Allaire Back Fitness Workshop

Participate in a fun and informative assessment of 7 basic movement patterns.

Identify faulty movement patterns that contribute to pain and dysfunction.

Learn exercises that will create healthier movement patterns.

People who already take the Allaire Back Fitness (ABF) class will be able to focus more effectively on their needs during class. People who can’t attend the weekly ABF class will leave with exercises they can practice on their own.

Where: Peninsula Ballet Theater

1880 S. Grant St. San Mateo

Bring: A mat (foam roller optional)

Fee: $40.00

When: July 23, 2011 Time: 10-12

RSVP: July 20, 2011 @ (650) 342 - 3262

Limited to 12 participants. Minimum of 5.

Allaire Back Fitness Season 2

Matt and I are in the process of completing Allaire Back Fitness Season 2 Series and DVD. It should be ready for broadcast by late 2011. This series was taped in Huatulco, Mexico. It includes exercises that help you develop a healthier back, better posture and core, and improved body mechanics.

I lead a very active life. I dance, I practice martial arts, I run, but the Allaire Back Fitness exercises are the ones I practice without fail! They maintain my physical foundation and support my many activities.

I am excited to get this series out there and available to you! It is a great compliment to Allaire Back Fitness Season 1 Series and DVD.

Here's to healthy backs!

Back In The Kitchen article

I recently wrote an article about back pain prevention in the professional kitchen for The Culinarian: Official Publication of the Chefs Association of the Pacific Coast. August 2010

Happy Holiday Season!

I’m grateful to have such a wonderful group of people coming to my office and classes.

I’d like to thank you for trusting me with your care. I don’t advertise, so your referrals are greatly appreciated. Thank you for spreading the word about my practice.

Stress, happy or difficult times, illness, training for marathons, injuries, etc. are reflected in our bodies. I feel privileged to share in the events of your life and to contribute to your well-being. I’m especially glad when we can prevent these events from taking your body into a full-force flare-up!

I hope you and your family have a terrific holiday season and happy 2010!

Pillows

I like the guidelines provided by the American Chiropractic Association.

1. When lying on your side, your head and neck should remain level with your mid and lower spine. When lying on your back, your head and neck should remain level with your upper back and spine. In other words, your pillow should not be so thick that it causes your head and neck to be propped up or angled sharply away from your body.

2. Be wary of pillows that are made out of mushy foam materials. The weight of your head can displace this kind of foam, leaving little support. Choose firmer foam and materials that press back and support the head.

3. If you find yourself sleeping on your side with one hand propped under your pillow, that's a clue that you're not getting the support you need from that pillow.

4. There is no such thing as a universal fit when it comes to pillows. Find one that is consistent with the shape and size of your body.

Joint Pain: Cold and Rainy Weather Alert?

Feeling achy and stiff lately? It may have to do with the weather. People have long talked about how their joints hurt when the weather changes. There’s always been plenty of anecdotal evidence, but no scientific data until a 2003 Japanese study published in the International Journal of Biometeorology found that there was a direct connection between low pressure, low temperatures and joint pain in rats. It suggests that cold, humidity, and moisture in the air triggers joint pain. Changes in synovial fluid (decreased joint lubrication) could increase inflammation and pain. As usual, more studies are needed. Luckily, exercise and various therapies can help relieve pain and stiffness.

Shoulder Arthritis

Q: I’m a 43 year old athlete and I’ve been diagnosed with (osteo)arthritis of the shoulder.

A: I empathize! I have arthritis in my left shoulder. It probably started with an aikido injury 8 years ago and was compounded by over-use.

I don’t know the details of your particular situation, but here is a general strategy for this type of arthritis.

Trauma often lays the groundwork for an early presentation of arthritis. It's actually quite common, esp in athletes. There are things you can do to decrease the progression of arthritis, but we still can't make it disappear.

-Strengthen and stretch muscles in the area to create a responsive/stabilizing environment for the joint. The more effective the muscles are at dealing with the brunt of physical stress, the more they will protect the joint.

-Get soft tissue work and appropriate manipulation of joints, and neighboring joints, to keep the area as functional as possible. The goal is to decrease the compressive forces on the joint that come from scar tissue, joint locking, and soft tissue binding. We want our muscles to be strong, supple, and to support our structure. They can’t be responsive/effective if they aren’t functioning well.

-Glucosamine/chondroitin supplements seem to help many people

-General decrease in inflammation through turmeric, omega 3s, and ginger seems to help some people

Arthritis ultimately robs the joint of its range of motion.

The bottom line is use it (without over-using) or lose it. There is a fine balance in that...and it’s different for each person.

Consult a health care provider that understands and has experience with this condition.

Don’t give up! This situation can be frustrating and we tend to think of injuries and their sequelae as linear processes. They actually cycle through good and bad periods. We can do a lot to influence these processes.

Plus, stem cell research may find the key to cartilage re-growth.