Summer is officially over, but for me Late June and July were interesting month’s.
” I managed to do something I really wanted to do.”
Anyone who has been treated by me, will know for me it is all about the injury, that does not mean I do not respect and understand my patients, but what I see is the damage done and how soon it can be restored and the best way to proceed.
One of the best ways for that, is getting in there and seeing what is going on and how it is all put together , how it is all connected, but that is not likely to happen and I don’t have X Ray eyes to see what is happening.
Since Jacqui had damage to her knee and had to have a knee replacement, back in 2010, I have had a great deal of interest in knee pathologies and how to help with knee pain
Then an opportunity to go to the University of Dundee at their Department of Anatomy to find out a whole lot more, on a Body Dissection Course, the main focus of the course being on being BioTensegrity, Genetics,Kinetics and Synergetics , with one of the best Human Anatomist, John Sharkey of the NTC in Dublin was to good an opportunity to miss.
I was in my element. needless to say it has opened up a lot more understanding for me ,
Opening up a knee and seeing for myself, all the intricate connections, the layers in the human body, the depth is truly is amazing, seeing how poor posture damages the body, As I always say you never stop learning and there is so much more to learn, though what I have learnt from the course will come in extremely useful when treating my clients.
Keith is currently rated 17th in the UK in Archery . Needing to be continuously on top form ensuring he is able to achieve accurate aim which requires to be physically on top form .
Here is a statement from Keith
I came to see Steve following talking to another friend at the Norwich Archer Club . Telling Steve about all the demands on my body ,pressure, potential injuries the need for concentration ,Steve went to work . A full assessment ,noting any concerns he found .Introducing his Bioneuro machine .
Steve ,explained how it works on your Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems . A strange feeling ,but it is doing me the power of good . The Bioneuro combined with massage fantastic ! . The increase in blood and nerve supply to my body aids that feel good factor .
I have been able to run 10k’s with no ill effects ,train harder as well . Massage great ,getting rid of trigger points that have developed so necessary .
This is not a sales pitch ,but this works the combination of this machine and effective professional experienced massage will help You stay on target .
Keep up the great work Steve
Keith H
Archery these days is a high standard competition sport including the Olympics, but it owes it’s root’s in the necessity to form an army to protect a Kingdom.
Indeed Henry III even made it compulsory with the Act of Assizes of Arms of 1252 that all men would be Armed with one of the weapons of the day , but for most they would have to also have a Long Bow they would have to train on this weapon constantly.
You may not believe this but it is true, this law is still in place as it was never repealed.
All English males over the age of 14 are to carry out two hours of longbow practice every week, supervised by the local clergy. This law dates from the middle ages when there was no army and is still in place today.
Yew trees were commonly planted in English churchyards to make sure that there would always have readily available longbow wood
This did actually become a bit of a double edged sword as it were, because although this made it easier for the King to raise an army, it also meant that the bow became the weapon that was commonly used by rebels during the Peasants Revolt.
The Yeoman class of England became extremely proficient with the longbow, As for the nobility in England, from then on they had to be careful not to push them into open rebellion .
Anyone who has tried to shoot an Arrow from a Bow, will know it is not an easy thing to do. Good eyesight is necessary
As for the Aim, It is all about Technique , Assuming the Correct Stance , Fluidity of Motion, Stability and Tension Strength after all they are pulling on that Bow String to Draw Tension, the equivalent in tension of 20-30 Kilos.
Most choose what is called a “Neutral Stance “ this term indicates that the leg furthest from the shooting line is a half to a whole foot-length from the other foot, on the ground. As Archers become more proficient they find their own position some use a Closed Stance others like( Keith use an open Stance.)
With the body nearly perpendicular to the target and the shooting line, with the feet placed shoulder-width apart, the archer then raises the bow and draws the string, they will vary the alignments for vertical versus slightly canted bow positions. We may not see all that is going on when we watch them, as this is often one fluid motion
Competition bows such as (The Recurve Bow that Keith uses) are released almost immediately upon reaching full draw at maximum weight, whereas compound bows reach their maximum weight around the last inch and a half, dropping holding weight significantly at full draw. Compound bows are often held at full draw for a long time to achieve maximum accuracy.
