Massage Stick - Muscle Roller Stick Self-Myofascial Release - Quadriceps Although self-myofascial release (SMR) techniques can make a great addition to one self-maintenance routine, they will never replace a trained professional. SMR tools work in different ways according to design and how one uses them. One such tool is a massage stick or muscle roller stick. There are limitations on what one can achieve in a self-treatment context, partially due to applying tools. One can get the best results by using the right tool in the proper context and not expecting one tool to do everything. Even a combination of tools will not treat everything due to the limitations mentioned. The full article on Myofascial release using a Massage Stick / Muscle Roller Stick covers using such a tool to treat the quadriceps muscles in a self-treatment context. Article written by Terry Davis MChiro,  BSc (Hons),  Adv. Dip. Rem. Massag.,  Cert. WHS. As of December 31st 2020, the author chose to le...

Treating the legs with self myofascial release (SMR) tools - a myotherapist's perspective Self-myofascial release (SMR) has grown hugely in popularity and partly due to social media. Just as there are many forms of myofascial release (MFR), there is a huge variety of myofascial release tools on the market. As with most tools, each tool has a specific purpose by design. Equally, it is possible to use particular tools in different ways to achieve different intended outcomes. Professionals using soft-tissue therapy techniques, including (MFR) have historically used specific parts of the body to perform techniques on patients/clients. The development of many SMR tools came about by professionals looking to reduce loads and wear and tear on their bodies. However, the market for such tools within the professional therapist field is relatively small compared to the entire population. Hence, it is essential to understand the origins of such tools and the knowledge base behind their use and...

Proprioceptive foot and ankle rehabilitation Ankle injuries can cause a multitude of other problems later. Even seemingly minor ankle injuries can have an impact on proprioception (a kind of human GPS). The human GPS has particular relevance to the placement of the foot and ankle when walking or more involved activities like running and jumping. As the ankles are weight-bearing joints, how the foot plants when moving is critical to injury avoidance and sure footing. Ankle injuries can effectively mean that the human GPS needs recalibrating post-injury. Proprioceptive ankle rehabilitation is a good way of recalibrating the human GPS. However, before embarking on any form of self-treatment or rehabilitation, one should seek professional guidance in the first instance. There are occasions where it may not be safe or contraindicated for one to embark on self-treatment, and equally, there may be underlying issues that require treatment first. The full article on proprioceptive rehabilitatio...