Gallagher Fitness Resources

Tag: Injuries/Illness

What to do if you are hurting or feeling sick

  • Susan’s Recovery Update: 3-20-11

    I received delightful news from Dr. Jones on the March 11 follow-up appt, a day over 10 weeks post-op, 6 weeks in a cast and 4 weeks in the boot. He said recovery was ahead of schedule and gave me the green light to begin transitioning out of the boot! Despite having been on my feet most of the day prior, preparing for Chic’s Nite, the swelling was mostly gone. He also said I could begin no resistance spinning.

    Balance felt a bit off initially but all in all, it’s very liberating to be in running shoes again. The MalleoTrain brace from Bauerfeind works great to help keep the swelling down during the day.

    Pool running and core work are going great. (Thanks Ingrid, for the pool run today!) I feel the strength coming back, so thankful! I hope to be walking with the Leopards and Cougars in Tuesday’s Women’s Clinic by mid-April. I hope they will be there for me. Progress!

  • 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

  • Susan’s Recovery Update: 2-6-11

    On Dec 30th I had ankle reconstruction. Fast forward to 2/11 and I get the CAST OFF! Progress! Then I’ll wear a boot for 4-6 weeks, with gradual weight-bearing and I’ll be able to get in the pool again and sweat! Progress!

    Rock Chalk Jayhawk – KU!

    People ask what happened and what exactly was done in surgery. The procedure included calcaneal osteotomy, flexor digitorum longus transfer, debridement of remnants of posterior tibial tendon and repair of old disruption spring ligament and medial talonavicular capsule.

    What it really means? The posterior tibial tendon, important for walking and running, was dysfunctional and I’d been compensating for years, creating damage to other tendons and ligaments, eventually decreasing joint stability which was worsening quickly. The osteotomy (restructuring the heel bone) and the flexor digitorum longus transfer (grafting one tendon to replace another) will provide joint stability. Surgery was successful and patience is my friend.

    Knee scooter = more mobility and independence than crutches or wheelchair. The uniform? Kansas Jayhawk Track & Field and Cross Country 83-85, hence the hot pink and blue cast! Have I been bored? Absolutely not! Leg elevated, mostly, laptop, cell phone and books provide plenty to keep me occupied, and visitors, delightful! As for the scooter, John calls me “Scooter Girl!” Go figure.

    Many family, friends and customers have been very helpful through my recovery and transition. To all, your wonderful support and thoughts for continued recovery are greatly appreciated! Thank you!

    Cheers! – Big Cat Kahuna

    “Mind is the great lever of all things. Human thought is the process by which human ends are ultimately answered.” – Daniel Webster

  • 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.