To release the arrow, the Archer will relax the fingers of the drawing hand,as does Keith ( some that use a competition bow, have a triggering mechanical release aid) at the same time still keeping the drawing arm ridged, and the Bow Hand relaxed, the arrow is moved back into position by using the Back Muscles as opposed to using arm motions (This will become very evident when you watch the video of Keith).
They also, as with any shooting activity be aware of Recoil action, follow through of the body if this is not checked it may indicate problems with their form technique and could possibly affect their accuracy and efficiency .
To aid his performance it is vital to ensure all the skeletal muscles in his thoracic area of his back are primed for action , the importance of these muscles firing in the correct order to achieve the positive execution of the outcome of his shot.
This means his Rhomboids (Major and Minor ) also his Serratus Anterior, being the Antagonist to the Rhomboids is critical, also his Triceps muscles in order to sustain stability.
With the archer’s lower Trapezius muscles being used to pull the arrow to the anchor point. This is when the archer draws the string hand towards the face, where it should rest lightly at a fixed anchor point. This point should be consistent from shot to shot, and is usually at the corner of the mouth, on the chin, to the cheek, or to the ear, depending on the archers preferred shooting style.
Because the archer has to hold the bow arm outwards, toward the target. the elbow of this arm should be rotated so that the inner elbow is perpendicular to the ground, though some archers with hyper extendable elbows will tend to angle the inner elbow toward the ground.
These muscles need to work in unison being strong achieving full tautness that can be retained for a period of time when in action of Adversion , but at the same time remaining supple .whilst the execution of his shot is in motion.
The definition of the muscles in this video and the recruitment and firing of the muscle, can clearly be seen. You will notice the fluidity of the muscle progression while Keith is taking the shot
“And for those of you who would like to know where all those arrows landed while doing this video, this picture says it all that is why he is on his way to the Olympics and we are proud to be looking after him and keeping him in Top Form”
Great to see the young lady I have been helping ( a Member of GB u23 Kayak Sprint Team ) who travelled from Nottingham to Norwich for Sports Massage and Bioneuro treatment to ensure she is on good form for selection for the European Championships.
While also treating another Athlete he is also on the road to Tokyo Olympics Norfolk’s number one Archer, the aim to ensuring he is able to be the best he can be for that achieve his target of a Gold medal.
We also have is a young guy. who has had intensive Spinal Surgery 18 months ago, he gets around on crutches, he comes for massage and Bioneuro, to help him reach his targets and goals.
His message to us was
“This week I feel we have really achieved a major step forward Steve my feet are feeling warmer than they ever have since surgery and my need for painkillers has decreased by half .”
Kayak Team Member Lucy needed help, her mum contacted Steve for his help to get Lucy back on form again , this was managed with the use of Neuromuscular Techniques and the aid of the Bioneuro.
When we received this email from Lucy’s mum, we had to help her.
Dear Steve
My Daughter Lucy is an athlete, with the amount of training she has to do for her Kayaking I am always concerned ,that she might come home broken one day. This turned out to be the case when she came home from a Ski Training Camp this spring.
The trip was primarily cross -country skiing to help with aerobic fitness training for her Kayaking. On the last day Lucy went Snow Boarding and had a couple of very heavy falls.
Lucy is now back at training Pain free
“Over the years I have been in this profession one goal has always remained the same . “That all my patients will be the best they can be to achieve their goals in life, injury and disability can affect anybody I always proud when they achieve their goal and so glad that I have been there to help them.”
While watching Last Sunday’s Morning News, yet again the subject of
Footballers and the increase taking of powerful painkilling medication was being discussed
We all know that for any team it is all about the results on the field that is important, but is it really at the cost of the long term health of your main assets, Your Team’s Players.
