Spring greetings from all of us at Active Motion Physiotherapy! The long days have returned to the Bow Valley and we are in the midst of these unique months when we can ski, hike, bike and play golf all on the same weekend! Bring on spring...
In this seventh installment of the Active Motion E-Newsletter:
- We introduce you to new Active Motion Massage Therapist Amber Gavin
- We highlight some great upcoming spring/summer events going on here in the Bow Valley
- We take a closer look at the benefits of Hiking with Poles
CLINIC NEWS
Welcome Amber Gavin
We are excited to introduce Massage Therapist Amber Gavin to our team. Amber came on board at Active Motion in late January and has been very well received by clients and fellow staff alike over the past few months. Amber provides clients with a dynamic and intuitive blend of Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sport and Rehabilitation Massage Therapy. She also has extensive experience with Pre and Post Natal massage, repetitive strain injuries, sports related injuries, hydrotherapy and joint mobilizations. Amber spends her time off traveling, hiking, climbing, snowboarding, playing soccer, mountain biking and exploring the outdoors. Contact Active Motion to book an appointment with Amber.
Follow Active Motion on Twitter
Active Motion is sharing general health tips, keeping you up to date on the latest Canmore and Banff news, and providing the latest clinic news to our followers. Be sure to follow us @bowvalleyphysio
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
BIKE FITTING- Back by popular demand! Join Active Motion's Hugh Simson and learn how optimal road and mountain bike positioning should look and feel. When your bike position is optimally adjusted to specifically fit your body, comfort and performance become a reality. Bring your road or mountain bike and Hugh will work with you to help fit your bicycle to you. (Cost: $30 +GST, call 403-762-6450 to register)
When: Wednesday April 28th, 2010 7-9 pm
Where: Sally Borden Building @ The Banff Centre
ROCKY MOUNTAIN SOAP COMPANY WOMEN'S RUN
Active Motion is pleased to be supplying Massage Therapy to participants at this year's RMSC Women's Run. Weather dependent, look for the Active Motion banner near the finish line. Be sure to book your massage appointment early-with over 600 women each day of the race it's sure to be a busy weekend for our Massage Therapists!
When: May 15-16, 2010
Where: Canmore Nordic Centre
HIKING WITH POLES
With unseasonably warm weather over the past few weeks, we have had several hiking Hamlets asking a pressing question: TO POLE OR NOT TO POLE ? As such, we thought it timely to discuss the benefits of hiking with poles in this latest installment of the Active Motion enews.
While used by backpackers on multi-day trips for years, hiking (or 'trekking') poles are gradually becoming standard equipment for the average day hiker, and for good reason. Poles promote a full body workout (both on the uphill and downhill), all the while improving circulation in the arms and hands.
On the uphill, poles improve both power and endurance, allowing hikers to switch to '4x4 mode' and helping to spread the workload between arms and legs. Furthermore, poles provide two added points of contact, dramatically improving stability and allowing for more anchors when the body is extending to reach the next step up.
With proper technique, poles relieve a significant amount of strain while hiking downhill. The added points of contact alleviate impact on knees, hips and the back, and help disburse force into the biceps, quads and abdomen while a hiker descends a slope. Maximum disbursement is attained with sound knee alignment (keeping them pointed downhill as much as possible) and relaxed shoulders.
POLE TECHNIQUE
Pole Height: Equal to 10cm below the arm pit
Pole Straps: With the straps hanging down, insert the hand from under the strap and grip the pole with the strap over the back side of the wrist and under the palm of the hand. Pull the strap so that it is snug; this helps to reduce the possibility of straining the wrist.
Hiking Level Terrain & Downhill: Use a reciprocal pattern as you would when cross country skiing.
Hiking Uphill: Plant the pole on the side of the ascending foot.
ACTIVE MOTION SERVICES FOR HIKERS
Orthotics: As you dust off your hiking boots this season take a look at the wear and tear on them. Look at your orthotics and be sure they are still in good condition, with plenty of arch. If they appear to need some attention, or if you are unsure if they are still working in your favour, stop in and one of our therapists will gladly do an assessment.
Massage: If you are in need of some help working out the kinks from those early season hikes be sure to book a massage with Amber or Scott.
Biomechanical Evaluations: A great place to start addressing muscle imbalances, weaknesses, and compensations prior to an injury developing. This approach follows a pre-habilitative model that we strive to achieve with all members of our community.
We always enjoy hearing from our clients. If there is anything we can do for you to improve the client experience, we're all ears. If you have a moment to fill out our Client Satisfaction Survey , please download it here and bring it in with you at the time of your next visit. We appreciate your feedback!
Yours in health,
THE AMPT TEAM