Gallagher Fitness Resources

Category: Common Running Injuries & Overuse Conditions

Got an “owie” and not sure what it is? This category will provide ideas, tips, and advice for staying away from injury. If it’s too late and you are hurting, check here for help.

  • Injury Cycle

    Injuries can be avoided when you discover YOU can alter the cycle that creates them.  Hydration, proper recovery, massage, and rolling out with trigger point tools are all important pieces to the training puzzle.  We want you to reach your goals.  Taking care of your body is the easiest way to get there.  If you ignore the easy things your goals are harder to reach and unexpected injuries are just around the corner.

    Here’s a message from Cassidy Phillips, Trigger Point creator, talking about the role dehydration plays in the injury cycle.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ry1Q67x5NmU

  • Are You Breathing?

    As with any form of exercise, proper breathing techniques are a foundational element for success when using Trigger Point Performance tools and methods.

    Deep nasal breaths provide a steady stream of oxygen to the lower lobes of the lungs where blood oxygen transfer is at its greatest.  As we address key areas of the body with Myofascial Compression Techniques, this fresh oxygenated blood can successfully enter the muscle to restore pliability, elasticity, and fluidity.

    Nasal breathing also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which reduces stress and triggers relaxation and the recovery that is essential for optimal results when rolling out.  Many times rolling on a tender spot in the muscle will cause someone to hold their breath which will limit the muscles ability to relax.

    Begin each routine with a few deep nasal breaths to get focused and to set a pattern for the manipulation.  You will become more efficient and experience greater results with each session.

  • KT Tape: Saluting Running Specialty Retailers

    KT Tape would like to thank all the specialty retailers out there who accommodate the needs of those athletes continually striving for their PR’s. Kinesiology therapeutic tape is great for all sports, and is especially helpful to runners and their specific needs. Please read the nice things KT Tape has to say about stores like GFR!

    Trusted by millions, KT Tape is used for common sports injuries such as ITBS, runners knee, shin splints, hamstring strain, plantar pain, and other common running aches and pains. Click to read: Saluting Specialty Retailers.

  • Insights from Susan – Recovery

    I worked with Dick Brown for over a year in the mid 90’s while training for the 1500 (the metric mile). On a side note, Dick has coached several world class athletes, including former olympians.

    I thanked him and said to Dick, the training element I remember the most is one of the most difficult concepts to teach, and yet it’s the most important. It’s recovery. And Dick said, “I was hoping that’s what you were going to say.

    ”

    We went on to discuss that motivated runners have the ability to push a button and go hard, but they have a difficult time backing off and going easy, especially on the days that are supposed to be easy. So what happens is they push too hard on the easy days and then can’t put the pedal down on the hard days because it’s just not there.

    Frequently I hear about injuries or conditions that limit people’s regular training, most of which are related to lack of recovery. So just a little reminder, if it says go easy, do yourself a favor and go easy. You’ll be happily surprised at how much stronger you’ll feel the next time your plan calls for you to pick it up.

    Cheers!