Reduction of Lateral Epicondylitis

A common misconception in the self treatment of pain is that we always need to stretch where it is that we feel the pain. A classic example is in the case of lateral epicondylitis, or "tennis elbow".

When I look at the mechanics of what is commonly the cause of this condition I see a few factors coming into play.

First off, this is not a condition that is solely seen at the racket club and on the courts. Lateral epicondylitis is often seen with wrench turners, bakers, massage therapists, sign language interpreters, and so on. Any body whose lifestyle requires them to repetitively flex the forearm is at risk for this pesky pain generator. To be fair, racket sports beat the hell out of these tissues, on the back hand, if they are weak!

Here's the deal...I have found this to be true in 90% of my clients. Weak.

The fix...balance. Oh balance, what a concept. Aside from work and sport, we were gifted with all sorts of other interest and ability. Bike riding for lesier or transport, car driving, dishes washed, weeding the garden, holding young ones, typing a blog, we use our forearm flexors to do nearly all we do. Enough of that.....

The fix...strengthen the opposing muscle group. Stretch the tight line, strengthen the weak line. The following images demonstrate a few simple daily techniques to stop this potentially lifestyle altering, and oftentimes painful epidemic.

Stretch the tight line...

So whats the problem? Is that a tight muscle, a joint problem, or a weakness?


Stretching the flexor muscles of the forearm, in some schools of thought, will reciprocally strengthen the extensors of the forearm. Be sure you are stretching all the way out from the fingertips as is shown in the above image.

Back to Work

Well, I know I have been a slacker on the blog postings as of late. I have been busy in the clinic, at home, teaching, running around the country with the Freedom From Pain Institute and working on many side projects.

I have a new article coming out in Massage & Bodywork Magazine, "Tuning the Athlete- Breathing and Lumbar Alignment". This will appear in the upcoming issue, Nov/Dec Sports Massage issue. This was a tough concept in the beginning. Writing an article like this is a a great self teaching tool, it requires much research, and made me really look deep into what I was thinking about! Much fun! I will post it when the article has hit the stands later this month.

Our massage business in Flagstaff has remained busy through this troubled time in the market. It seems when times are tough people seek out what makes them feel good. A movie, some good comfort food, and good old pain management are on the top of the list, nothing like an hour on the table, to get away, forget the newsman and stock market for a bit. I am honored to play a role, it makes me feel good, in bringing some peace into peoples lives.....thanks folks.

Today begins another 40 hour intensive in Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques(R), at NAMTI in Sedona. This is a great time of year to be able to drive through Oak Creek Canyon, view the wonders of nature every day before class begins...should be a great time once again! The apples are coming out of the orchards and every market seems to have fresh roasted green chilies! YUM!!

I will be joining Erik and the crew from Freedom From Pain at the next workshop in Atlanta, Oct. 17-19.

Myoskeletal Alignment for Neck, Sciatic and Shoulder Pain

Three day seminar provides innovative approaches for the massage therapist to utilize advanced neck, shoulder, and pelvic stabilization routines. Therapists learn immediately applicable deep tissue techniques for clients suffering neck, shoulder, and low back pain.

70% Hands on Seminar: Human dissection videos and "lively" massage demos teach innovative ways to "Find and Fix" tendon, ligament, joint capsule, and nerve impingements. Erik will demo on class participants for the following

symptoms:

Neck "Cricks" Facet- Rib Pain Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Scoliosis

SI Joint Pain Piriformis Syndrome Rotator Cuff Injuries Low Back Dysfunction

Dalton's popular workshop series compliments all forms of manual therapy and offers practical strategies for correcting reflex muscle spasm caused by joint blockage.

Well, off to see the wizard!

Lessons Learned

At a closing summer BBQ last weekend I had the chance to reconnect with an old friend for a bit. He is a martial arts instructor here in Flagstaff.

Our conversation eventually turned toward principals of teaching and the life lessons we learn from our teachers. Not just in the discipline of a specific study, but life. If you listen closely, everyone you interact with can become a teacher of sort. One lesson or another, profound or not, learning is a life long process. And we must not forget our teachers.

Early in life we are introduced our most important teachers, our Mother and Father, brothers and sisters, and this continues on until we no longer know these people; through death or separation. The lessons we are to learn are fundamental; about relationships, love, kindness, gratitude...

In my high school days I met a great man by the name of Dennis Deike. He was a bit like the gas station attendant from the Way of the Peaceful Warrior. He was a hard ass peace maker, retired Viet Nam vet, gone Buddhist, Christian, scientist, linguist. The lessons I was taught by Deike about humanity will never be replaced. He used a lot of reverse psychology in his teachings, and would piss me off, then close his house to visitors and take a nap, while the lessons brewed, what a jerk!

In my junior year of high school, I told him I was thinking about getting into massage therapy. He said I would never make it, and it was a very stupid idea. Now, every time I make a stride in my career, I thank him for his blessing, and throw him the bird, just as he'd like it!

As we grow into adults the lessons of old remain, so long as we remember and pay tribute to our teachers.

More recently I have been gifted the opportunity to sit with a few folks who again have had great influence in my life. Erik Dalton and Kim Miller. Thanks for every life lesson as well as the bodywork lessons...

Til next time...

In the Presence of Greatness

At a recent Myoskeletal Alignment workshop in Tucson, AZ, I had the opportunity to work with and get to know Mr. Jim Asher. Jim and Erik Dalton have been friends since the early days at the Rolf Institute. What a pleasure it was to be in the company of these two great minds.

Jim started with Ida Rolf in 1971, and was with her until her death. He was one of the original instructors at the Rolf Institute and assisted Ida in advanced trainings as Rolfing (R) was born.

While in Tucson, Jim helped in assisting the Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques (R) course on Neck, Low Back, and Shoulder Pain. We were able to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner with Jim....what an interesting fellow.

My understanding is that Jim offers one of the most dynamic cranio-sacral classes in the world, love to study with him some day as well...until then, thanks Jim!

Flagstaff Massage

So in the video posted here, notice the general improvement that occurs after applying Myoskeletal Muscle Spindle techniques.

First test, this runner has limited range of motion, second test better, and third all the way!

I feel that the limited ROM is initiated by a tight line, psoas and rectus femoris, potentially hip capsule adhesions as well. So we stretch it to defeat Davis's Law. Then a quick few minutes of manual muscle spindle stim work.....Enjoy!

updated viddy

Back Pain in the Shower

When experiencing acute low back pain be cautious in the shower! Try this simple technique while rinsing your hair.

Stand facing the shower head rather than hyper extending your low back to let the water run down the back side. This may lead to a bit more work if you have long hair, but it will save you back!

Stats

Well gee whiz......been a lot of watching to keep up, and missing half of it.

Here is what I have come up with......

Eamon Sullivan... AUSTRALIA.... 2 silver, 1 bronze

Simon Whitfield... CANADA... 1 silver triathlon (kick ass by the way)

Kosuke Kitajima...JAPAN...2 gold, 1 bronze

Reiko Nakamura...JAPAN...1 bronze

Micah Kipkemboi...KENYA...1 bronze...10.000m track&field

Lotte Friis...Denmark...bronze...800 freestyle swim

Alaxander Dale Oen...silver...mens 100m breast stroke