Post by mattc on Dec 7, 2014 21:30:18 GMT
In the interest of progress and uninterrupted training, I thought I would share some of my tools for dealing with aches and pains which, for me, are a daily requirement. I was a competitive downhill ski racer and adrenaline junkie for about 15 years, and I also got into martial arts and did a lot of fighting and wrestling, so I've had to manage some very serious injuries over the years. I recently realized I've had significant injuries to 60% of my joints plus multiple spinal injuries and a bad pelvic injury. I've had to become the Macgyver of pain mitigation - sans the sweet hairdo. I'm still able to train hard while holding off multiple surgeries (knee, hip, neck) including hip resurfacing and prolotherapy, thanks mostly to Kelly Starrett and Dr Tom Raven... so I can't say enough about how effective this stuff is. Hope this helps people keep at it!
Here are some tips to keep moving pain free.
1. Work joint mobility vs. stretching. Nearly all aches and pains come from muscle imbalance and range of motion issues.
2. Being strong is ALWAYS better than being weak, even if you have an injury (if not acute). Just learn the right ways to work that area.
3. Did I mention joint mobility?
4. Oh, and joint mobility
5. Learn how to be your own guru. You've got to learn to treat yourself.
6. Again... stretching is inferior to targeted joint mobility work.
Tools and resources:
1. Kelly Starrett is the GOD of pain mitigation... learn his techniques... there is no better resource. I can't say enough. Almost all of my stuff is from him at this point.
Go to mobilitywod.com or search his videos on youtube for your problem and you'll be blown away. Even better, get his book "Supple Leopard".
2. Get a lacrosse ball for trigger points in shoulders, neck and hips.
3. Get his "voodoo bands" for hips, knees, elbows and shoulders. These things are insane little torture devices, but will create massive shifts in range of motion in minutes, that stays with you for at least a week - in my experience. So if my knee or hip is really talkin to me - after two minutes with the voodoo band its totally resolved. Unreal!
4. For spine. yoga is great but, similar results can be had in less time by working up time in plank, bridge and side plank. Otherwise, get a STI - RumbleRoller (Amazon or at Rogue Fitness) and brutalize your IT band and spine top to bottom.
5. Get Magnesium Oil. Muscles need ample magnesium to be able to relax properly, and nearly everyone is deficient. The only real way to get it in your tissues is transdermally, orally just doesn't work.
I'm NO doctor, but, If anyone has a specific pain issue please feel free to ask, I will see if I can point you in the right direction to help get it resolved quickly. All of the above is a lot to sift through so you can get a little lost. For example, if you have shoulder pain, I can email you a quick youtube clip and you'll be on your way. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
-Matt
Here are some tips to keep moving pain free.
1. Work joint mobility vs. stretching. Nearly all aches and pains come from muscle imbalance and range of motion issues.
2. Being strong is ALWAYS better than being weak, even if you have an injury (if not acute). Just learn the right ways to work that area.
3. Did I mention joint mobility?
4. Oh, and joint mobility
5. Learn how to be your own guru. You've got to learn to treat yourself.
6. Again... stretching is inferior to targeted joint mobility work.
Tools and resources:
1. Kelly Starrett is the GOD of pain mitigation... learn his techniques... there is no better resource. I can't say enough. Almost all of my stuff is from him at this point.
Go to mobilitywod.com or search his videos on youtube for your problem and you'll be blown away. Even better, get his book "Supple Leopard".
2. Get a lacrosse ball for trigger points in shoulders, neck and hips.
3. Get his "voodoo bands" for hips, knees, elbows and shoulders. These things are insane little torture devices, but will create massive shifts in range of motion in minutes, that stays with you for at least a week - in my experience. So if my knee or hip is really talkin to me - after two minutes with the voodoo band its totally resolved. Unreal!
4. For spine. yoga is great but, similar results can be had in less time by working up time in plank, bridge and side plank. Otherwise, get a STI - RumbleRoller (Amazon or at Rogue Fitness) and brutalize your IT band and spine top to bottom.
5. Get Magnesium Oil. Muscles need ample magnesium to be able to relax properly, and nearly everyone is deficient. The only real way to get it in your tissues is transdermally, orally just doesn't work.
I'm NO doctor, but, If anyone has a specific pain issue please feel free to ask, I will see if I can point you in the right direction to help get it resolved quickly. All of the above is a lot to sift through so you can get a little lost. For example, if you have shoulder pain, I can email you a quick youtube clip and you'll be on your way. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
-Matt
