the ends. I have on from a health food store that has atleast ten knobs along the body of the apparatus and I love that one. I also have the original Backnobber II that I can snap into two pieces so it's easy to travel with it. I typically need one spot on my neck attended to when I travel so I often travel with only 1/2 of that toy.
Ok this tool is called the Backnobber. The ones you cn find from the site I listed below only have knobs at the ends. I have on from a health food store that has atleast ten knobs along the body of the apparatus and I love that one. I also have the original Backnobber II that I can snap into two pieces so it's easy to travel with it. I typically need one spot on my neck attended to when I travel so I often travel with only 1/2 of that toy.
The simple truth, Trig, is that the core muscles are the large muscles of the body that provide the power for the movements that provide free and full range of motion Most people think that core training is limited to the torso, mainly abdominals and back, but that is anatomically incorrect. One day we'll really explore the anatomy of the muscles. Anyway, that is a gross oversimplification but it is at the heart of the matter.
A really balanced resistance training program wil address these issues. Now the secret is to know how to organize your exercises. Most people don't have a balanced frame so when they start a program that looks balanced ,they are actually neglecting to recognize the functional individuality of their own physical needs. One person may need more abdominal work, someone else may need more work in the functional hip muscles, another the back, someone else might find very little work get's everything moving and someone who looks like they have it all together may find a more complicated program is made to order.
Now let me state here that I consider a balanced strength training program to include resistance training (whether it's weights, bands, medicine balls or your own body weight) and you must also have a flexibility program that correlates. Your muscles have two primary functions, contract for power and flexibility for counter balance. It is the perfect orchestration of these two functions with the appropriate muscles that keep the spine neutral. The better the communication between these two functions, the more range you can accomplish and the less potential for injury and thereby negative symptom you will experience.
This is as "lay person" languaged as I can make it and I think it is important to be that basic. I use kinesiology (muscle testing) to determine the orchestration of my clients programs because it looks beyond the obvious imbalances and attends to the way the muscles work together; which could also be termed the way the muscles communicate. It isn't always just mechanics. There are many neurological, emotional, behavioral, and chemical components to the way a body works.
Whoa, you might be thinking. Be not disuaded, much good work can begin with a sound program and some good instruction. If you can find someone to do a kinesthetic survey, all the better. But there are good trainers out there that know how to work more specifically with your physiology. You just have to be willing to interview a few.
For the record I should point out that the popularity of core training was inspired by the popularity of pilates in the last few years. I have been asked about this mode of training a number of times and could refer to previous posts. Mainly I would say that if you are considering this version of core training you still need to interview and even observe a class before you attend. With some of the permanent spinal disabilities I live with (without pain or diminished life activity, by the way) I needed a pilates facility that could address a more general population with really talented teachers. I found one, but not without rejecting a few reputable facilities in the process. You have to pay attention to your needs. Period.
Today I saw a spine expert and the good news is he said I have no serious back problems, ie, disk problems, etc. His view is that a McKenzie trained chiro and/or therapist will be able to take care of my issues.
Vicky - do you know anything about this type of therapy.
By the way, he also said I do not have sciatica problems.
Great news for you Trig! I am only familiar with the method as a comprehensive, methodical, and effective modality with the proper learning. Basically you will have an evaluation and then movements will be assigned. I'll try to look into it a little further. Let us know if you take it on. Vickie
You know, I agree that you have to train the body to allow it to 'learn' to maintain itself. I teach it everyday. The body will truly comply with the most frequently 'requested' posture, period. I do think mattress quality matters and am forever amazed at the numer of homes that I go into with mattresses 10 years or older. I actually had a client who 'wouldn't quite'believe me until he stayed at a four seasons (on a golf trip) for a week and found that he slept better; felt more rested and freer when he got out of bed. As to the Temperapedic(spelling may be off caz it's a trademark and I didn't look it up); I just was exposed to my first one last week and have to say it is quite magical. I am not sure it is for everyone. My suggestion to all of my clients (in terms of firmness and cost and brand) is to go to a reputable retailer in the middle of the day when they are reeeaaally slow and take some time to really lay down on the beds that you are interested in. I had a woman actually take her pillow recently.
I personally have a Serta 'Westmont' pillow soft (firm) that is fabulous! I found it exactly as I suggested. I personally think firm is better but from there your body should be allowed to follow it's own rythms.
Hope this helps. It's just my two cents, after all. Vickie
Hybrid Mode
