Dooley Noted: 11/29/14
This week, a patient came to see me.
He admitted that his muscles felt so tight that he received massages twice weekly for the past year.
That begged a litany of questions.
Dooley: “Do you get relief from the massage?”
Patient: “Sure – while it’s happening.”
Dooley: “But nothing lasts?”
Patient: “Nope.”
He noted that he did a series of stretches, every morning and evening.
Dooley: “Do they help?”
Patient: “While I’m doing them.”
Dooley: “But nothing lasts?”
Patient: “No.”
This does not make massage and stretch ineffective at treating conditions.
But these are mobility corrections.
Most mobility problems start as problems stabilizing an area. The reflexive tightening is a protective mechanism.
Start mobilizing structures that stabilize you, and it’s much like gunning the gas when the parking brake is on.
You can try to gain mobility – but you might not get far.
If mobility corrections just aren’t holding, consider removing the parking brakes.
Gain some stability.
It may require you doing things that don’t come naturally – like building strength.
Authentic strength will not make you more stiff. Couple it with the proper mobility corrections, and you become flexible steel.
If you don’t think this will work, try touching your toes.
Now, take a sharp nasal inhale. Strongly blow out your air while dropping your head down to touch your toes.
I’ll bet you got a bit farther.
Central stability makes the limbs more mobile.
Strength can actually make you need less total stretching and massaging, while making every facet of your care more efficient and longer lasting.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley