Kia Kaha: Training Update and Active Release Therapy

Hi all

I am endeavouring to make my blog more interesting. Once a month I will post a blog and will focus on one subject that I feel is important for successful running. I will try to ask an expert in each field to provide information also. Of course I will still provide updates on my training and upcoming races but I want this blog to be of some help to others not just about my training and my racing. I will start each week with a short update on how my running is going or any races or race recaps. Then I will focus on one important topic. Let me know if there is any topic that you would like me to higlight.

TRAINING UPDATE:
After recovering from bronchitis and the flu my training has gradually gotten better and I am back to the same shape I was in before getting sick :-) I have been preparing for the Houston heat and so far it has not been too bad. A little humid some days but overall manageable. I know in weeks to come this will change and my body will have to adapt. My next race is the Ottawa 10k on the 25th of May. This will be my first race since the New York half. I am very excited to race again and to be going back up to Ottawa. Race weekend is always a lot of fun. I am especially looking forward to catching with fellow runners Krista Duchene and Lanni Marchant. The elite list released a few weeks ago looks very competitive and I am already getting a little nervous. I will provide another update on the 10k closer to the time. Now to switch gears and focus on Active Release Therapy:

ACTIVE RELEASE THERAPY:
I will start this week with Active Release Therapy (ART). When I mention to other runners that I am getting active release some people have not heard of it before. I would like as many people to know about ART as it is so beneficial not only for running but for everyday activities. Before finding this technique I found that I was always stiff and more prone to injury. I had no flexibility, decreased range of motion, and my stride was very limited. I have been regularly getting active release for the past two years and have seen great improvements in these areas. First I was getting treatment from Arthur Cuenco in Ottawa and now with Dr. Lance McClintock in Houston at Greenway Chiropractic. I go to see Dr McClintock every week sometimes twice if I feel something is tight. I firmly believe this is a key aspect of running injury free. I wanted to provide you with some helpful information about ART and how it may help you. What it is and why it is so beneficial. I decided to call in an expert to do this and Dr McClinctock gladly obliged. Below is his piece on ART. If you are in the Houston area I highly recommend booking an appointment with Dr. McClintock.

Pain?
Decreased Mobility?
Chronic Tightness?

While some injuries are caused by a traumatic injury, such as a fall or tear, a large majority of injuries result from repetitive motion and improper biomechanics. These injuries are known as overuse injuries or accumulative trauma injuries.

These injuries lead to the formation of scar tissue and adhesions, which hinder the proper movement and function of soft tissues (muscles, ligament, tendons, and nerves). This can result in symptoms of pain, decreased range of motion, stiffness, numbness, tingling, and weakness.

Active Release Techniques or ART®, is considered the gold standard in treating these soft tissue injuries. We evaluate the tightness, texture and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Then treat the abnormal tissues by combining precisely directed tension with specific patient movements. The goal of ART® is to return tissue to its correct tension, texture, movement, and function; thus eliminating pain and increasing performance.

Common Conditions treated with ART®:
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Shin Splints
• Ankle Sprains
• Achilles Tendonitis
• Posterior Tibial Tendonitis
• IT Band Syndrome
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
• Groin Strains
• Iliopsoas Syndrome
• Hamstring Strains
• Piriformis Syndrome
• Sciatica
• Lumbar Radiculopathy
• Lumbar Strains
• Rotator Cuff Injuries
• Rotator Cuff Impingement Syndrome
• Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)
• Subacromial Bursitis
• Bicepital Tendonitis
• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
• Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
• Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow)
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Tension Headaches/Migraines

Dr. Lance McClintock, DC
713-355-5343
www.drlancemcclintock.com

Thanks for your input Dr McClintock and valuable information. I hope you all find it helpful. Give ART a try and see if it works for you. Let me know how it goes. I will finish this blog with a few photos.

Happy Running everyone!!!!