Foam rolling is a form of self-myofascial release that stretches muscles and tendons as well as breaks down soft tissue adhesions and scar tissue. Foam rolling can provide similar benefits as deep-tissue massage, helping prevent injury and improve performance by increasing flexibility and decreasing muscle tension. It can be effective on many muscles, including: lats, [...]
ergonomics
More muscle talk! I have recently been dealing with some lower back pain so the common culprits (like the sciatic nerve) have been on my mind. The piriformis is a muscle in the gluteal region (yep, that’s your butt). The piriformis muscle is a flat, band-like muscle near the top of the hip joint. This [...]
The iliotibial band is the ligament that runs down the outside of the thigh from the hip to the shin, helping stabilize and move the hip and knee joints, as well as preventing dislocation. When the IT band isn’t working properly, movement of the knee (and, therefore, running) becomes painful. The IT band can tighten [...]
Image Source: http://www.frozenshoulder.com/images/shoulder_capsule_image.jpg Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in your shoulder joint as a result of swelling of the articular shoulder capsule, restricting its mobility. Symptoms usually begin gradually and then worsen over time and then resolve, often within one or two years. Risk of [...]
Source: http://api.ning.com/files/2k9*hoDYZHnomv-C43u77HNj4QiYMon7i0fkPeX*pyc9-Svo610RAjsv1CvDMwBLzlP*G7J2Wh*kAPop9igyLYsgsEZGSCVZ/rotatorcuff.jpg The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons in the shoulder that connect the upper arm (humerus) to the shoulder blade (scapula). The tendons in the rotator cuff provide stability to the shoulder while the muscles allow the shoulder to rotate. These muscles and tendons also help hold the ball of [...]
