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

I’m 34 and started at JKC in 2015. My wife joined while I was working away in 2015 and started making amazing progress while also completing exercises I’d never perform on my own. I felt I was missing out so I signed up. JKC helps in establishing goals while also having clear direction of what to do, and how, in each session. They also measure your progress which is another means of motivation! At other gyms I wouldn’t have a clear plan and would just use whatever equipment was free, it was hard to see any results. Between setting some personal bests and making good friends its hard to identify a favorite memory.  One that does come to mind was when I hit my target goal/PB in both bench and squats in the same session, big day.

My original reason for joining JKC was to get some sage advice to help with my running. I had been looking for awhile, came across Jon, met for an assessment, and was quite happy with how that all went. Apart from the running specific strengthening and conditioning approaches, JKC is different from other gyms as I am a fan of the small group sessions where everyone has their own goals and individualized programs. As well, the run coaching is super. All the coaches go the extra mile to make sure you get the best out each training session. They are fantastic motivators! My favourite memory is deadlifting 330lbs. Making a lot of great friends and meeting some really cool people is pretty high up on that list, too.

I originally joined JKC because I was anxious about passing out and embarrassing myself since I hadn’t weight trained in a while and I’d hoped to find somewhere sympathetic. My husband @terry_hussey had been training at JKC and his success there made me miss the achievement you feel from a good workout. I went to meet Jon and immediately knew it was going to be a safe space for me. I was never judged for the fears I had and where I was starting from. Jon and Thomas made sure to check on me often, and found a way to challenge me but make me feel secure at the same time, and Terry and I were able to book sessions together, so working out became a shared win for us!

JKC is different from other gyms because of the personal growth you have outside JKC (the sessions inside JKC creates a great positive feedback loop!). You gain self confidence, learn how to show up for yourself, meet a community of newfound friends, and get the support of your trainers who are behind you 100%. I’ve left a scattered workout so proud of myself I’ve honestly shed a tear in the car on the drive home. JKC is the mental health relief valve I need to stay positive, and keep my anxiety and health related fears at bay.

I started training at JKC in 2016 because I’ve always had upper back issues that became aggravated through work. I sought out other training and physio, but experienced little to no results. A client of mine happened to be coming to JKC for a similar issue and highly recommended it. I have had great success and haven’t looked back! I always feel like I’m getting programs tailored to my needs and I’m never bored. I’m 30 weeks pregnant now with my second child and have been able to workout through both pregnancies here at JKC. Even on my least mobile days, I felt safe to workout because my programs were specifically modified for my needs.

lisa jumping onto a box

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.

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