LAVACA COUNTY
CHIROPRACTIC
‘Sports’
Moving Your Body Towards Improved Health
Bottom Line:
Being healthy doesn’t mean you need to spend 20 hours each week in the gym. Little things like standing at work instead of sitting can make a big improvement in your overall health. On the other hand, a sedentary lifestyle is a significant factor in many chronic diseases, as well as spinal aches and pains.
Tape: All Hype or Scientifically Sound?
Bottom Line:
It’s difficult to find a single sporting event where you won’t see an athlete wearing colorful tape somewhere on their body. You may have wondered what it is, and more importantly what it’s used for. The tape is called kinesio tape and was initially developed by a Chiropractor about 40 years ago. It works by providing a slight mechanical assistance to joints and muscles and by stimulating proprioception, which is your body’s ability to know where it is in space.
Dynamic Stretching: A New Way to Feel Better
Bottom Line:
You’ve probably been told many times that you should stretch before and after a workout. Most people never do because static stretching is boring and takes some extra time at the gym. However, there is a way to combine stretching with your workout. It’s called dynamic stretching, and not only is it more fun, but researchers have discovered it’s more effective at reducing injuries and increasing range of motion than static stretching alone.
Foam Rolling: It Hurts So Good
Bottom Line:
Foam rolling has exploded in popularity over the past few years. No longer used only by athletes and trainers, foam rolling, a type of myofascial release, is now used by people at all levels of fitness. The goal of foam rolling is to improve muscle function, performance, and range of motion. When a tight muscle or trigger point is released, you’re better able to move freely, move with less pain, and improve your overall performance.