“The Box” is a routine that I’ve given many clients over the years. When used with Ice-and-Stretch, it is quick, easy, and very effective. It is a well-rounded approach. At the first pass, use it as a complete routine. Some areas will seem tighter and more sensitive to the ice. Revisit that sensitive area after […]
Self Care – The Box – Ice and Stretch for Your Neck Read More »
Ice packs are a great way to reduce swelling and inflammation, increase circulation and relieve pain. They can be ineffective and even create some problems if used improperly. How Ice Packs Work Ice packs create a local “emergency” because of the temperature change in the area. This creates immediate and extended responses: The cold compresses
One of my clients describes this as the best exercise for shoulder and upper back tension. He thinks it should be the first exercise that I give people, regardless of their problem. It really does reduce shoulder and upper back tension in a magical way. I noticed significant differences over the 1st month when I
Self Care – Breathing Exercises to Reduce Shoulder Tension Read More »
Here, you will find 10 keys to better stretching. There’s a History With a certification in Sports Massage, I knew several approaches to stretching. Essentially, I found them to be ineffective for more than temporary relief. People said things like, “I wake up with stiffness and pain. But I can stretch it out and get
These doorway stretches for chest muscles are classic because they’re quick, effective, and can be done almost anywhere. It is easy to stop at most doorways on your way back from the kitchen, office, or bathroom. They stretch the extrinsic chest muscles. Daily stretches can offer notable relief and postural change even with minimal effort.
This simple set of stretches has 3 parts: Part 1: Release the Top of the Neck I’ve worked with neck specialists for over 20 years. I’ve seen hundreds of cases where balancing the upper neck immediately changes the lower neck without ever working on the lower neck directly. Don’t underestimate the importance of these first
Self Care – Seated Stretches for Stiff, Swollen Hands Read More »
Here are some specific stretches for scalene muscles that have been recommended by many sources over the years. They were published in the self-care section on scalenes in the research of Janet Travell, the physician to two presidents. Clinical experience has proven them to be effective for helping the problematic effects of tight scalene muscles. Helpful
Pain. Soreness. Restricted range of motion. The combination of stretching and icing can rid these ailments quickly if done correctly. Any stretching routine can be faster, more effective, and easier when combined with icing. Ice-and-stretch is an excellent adaptation of two other popular practices: Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) and Stretch-N-Spray. Ice and stretch is an
This breathing exercise for relief from upper back pain can be very effective when done properly and regularly. It is relaxing and works well for clients that don’t want to use something like a yoga wheel. Also, some people like it who don’t want to “pop their back.” I have given this technique to a
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In the mid-90s, I had a client. He came to my practice for a completely different reason. However, he bugged me until I learned a great lesson. This is how I became a fan of Active Isolated Stretching. Let’s call him Rastus. I used craniostructural techniques to, at first, deal with his headaches. Then, unexpectedly,
How I became a fan of Active Isolated Stretching. Read More »
