Not only does the team at Balance deliver trigger point therapy but we also educate our clients about TrP therapy and how they can do it themselves using Trigger Point Performance kits and individual products.

The more we do it the better the results our clients can achieve for themselves and gain independence with the tools we recommend.

Here is just one comment directed at the TPT page on Facebook:

“Your Ultimate 6 kit helped get me through Boston [Marathon]. Sciatic pains for 2 weeks before. Ran pain free. Thank you!”

Having been at the TPT HQ in Austin Texas a couple of weeks back I have been able to pass on some additional teaching points to Kellie and Trevor (the Balance sports massage team) and Jason Progl (movement, strength and conditioning coach) so they can educate even more effectively the benefits to be had by their clients inducing trigger point release on themselves.

Trigger Point Performance HQ, Austin, Texas

To see the Trigger Point Performance Products online CLICK this underlined link TPT Kits.

for more info contact Jonathan Lewis via our contact page, Twitter, or feel free to look me up on facebook.

BBC Science Reporter Victoria Gill’s article is linked to below:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8483401.stm

It describes research that came to the obvious conclusion that if you give a human the chance to take the path of least resistance they will take it, even if the consequences are a down turn in long term efficiency. Well thats my interpretation, but to be true to the article here is the opening paragraph:

Wearing cushioned running shoes may have changed the way in which many of us run, new research suggests.

Using slow-motion footage, scientists have discovered that experienced barefoot runners land very differently from runners who wear shoes.

The researchers showed that runners who have trained barefoot tend to strike the ground with their forefoot or mid-foot, rather than their heel.

At Balance we often talk about taking a long term perspective and discourage our clients from looking for the short term quick fix  (whether to be pain free without concern for recurrence, getting fit, getting strong, losing weight, making money etc) but as with all aspects of life its a lot more complicated when you think it through. So once you have read this article dont throw your trainers in the bin and hit Battersea Park for a barefoot 10k using the pose running technique – at least not straight away. There are several more possibilities avaialable to you.

Have a read and if you’d like to share your opinion or ask ours  get in contact with one of the team Paula (author of Running Repairs ), Mick Habgood (podiatrist and running orthotic specialist), Raph (an experienced physio in international athletics and many a “minimal shoe” runner), Frances (triathlon specialist and G-trainer expert) or Sian (currently researching MBT footwear at clinics across London). You can also contact Jonathan (the blog writer) who will happily discuss evolution, sociology, the weakening of human kind and how to prevent it! Send an email by clicking this highlighted link: Contact Page

Mick and Paula will be adding their comments here soon.

Just read a well balanced article from the New York Times on self-massage products. The journalist has consulted a number of sources including sports massage consumers, foam roller users, a triathlon coach, an Ironman triathlete and chiropractor, author of “Self-Massage for Athletes” Rich Poley, and the founder and creator of Trigger Point Performance Therapy products Cassidy Phillips.

The article is based around the following: “Devices for self-massage have become more common as more people compete in endurance sports and, more recently, as the recession has made professional rubdowns look prohibitively expensive. Trainers usually recommend a massage every week or every other week for people who are training for a marathon or triathlon, but the costs do add up: according to the American Massage Therapy Association, the average price of a massage is $63 an hour.”

The article’s quote from TPT founder Cassidy Phillips puts self massage and going to see a professional masseur in the context of oral hygiene. “You brush away some plaque yourself,” he said, “but you still go to the dentist for a thorough cleaning.”

Here’s the article:  http://bit.ly/8lUYu2
click for the Self-massage and Trigger Point range from Balance.

Ultimate 6 package - part of Balance's range of self-massage products

Its been a busy day here at Balance taking pictures to upload onto our soon to launch (at long last)online shop. We will be making available to the wider world many of the things that clients have had the opportunity of benefiting from here for many years – kettlebells, rehabilitation and fitness bands (from LifeLine and JC Santana), foam rollers, the full range of TPT trigger point self massage tools (including the grid), back care products, joint supplements, wobble cushions, gym balls and many other items.

