Dynamic Bodywork

03/27/2022

I had a client recently with symptoms that would come on every morning at 1am, like clockwork. When I hear symptoms like this, I often look to this 24-hour cycle chart. 1am is associated with peak gall bladder meridian activity. I told her this and she perked up, telling me her daughter was preparing to have her gall bladder removed. I figured this probably wasn't coincidence. Sure enough, the problem was an emotional one related to her daughter's surgery.

03/25/2022

As a therapist it’s easy to fall into the trap of leaning towards a common diagnosis. The patient might have asked ‘Dr Google’ and may feel they know

03/17/2022

When the bundle of nerves below the end of the spinal cord gets compressed, cauda equina syndrome can result. Red-flag symptoms are severe low back pain, reduced sensation/numbness around the "saddle" area, incontinence and sexual dysfunction. Sciatica, weakness of the legs and gait disturbance are also common. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, especially in combination, you should get evaluated. If they're of sudden onset, that can be a legitimate medical emergency.

02/22/2022

Having a joint be bone-on-bone doesn't necessarily mean one needs an immediate joint replacement. Many orthopedic surgeons will tell you to wait until the pain is intolerable to get surgery. In many cases, I tend to agree with that. Try any non-surgical therapies you can to help and delay-delay-delay. That said, when the range of motion is severely limited, sooner can sometimes be better. With that severely limited ROM comes all sorts of unavoidable compensatory movement at neighboring joints. If one were to wait too long to get a hip replacement when their hip has severely limited ROM, for example, they may end up damaging their knee and low back unnecessarily in the process.

01/17/2022

12/02/2021

Do you have adductor muscles (groin muscles) that won't relax? This is often due to instability of the big toe caused by restriction at the abductor hallucis attachment. Specifically, it's the attachment to the heel that is typically at play. The restriction causes weakness of the abductor hallucis muscle, leading the groin muscles to tighten up to support the inner line of the leg. To release this, and get the adductors to let go, try rolling this spot out on a small ball or working the tissue with your fingers.

08/27/2021

DON'T BE THE TITANIC::: Healing Stages of Tissue
I recently have had several conversations regarding how the body heals. It goes through stages to rebuild a damaged structure.
If you have a hip/knee replacement now you are dealing with layers of tissue such as fascia, fat, muscle and bone.
Also, each type of tissue heals differently. In addition if you have an underlying condition such as diabetes, autoimmune or circulatory.
Just because you see the incision healing does not mean the deeper structures have healed as well.
The analogy I use is>>you can see or chip the small tip of the iceberg in the water...but the ice float below the surface is large......DON'T BE THE TITANIC:)
Here is a great article explaining this topic...

https://theprehabguys.com/tissue-healing-timelines/?fbclid=IwAR1bLpzD107ibUogGVJ82gW3n5C8cGp2mDgCXS1WFRT44Tmu7hWmoFckIrU

This article details what you need to know about tissue healing, normal phases of healing, tissue types, and how to optimize healing time

07/30/2020

GoGo Gadget....

I try to work smarter these days and find tools that will aid in my practice and clients' recovery.

Clients ask me questions about products I use and where can they purchase them.

Currently, clients have been asking about the Hypervolt Percussion Massager.

This is not a paid advertisement..however there is science behind why this works. Just not a fun torture device that I gain pleasure in using:)

I have linked a video that explains why it is beneficial and the infrared changes (blood flow) that happen..starts around the 3 minute mark.

Kelly Starrett is a PT that I highly regard in his profession. His channel is worth watching if you are interested.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4R2taNKqHzU&t=248s

. Busting out the infrared so you can watch in real time how percussion can reperfuse and increase the microcirculation around a potenti...

10/10/2019

People ask me all the time what is dry needling. Here is a great video along with an explanation.

08/30/2019

Asymmetry is common in runners. Is it acceptable? Simple answer, it depends.

Typical human development is asymmetrical; if there is asymmetry in anatomy you should expect to see asymmetry in run form. This asymmetry is often times easiest to spot in arm swing. Just because there is asymmetry in the arms does not mean you should try and fix the arm swing. This is a classic example of adding a compensation to a compensation.

If there is asymmetry in arm swing it is the physical therapist’s job to determine where it is coming from. This is often due to problems with hip mobility on one side, functional or structural asymmetries, excessive pronation on one leg, or faulty movement patterns due to muscular imbalances. It is imperative to address the driver in these cases. “Fixing” arm swing is sloppy and simply adds a layer of compensation to an existing compensation.

If you’ve got asymmetrical arm swing there’s probably an underlying imbalance that may be contributing to your unilateral running injuries.

We can help you!

11/11/2018

10/29/2018

Massage Therapy / Bodywork is a continuous learning process which fascinates me every day.

Join Scientist Robert Schleip and a team of experts on a fascinating journey exploring the missing link fascia (connective tissue) plays in sports, fitness, health…

02/11/2015

02/06/2015

Stretch it Before You Wreck It!

Sat 2/28/2015 From: 9:30 am - 11:00 am

COST $30 AND SPACE LIMITED

Sign up online via the Workshop Tab...Not Online Store @ www.optwellnc.com


Throughout this workshop you will learn proper techniques that can help to improve flexibility and performance and decrease the risk of injury.

1) Learn self-management mobility exercises.
2) Learn how to target both upper and lower body using foam rollers, lacrosse balls and bands.
3) Learn proper mechanics of common exercises.


**Class will be held at Advanced Physical Therapy Associates, Cary 27519.**

Please Bring Yoga Mat and Foam Roller if applicable.

Taking Your Health Full Circle

12/04/2014

NOW AVAILABLE!
Holiday Massage Gift Certificates.