This is worrying, these days when we know the long term damage of Painkilling medication, yet we have some brilliant Neuromuscular therapist, Bodywork Therapist and Non invasive and non chemical treatments out there, why are they still using painkilling medication as a Stop Gap, injuries need to be treated,
Muscles when they are Hypertonic , are more prone to injury these guys need their muscles to be more supple , they need treatment not masking tape practice. Players need to be looked after , then teams will get the best out of them and less injuries.
Hearing what Professor Dvorak said about , half of players competing at the past three World Cups routinely took non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and that it had become a cultural issue, part of the game.
“This is Elite footballers’ “abuse” of legal painkillers risks their health and could “potentially” have life-threatening implications ” He says some clubs prioritise success over player welfare, leading to players feeling “pressured” into taking medication to overcome minor injuries and play in important games.
While according to Former England defender Danny Mills ,”Painkillers in football have always been widespread – “and always will be, I’ve been in many dressing rooms where I’ve seen other players pressured into playing with painkillers,”
When you hear that this is what is happening to young players that have just started their career, it is even more of a concern, children want to grow up and become Footballers, that is great news,” but do we want our children to grow up to be put in the situation that we are seeing young players going through now .”
Let’s treat the players as we should and keep them in top form, they need to have good treatment
I am not talking about wrapping them up in cotton wool. I mean good regular therapy . They need to be on the pitch playing not on the bench in pain.
Footballers have only a short career as it is they should not be spending it in pain that is masked with the use of painkillers, then end up with surgery as most do in later life
Early intervention is essential for Trauma related injury, Reduction in the need for Pain killing Drugs they only Mask Pain they do not heal
The Bioneuro Sigma Q System works with the patients own body to help the healing process begin a lot faster , our bodies natural instinct after injury is to heal, The Bioneuro system can help deliver its effective energy direct to the injured area increasing nerve and blood supply , waking up moribund nerves regenerating nerve pathways there by accelerating recovery.
One Friday night recently , I was called to treat Martyn from COGmedia. Who said he was suffering from a excessive stiff neck,painful upper back following a week of extremely hard computer work,looking after web sites .
Following a full assessment I saw all the signs and symptoms of SPASMODIC TORTICOLLIS . His pain and discomfort were immense.
Applying the Bioneuro Therapy System we started to relieve pain ,improve blood flow aid nerve and endorphin supply whilst massaging and manipulating the deep muscles of his upper back the Trapezius, Rhomboids . Neck muscles being the Sternocleidomastoids ,Scalenes and the Splenius Capitis and Splenius Cervicis.
Having not slept well for a number of days ,seeing Martyn being able to relax was great .
Now having treated Martyn twice ,using Bioneuro to work deeply through the bodies fascia to the depths of his body. While massaging and using neuromuscular techniques ,seeing his pain -free movement restored,with ability to sleep well I know my job is completed.
First tip. Your feet these are the things that are going to be carrying you through this, so they need to be looked after, keep them clean make sure that your toenails are trimmed. Make sure your trainers fit well and are comfortable a few runners say it is best to try new trainers on later in the day when your feet are hot, this is your call but always make sure you only wear them on short runs to begin with, you do not want to be wearing new trainers on the day of a big run, they need to be already be worn in, or you may get blisters on the day ,but we don’t need to encourage them. What about the socks ? make sure you turn them inside out and check for loose threads before the day of a big run, make sure they fit comfortably don’t have them to tight, socks can do a lot of damage if they cut into you.
Now the exercises for the feet while sitting in a chair. You need a tennis ball put it under the arch of the foot and roll it down to the ball of the foot then up to the heel this will help to stretch those muscle in that area you also need to grip the toes in and out a few times a day again to stretch muscles in the foot, also again while sitting a form calf raises this will help the Achilles tendon.
You also need to pamper your feet, massage between the toes around the toenails under the toes, you can get cracks in the skin there and don’t forget the ankle ( always massage towards the ankle then up towards the lower leg with firm but gentle pressure you can always use a bit of olive oil ) look after them tootsies now and they will do you proud on the day.
