Using a S.O.D. Stretch Strap to Assist With Post-Surgical Transfers

Using a S.O.D. Stretch Strap to Assist With Post-Surgical Transfers

 

Very often patients who I evaluate after their hip or knee surgery have a great deal of difficulty lifting their surgical leg into bed in order to lie down. Many of these patients also have weak upper bodies with diminished trunk flexibility and are therefore unable to use their arms to lift their weaker leg into bed.  The Stretch Strap helps them to transfer from sitting to lying down efficiently and safely.



 

 

 



The above 3 pictures shows a typical transfer from sitting to lying down when no strength deficits are present

 

 

 

 

In the above second group of pictures, I use the Stretch Strap to assist lifting the weaker leg into bed.  There is minimal strain to my arms or trunk.  This is especially helpful when there are post-surgical precautions such as those following a total hip replacement which limit how far you can flex forward at your hips

 

Click on the link: Stretch Strap to purchase yours...Free Shipping!!

 

 

 

 

 

     

Masseter Stretch For Headaches

Masseter Stretch For Headaches

Last post showed you an easy technique to manage headaches felt in the base of your skull, using two tennis balls.  Many headaches are also caused by grinding your teeth or chewing gum.  The Masseter Muscle, or "chewing muscle" may be the source of these headaches.

Your Masseter Muscle is located in the above location.  You can palpate it simply by running 2 fingers along your jaw line starting at your earlobe.  While working your fingers down the jaw, clench your teeth.  The Masseter Muscle will protrude into your fingers.  This is the muscle responsible for chewing your food and many times may be a trigger point, causing your headaches.  A simple stretch for this muscle is seen below.

 

Place 2 fingers on your bottom row of teeth and slowly pull your jaw down.  Do not force this motion.  You will feel a stretch in the temple area as well as the Masseter muscle.  Hold for 20-30 sec and repeated throughout the day.  This may help reduce your headaches.

Knee Mechanics: Down and In

Knee Mechanics: Down & In

Watching your client's jumping mechanics can tell you a great deal and potentially help you prevent or recover from knee injury.

Down and In Video

This athlete presents with a "down and in" motion of both lower extremities upon jump and landing.
 
What does this tell you?
1. Your client may have overly pronated ankles or flat feet possibly due to tight gastrocnemius, soleus or subtalar joint
2.  Your client may have a tight Ilio-tibial band or Tensor Fascia Latae musculature
3.  Your client may have weak gluteus medius

How do you work with this client?
1.  Stretch the gastrocnemius and soleus
2.  Stretch the ITB/TFL and use a foam roller for deep massage
3.  Strengthen the posterior Glute Medius with clamshell or prone figure four exercises
4.  Practice the intended motion with proper technique...Work the movement pattern and the muscle timing will follow

Join www.kbfitnessonline.com for follow along rehab exercises and workouts for common knee problems

Osteoporosis & Posture

Osteoporosis, or loss of bone density, may lead to "brittle bones" and fractures, particularly in the spine, hips, and pelvis.  When the vertebrae are affected, 'wedging' of the anterior portion of the spinal bones may occur, which leads to a flexed or kyphotic posture.  With a rounded trunk, you will also see protracted shoulders, and a forward head posture, with excessive capital (head) extension.  Just by observing someone, you will have multiple treatment ideas. 

First and most importantly is to correct their posture by stretching the short, tight muscles and strengthening the stretched out weaker muscles.  Lets start at the head and neck.  With a forward head posture, you will have weak capital (head) flexors, and tight capital extensors.  To counteract this, teach your client chin tucks.  This will stretch the tight suboccipitals while strengthening the capital/head flexors.  It will also realign your ear with your acromion on both sides. 
Now for the shoulders and Scapulae.  We need to stretch our pectorals which have been tightened due to the constant protraction of the shoulders.  The posterior muscles have been stretched out and are weak due to this protracted posture, so you will need to work the retractors such as the rhomboids, rear delts and middle traps..."Bring those shoulders back!"

Most likely there will be a flat lower back, with loss of the lordotic curve.  Pelvic tilts are helpful to reintroduce flexibility and motion to this region.  you will also want to incorporate core stability training to your client, progressing from static to dynamic postures.  Focus on glute training with bridges and glute sets, as the glutes assist in lower back stabilization. 

Integrating the above techniques into each of your client's sessions will help them to correct their current posture, prevent any future injuries and impove their overall results, as it enhances efficiency of all movement.  Once you have corrected posture, then you can move into body mechanics and training movement patterns. 

Does Your Client Have Shoulder Issues?

If your client complains of shoulder discomfort, tightness or displays a limited range of motion with such exercises as the Shoulder Press or Kettlebell Snatch, it may be beneficial to teach him/her to perform a gentle Lateral Distraction Joint Mobilization for the Gleno-humeral Joint (shoulder).

In this video clip, learn a quick an easy "self" joint mobilization technique that will provide the following benefits:
-Improve overal shoulder range of motion/flexibility by gently stretching the joint capsule
-Assists in Synovial Fluid lubricating the shoulder joint
-Pain relief

Following the technique, be sure reassess the shoulder range of motion.  Then attempt the exercise again to see if you have made progress.

*Helpful with Frozen Shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) and impingement syndrome

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pNziq4Ckbg

Knee Pain: What Can You Do For It?

Many people, especially athletes have complained of knee pain one time or another, especially during activities such as squats and stairclimbing.  Instead of focusing in strictly on the knee joint, neighboring joints/muscles should be assessed as possible causes.  For example, tight calf muscles and IT-band, weak gluteal muscles and poor motor control are contributing factors.  Check out these videos for further information on possible corrective strategies.  Also, make sure you attempt the painful motion following these corrective strategies to check for proper carry over.  Pain should diminish noticeably.
PFPS part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kauwemDv0wo
PFPS part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0l623GQDoKo

Hope this helps