Pain: What is it? How to Kick it to the Curb
Understanding pain as the brain’s perception of danger, rather than solely an indicator of damage, prompts a shift in approach. So how do we apply this? After all we can’t just say, “Stop being in pain; it’s all in your head.” I’m not sure about you, but that doesn’t work for me. Furthermore, if my doctor said […]
Pain: What is it? (Part 1)
Have you ever noticed, sometimes we have pain from the oddest little things? I’m sure you can relate. You bend over to pick up a small item and you end up with a sharp pain in your back, or you get a paper cut, or you turn to look over our shoulder and suddenly your […]
Fascinating Fascia: Communicating with the Brain
The human body is a marvel of intricate systems working seamlessly to maintain balance and function. Historically overlooked and ignored, now recognized as a crucial component in this complex symphony, is the fascia. Far more than just connective tissue, fascia plays a key role in communication with the brain, influencing the whole body and contributing to […]
A Holistic Approach to Recovering from the Holidays
The holiday season, with its festive cheer and joyous celebrations, often leaves us feeling both physically and mentally exhausted. As the whirlwind of activities subsides, we can find ourselves in need of a reset—a rejuvenation of mind, body, and spirit. Embracing a holistic approach can help set the stage for a healthier, more balanced new […]
Can Fascia Stretch Therapy Help Slow Cancer Progression?
This is exactly the question that researchers have begun to explore. During a recent lecture to members of the Fascia Research Society (of which, this author is a member), Dr. Stephanie Otto, PhD of ULM University Hospital in Germany, explained how some manual therapies can be beneficial to cancer patients. Specifically, the therapy must target the fascia, […]
What is Core Superstiffness?
Most people believe it is important, but often don’t understand that it goes beyond training for a well-defined six-pack. I remember in high-school we did countless sit ups (and fast)! In gymnastics we also did tons of Russian twists. I thought that was all there was to training a strong core. It definitely didn’t do […]
Should I Stretch if I’m Hypermobile?
It seems to be a relatively simple question with a necessarily straightforward answer. But as with all things relating to the body and the nervous system, the answer is an unsatisfactory, “It depends”. Stretching and its effects can be the subject of hot debate. As with all constantly evolving data, the topic of stretching is […]
What is Mouth Taping?
You may have seen the photos this August of Iga Swiatek of Poland wearing tape over her mouth during the practice round from the Canadian Open Tennis tournament. But what exactly was she trying to accomplish? And is it safe for the general population? In the simplest of terms, mouth taping during exercise can make […]
Breathe Less, Get More Oxygen
Did you know you can bring more oxygen to your body by breathing less? Wait, how is that possible? Isn’t more oxygen better? Not exactly. Taking in oxygen isn’t just about getting it into the lungs. It then must be carried by the blood, delivered to the vital organs and muscles, exchanged for waste (carbon dioxide […]
Making Sense of Chronic Pain Trauma and Healing
SCIENTIFIC revelations come from the unlikeliest of places, like a mouse, in a lab, doing a “downward dog” stretch. Helene Langevin, et al, (who in their study established a protocol for gentle stretching in mice), discovered that these creatures benefit from a good stretch as much as we do. In the process, they, like many […]