We only offer products that the Balance Team members are 100% confident to recommend to our clients. As many of you will know Balance clients have been benefitting from kettlebells since 2003 as part of their sports injury treatments, rehab and ongoing health and sports programmes. We also have a long association with the Worlds top coaches. Since 2006 we have been working with Steve Cotter (Full Kontact and International Kettlebell and Fitness Federation) and now we are proud to finally have a book of the highest quality to go along with the high quality personal training on offer from the 5 RKC and IKFF coaches we have.

Kettlebell Guide Book and DVD

Steve Cotters “The Complete Guide to Kettlebell Lifting” can be bought here at Balance or ordered over the phone and shipped. The retail price is £59.99 but in conjunction with Steve in the US we are offering it an introductory price of £39.99 – can’t get it cheaper on Amazon! It comes as a combo set to include a DVD  so you can see the drills in motion.

There will be more details and comments about the guide on Jonathan’s Industrial Strength website soon.

attention to detail in this comprehensive guide - good and bad form is highlighted

orthotics and improved mechanics allow for more intense training and preparation for running

I read this blog yesterday whilst searching to see who else was talking about the G-trainer and marathon training. I came across this Addicted to Running Blog:

One pointless podiatrist appointment then another more fruitful one!

If you’ve been reading this blog for some time you’ll know that I’ve been wearing custom made orthotics for pretty much the whole of the year. Last week I went to see a new podiatrist as I’ve still been getting a really bad blister on the arch of my left foot. This time I decided to see a podiatrist at a running track in Ashford, as I figured that I would get the best service and advice as a runner from someone based at a running track. This was a mistake!

http://addictedtorunning.co.uk/running-running-orthotics/one-pointless-podiatrist-appointment-then-another-more-fruitful-one#more-166

I thought it was a great post, we know it is often a frustrating path that is followed following an injury or episode of pain, even if you have a good team of professionals to work with.

Clients need to be upfront and forthcoming with the therapist they are working with to get the most out of the experience and make an optimal recovery. If your professional is not fully aware of your feelings it is difficult to make the subtle adjustments that may be needed or renew your confidence and focus. It may just require simple modifications or an explanation of the process to take you from frustrated to progressing.

I believe that guiding injury recovery is as much an artful process as it is an exercise in evidence based science so feedback, both good and bad is essential.

As for the podiatry (the subject of the original blog) it has made a massive difference to us that Mick came in and demanded a grinder to make adjustments to the orthotics he produces (eliminates the frustrating waiting times).

It can be a roller coaster of an experience to go through the process of rehabilitation following injury or surgery (or both).  Danny is a client at Balance and he  has actually set up his own blog detailing his particular journey.

Jerym Brunton completed the Yukon Arctic Ultramarathon race in 4th position. This ultradistance event, as well as being exceptionally long, is said to be the coldest in the world.

The organisers of the Yukon Arctic Challenge describe it as the “The world’s coldest and toughest ultra!”.

From Feb. 15th – 26th, 2009, Jerym Brunton covered the 430 miles on foot (some chose mountain bike others cross country ski). Of the 16 competitors in this event (there are also marathon, 100 mile and 300 mile races) 7 did not finish.

But only 4 days before this phenomenal challenge Jerym wasn’t sure he would even get to the start line.

After 6 months of intense training Jerym developed severe shin pain and was unable to run. Fortunately he came to Balance and saw Raphael Rinaldi. After an intense course of treatment and a referral to Dr Charlotte Cowie at the BUPA Wellness Clinic for additional therapy Jerym was able to board the plane to Canada armed with  strategies to self manage his pain and discomfort and optimise his performance. He really did exceed expectations and went way beyond what many would have allowed themselves to achieve.

Thanks to Jerym for allowing us to share his story to demonstrate how impossible situations can be surmounted with discipline and determination. I’ve asked Jerym to give us a few words about the race so come back for a first hand account.