Patient X attended my clinic for 2nd Session “Preparation Marathon for 2017.”
It may be the Festive season, but when you are in training for a Marathon you still have to do that training , you have to keep on top of things that also means no overdoing the festive treats.
There are a lot of things to be considered when training in the winter time Warming up it is even more important in winter, Cold Muscles do not work well.
The Immune system needs a boost, unfortunately because when you are running you are pushing your body to do more than it wants , the body is working hard having to repair itself more, you are using more of your vitamins and nutrients on that repair work, that it increases the chance of you being more open to cold and flu infections.
You need to increase your Vitamin C, Zinc , Vitamin D3 and Calcium , as with the winter weather there is less chance to boost Vitamin D3 with sunlight, but we will talk more about that as we go through the next few weeks.
Week 2
The second treatment session for Patient X took place on rest period day from training . Wanting to ensure good motor neuron function in the feet we concentrated the Bioneuro Sigma Q treatment with Pads on the feet.
A very interesting observation on this mornings intervention was presented with a excessively hyper-tonic calf muscles/shin splints on the left leg . Dorsi flexion and Plantar flexion actions appeared slightly impaired .Following treatment we had total pain free movement and were able to continue with the days work.
Today we also proved that the “Deep Peroneal nerve can be activated and movement improved with Bioneuro Sigma Q.
This weeks running has been great.
2x 5mile pace runs.
1x 10 mile steady and
1x 5 mile easy.
Both the pace runs went well. Ran them at night. Both finishing strong with fastest mile being the last one. Second one was in new location which always helps as its always good to change the scenery.
My ten miler was in Xmas Eve. Decided to mix it up so I ran to my local Park Run (3.5 miles away) completed that before running home after. Obviously didn’t go flat out at PR due to the need to retain some energy for the – mainly uphill – return route.
Anyway my average time was nearly s minute per mile under my marathon target pace which is great. Again finishing with a good last mile.
Next run was an easy 5 mile, taking it steady and not pushing it. Still kept under target pace though.
All in all 4 really good runs. On target with just over 100 days til race day.
My hope of getting under 4 hours is looking good – today at least.
My PB of 4:01 is there to be beat!
HNY Steve and thanks for looking after me.
After yesterday’s session I have no aches and pains. My shin splints which were very painful after the last run, seem to have calmed down since the Bioneuro treatment.
Patient X attended my clinic for treatment, “Preparation Marathon for 2017.”
Week 1
Starting with full assessment of the muscular skeletal condition, then into preparation treatment with the use of Sports Massage Neuro Muscular Technics and Bioneuro Therapy Treatment.
Working on the feet aiding the motor neuron/nerve messengers to have greater ability of nerve function and blood flow to the feet.
This will open up nerve function and blood flow to all lower extremity muscles helping the muscles to function better.
Moving onto massaging the legs and Achilles Tendon area , applying Neuromuscular Techniques combined with massage worked to deal aided the welfare of the calf area.
With a knee pathology present the use of MET’S (Muscle Energy Techniques ) to release shortened hamstrings from Weight Training session.
Whilst treating Patient x’s legs the Bioneuro Sigma Q was also applied to the Lower Back, this helped relieve those shortened/hyper-tonic muscles from the (Dead lift weight training session ).
Massage and manipulation followed, Patient X felt rejuvenated ready for the next stage of training leaving feeling fitter, injury free and stronger to achieve the goal of that marathon next year ! .
Report from Patient X
“Normally DOMS is quite prevalent on a Saturday after Thursday dead lifts. Not today though. Hamstrings and lower back weren’t as tight as usual and my run this morning was much easier thanks to yesterday’s session.
Good cool down after too so hopefully I won’t stiffen up later today. Ran my planned 10 miles at a steady pace fitting in the local Park Run midway through for good measure. Knee was its usual aching niggle but that’s nothing new is it?
All in all it was made easier thanks to your treatment yesterday. Thank you.
