The Body Mechanic Massage

I've been teaching clients a lot more active mobility lately, moving in and out of a position and exploring the range, rather than just sinking into a long stretch and waiting.

Why the shift?

When you move in and out of your end range, you're training the body to revisit that position and realize it's safe. A long static hold tells your nervous system that the position is okay to be in. Active mobility teaches it how to get in and out of it.

I like to think of it like a door hinge. Propping the door open all day doesn't keep the hinge moving well, but opening and closing it does.

And that's what the real world actually asks of us. Rarely are we just hanging out in an open position. We're reaching, twisting, getting up off the floor, loading groceries into the car. We need to get in and out of those positions with ease.

To be clear, I still think there's a time and a place to just hang out in a stretch. A nice cool down after a workout is a great example. This isn't static stretching versus active mobility, it's knowing which one you're reaching for and why.

Try working through 3-4 slow reps in and out of the position, once or twice a day.

Give it a go and let me know what you think.

And if you disagree, or static stretching is what works for your body, I'd love to hear it. Drop your thoughts in the comments ❤️

Here is a way you can use the theracane to alleviate some pain or tension in the neck.

This pin and stretch function that I am demonstrating is the exact same technique I use with many massage clients. When a muscle gets pinned down and mobilized it helps break up tension, increase blood flow, and lengthen the muscle tissue.

I like to teach clients about the benefits of mobilizing while doing self care massage, as I find many people will do self massage but do not do much mobilization. The combination of both results very efficiently so it is great for those that may not have enough time to just lay into a lacrosse ball and wait for their muscles to relax.

Try this out and I hope it helps. Stay tuned for more self care tips

Here are some movement snacks for low back pain!

What is a movement snack?

It is a way to break up your work day with a little bit of movement. Similar to taking a break to go get a food snack, take a break to do a movement snack!

Breaking up the prolonged periods of sitting is important for keeping blood flowing to areas that are stagnant during long periods of work.

You don't have to do much, even just a couple of minutes goes a long way.

I recommend to clients to set a timer for every hour while at work and doing just a couple of minutes of movement every hour.

Hope this helps!

Stay tuned for more self care tips.

Here is a self care tip for my people with elbow, forearm, or wrist pain.

While just rolling out can be effective, I'm a big fan of active range of motion while rolling out. I find it gets results quicker and it is a technique I use in my massage sessions.

Stay tuned for more self care tips!