Gallagher Fitness Resources

Tag: Recovery

  • Spring Clinic Begins

    The Spring Women’s Clinic begins today. A big welcome to all the women who are registered, 117! And a huge thank you to all the group leaders! We couldn’t do it without you. I’m excited to get this one off the ground.  And while there’s a bit of sadness that I won’t be going to the park the first 3-4 weeks as my ankle recovery continues, I look forward to the energy and enthusiasm from all the women coming to the clinic this spring. As I always encourage “patience, patience, patience,” this will be an excellent opportunity to exercise my own beliefs and accept that this is where I’m at and I’m going forward from here. Don’t look back, don’t compare where you used to be. Just move forward, with patience and persistence, and count the blessings for each step.

    This article does a good job of capturing the excitement about the Women’s Clinic. One Step At A Time

    And here’s a link to info about the surgery. Recovery Update

    Cheers! bck (Big Cat Kahuna)

  • 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.

  • 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!