Patient X”
This Weeks Tip from Get Fit Stay Fit Norfolk for Runners
“Running of any type calls for continues numerous muscle actions . The greater the drawing together of these muscle groups the velocity generation from this action will create hyper-tonic muscles . All muscles in the body “Pull” and decreased circulation can be the result . Massage combined with Neuromuscular Therapy and Bioneuro Sigma Q will enhance the runners general well being ,aid restoration and training ability.
Most Sports injury therapist tend to get their clients after an injury , dealing with the recovery and rehabilitation, or a client who is preparing for a certain event.
As a Sports Massage and injury therapist, I have been in a position to help a lot of people with their recovery due to various injuries, but in 2009.
I found myself in a unique and unhappy position due to an accident that happened a few years previously.
Then the consequences of it, left further problems hat needed to be dealt with.
My wife Jacqui had been involved in a very bad a car accident in which she had a few injuries one was an impact injury to her left knee , a dislocation of the patella, this had been re-seated, but had become unstable and painful sometimes locking.
Pain can be nerve related , muscular or lastly structural. Remembering that tight shortened muscles will pull on damaged structures e.g. knees and can worsen pain .
I took this personally and was determined to do all I could to help my wife and find out as much as I could about knee injury , knee replacement and knee pain . I was not going to rely on just, what I had already been taught.
The complex structure of the knee and the workings of the replacement knee were just the beginning, reading books, talking to colleagues helped.
The main aim was to have the muscles supple and prepared for surgery, normal physiotherapy was not going to work as she was in pain and the exercises would only, further damage the injury .
I then met with the inventor of the Bioneuro , with his help and a injury treatment plan in place we then started work on my wife’s knee, the improvements were almost immediate, then when it came to the surgery we knew her muscles were in the best condition for the surgery, the recovery time was reduced and my wife’s mobility was improved greatly.
Then in 2010 we moved to Norwich to restart my Sports Injury Clinic, business has and is doing very well and I am proud to say I have devolved a great reputation for my working with clients with knee injuries.
I have been asked many times “Why are you so interested in Knee Pain” my answer is “People of all ages can and do suffer from knee pain and dysfunction, but when it is some one close to you then you have to do more, when you have achieved that goal, then it is up to you to help more people” so that is why I am helping so many people in Norwich with knee Pain.
The knee joint it’s self is a complex joint with structures , muscles, nerves that orchestrate movement of the knee joint
All the hands on work using Neuro manipulation techniques, the reading and advice, I took on board, while treating Jacqui , was not set aside, it was stored and reused questioned and evidenced.
I carried on working with my clients ,finding my fascination in knee injury, knee surgery, was becoming more useful, now in a position to refer my clients to a brilliant Orthopaedic Surgeon whom I have a great working relationship with .
I know I can offer my clients great treatment to help them if they have any Muscular Skeletal injury, but when it comes to Knees I am sure.
“Being there and being the best to help clients, with Knee Injury , pre or post Knee Surgery is One of my main Goals”
I believe with a passion as a Therapist, all patients deserve the best quality of life possible. Not to be captive to their injuries. Here is a email from one of my patients, who had suffered a chronic trauma pathology.
“Twelve years ago the muscles in my right leg locked up, leaving me with a debilitating limp. Unable to stand up straight at all! My buttock had diminished away to almost nothing. Nightmare or what the pain was horrific!”
Visits to High St Chiropractors achieved minimal results. By chance last Autumn I bumped into an old sailing friend who urged me to check out Steve Kirby’s www.getfitstayfitnorfolk.co.uk
Talking with Steve I was soon convinced to make the journey. Southampton to Norwich is a long way, but it has been worth every single mile.
Having had about half a dozen sessions, I am a bit of an old Croc ,freedom of movement is returning also standing straighter , and even doing the dreaded shoelaces up has become easier.
My buttock muscle feels as if it has been reconstructed. It also works well, I still can’t believe it!.
Steve used what he calls a Neuromuscular Activation System, along with Neuromuscular techniques mind blowing!.
