There are 2 amazing classes offerred at WPT: Myofascial
movement on a friday morning, and Yoga
on a Wednesday lunchtime.
Home Exercise Program
Based upon the results of the physical therapy evaluation, appropriate
and specific home exercises are prescribed and diagrams provided when
applicable. This may involve stretches, strengthening and stability exercises.
Education is also a vital component and may include issues such as posture,
correction bio-mechanics and ergonomics. High tech educational teaching
aids may be used, such as personalized video and digital photography.
Below are some samples of how we might teach some of the self treatment
strategies for the patient to maximise gains on their own. Use
at your own risk!
Self treatment using the foam roller: these $20 pieces of equipment are
one of the most effective (and painful) methods of self treatment available.
Find where it hurts, and WAIT at that point until it releases or as long
as you can tolerate. Do this every day and you will start to notice differences
in less than 2 weeks. Utilise at your own risk. But preferable at the
specific direction of your trained MFR therapist.
Theracane: this $30 item is equally effective to locate and release trigger
points and myofascial release restrictions in hard to reach areas such
as between the shoulder blades, following similar principles as for the
foam roll.
Other tools used are the Nola Roller, a 4" inflated ball, the Health-Body-Ball,
Stretch-out-Strap, pelvic positioning wedges, sacral wedge, occipivot
and others. These are all available to purchase from our office once the
therapist has shown you how best YOU should use it. Remember these videos
are only for demonstration purposes!
Myofascial Unwinding
When stretching, our bodies naturally
desire to follow an elongating and uncoiling
pattern. This is natural and is analogous
to unwinding the strands of a ship's
rope. Hence, we refer to this as “Unwinding.” This
inherent movement enables stretches
to be taken to a deeper level, and enhances
effectiveness dramatically. When observing
the stretching movements of a happy
baby or a waking cat, we see Unwinding
at the most basic level. Myofascial
Unwinding is the spontaneous movement
of the body via the mind. With Unwinding,
one can achieve tremendous fascial releases
three-dimensionally.
Therapeutic Yoga
For a mini 10 minute yoga routine that you can do each day,
we made the above video for you. Follow along for a perfect way to get
yourself moving in the morning!
Yoga is an ancient practice which originated
in India, and is a classical Indian
science dealing with the search for
the soul. The word Yoga signifies
both the way to discovery of the soul
and union with it. Yoga is a philosophy,
a science and an art. It is also a therapy.
At the physical level, it gives relief
from countless ailments. The practice
of the postures (Asana) strengthens
the body, improves flexibility and creates
a feeling of well-being. From
the psychological viewpoint, Yoga sharpens
the intellect and aids concentration.
The practice of breathing techniques
(Pranayama) steadies the emotions and
calms the mind. Yoga brings awareness
and stillness. Through meditation inner
peace is experienced.
People of any age, health and religion can practice Yoga. In closely
supervised Therapeutic Yoga group classes, careful attention is paid to
form and alignment to ensure safety at all times.But what do the experts
say?
For a scientific look at some studies on the benefits of yoga, reviewed
by the staff at Harvard Medical School, click
here. Or click
here for another study
Key
Benefits 