Injuries

“Why do I need to see a therapist? I don’t have an injury.” Yet. You don’t have an injury ... yet. 
As discussed in another post., the body is all about patterns of movement. Keeping everything lubricated, free-moving, with connective tissue adhesion (“knot”) free, plays a huge part in the longevity of comfortable, pain-free, and efficient movement. 
For example: A minor ankle roll on a trail run, causing the stretching of ligaments, can alter your gait. This altered gait affects your knees, hips, back, shoulders and neck. Maintenance treatments mitigate the effects of little things that can become bigger things.…

More often than not an acute neck or back spasm occurs as a result of a simple movement; brushing your hair or bending to pick something up. The movement itself is not the cause of the issue but rather our movement patterns in the preceding days, months and years. Remember that anything in excess is no good. Even if it is something “healthy.” Consider George, an avid road cyclist and IT specialist. As a young man he cycled competitively and was blessed with a body that required little in the way of maintenance. George put all of his aches and…

I’m in my 40’s and grew up with war baby parents who were taught that “If it hurts it means it’s working,” and obviously the good old, “No pain. No Gain.” I remember an incident on my Aunt’s farm in KZN, where I was accidentally bitten on the hand by the family Bullterrier. It was completely my fault. He had a penchant for not only chasing rocks but also eating them. I had been playing a game of fetch with him and I had pretended to throw the rock but still had it in my hand (a lesson to never…

The number of times I have had the following interactions with clients: CLIENT:  “Well, I'm not doing anything currently. I’m injured.” Me: “I’m sorry. What? So, you have rolled your ankle and can’t run, so you’re not doing anything?” CLIENT: “Running was my routine and my life and this has disrupted everything.” ME: “I absolutely understand that but what about the rest of your body that is desperate to move and do and be seen and heard?” CLIENT: “You need mental help.” We’ve all been there. Loving our chosen activity, in a great routine, and feeling fit and strong and…