Being able to sail boat racing again is my goal, so I am a ‘ Work in progress ‘.
Meeting by chance recently, a retired Senior Physiotherapist, she had been involved with my initial treatment all those years ago I was told how much I had improved and whatever I do the best is yet to come.”
Just recently I was at a Boot camp fitness weekend, having received a call from the organiser telling me they had been let down by the person who would normally come with them, so as a local Sports Massage therapist would I please help for a few hours.
Group of mature adults working out in fitness class
Having qualified and done my time, as a personal trainer a long time ago, but having never been to one of these Military Style Fitness Boot Camps, I must say I was intrigued enough to say yes.
As a Sports Injury therapist, for me it is all about the prevention of injury, as much as the repairing the damage once it is done.
It was all I had imagined, people were working out and wearing themselves out, more like a Rugby Training Session, these were people who were not use to this sort of intensive training, quite a few times I heard the words.
” I will get through this, after all it meant to be doing me good”.
“Personally I was not sure of that.”
Due to the damage people can do to their muscles, if they are not prepared for the intensity of the exercise and pressure put on the muscles.
“I do understand everyone’s need to get fit and a lot of the fads and quick fixes.”
We all seem to be under pressure to have results straight away, I am afraid this sort of body battering may end up with people having the results they do not want and always remember, you only have one body you want to keep in in the best of condition for as long as you can.
“Do not just think of the present, as today’s injuries will be with you as you get older, in the future”
Folks please take things steady and start sensibly, I am sure quite a few people were in the situation the following day, that they may have found it hard to even walk with out pain, not allowing for what the Dreaded DOMS will be doing to their muscles.
Ice baths or warm baths only act as a sensory diversion for the muscles for a short time after these applications they will not improve recovery.
Sports Injury Therapy will make a difference to the out come speed, improvement and recovery of the muscles, all these factors should be taken into consideration, before you embark on one of these Boot Camps.
To succeed in a Good Exercise Routine, it should always be a gradual build up, it should work with your body .
It is a progression, a journey, one you should be in control of, you need to look after your muscles not beat them up and tear them apart.
“I have seen many a client as a result of them not adhering to this advice.”
I was surprised that people, had not thought that Sports Injury Therapy should be part of their routine.
Do you honestly think that High Performance Professional Athletes have exercise as the main part of their lives do not take time out to rest, cool down, or do not have a warming up routine and do not have regular Sports Injury Therapy for any niggles that occur to prevent them getting worse.
” I can assure you they do Sports Injury Therapy Is vital to them.”
So why should it not be part of a routine for a person who is not only working at a full time, job while training for a sports event be it a local run to a marathon, or a person working out in the gym?
Sports Injury Therapy is hands on Clinical Massage Treatment to deal with injuries, be it in sport, work or in daily life at home or in the garden, an injury is an injury and not only Sports Men and Women have injuries.
If you have an injury they have a list of the therapist in your area, be sensible in your exercise program, get the benefit of incorporating Sports Injury Therapy into your routine.
Building up our Business Getfitstayfit Norfolk has been a dream for us, a goal that we are always striving to improve.
It is always trying to do the best you can for your clients getting them on the road to recovery and Pain Free motion, so they can work with their body to heal and be the best they can be.
We also know that to achieve this we have to keep Studying, keep learning , gain more knowledge and to put that knowledge to the best use.
There is no point as a Sports Massage Therapist to work hard to get your qualifications , then sit back on your laurel’s and not pursue further knowledge on your subject . Specialising in your subject learn all you can get the CPD points and keep learning, if you want to be taken seriously, for Getfitstayfit Norfolk this means Clinical Sports Massage.
Having opportunity to take on courses , go to events, get up to date information , is an absolute necessity ,having the backing of Graybrooks Insurance a company that specialises in insurance for Therapist’s.and is an absolute.
The Graybrooks SMA Member of the year 2015
So this year on September 5th 2015 While at the Spots Massage Association Conference, Steve Kirby was Awarded The Graybrooks SMA Member of the year 2015.
