My favorite thing this month is Preventative Treatment, here are the two I use frequently to help me maintain the lifestyle I love and compete at a high level.
Both techniques are important to help prevent muscle overuse and treat soft tissue and scar tissue which limits range of motion and can prevent athletes from top performance. Some athletes think that you only need these two techniques when injured but that is like saying a car only needs an oil change only when it breaks down.
The fact is that if you don't use preventative techniques like these for maintenance, you probably will end up INJURED!! Don't let that happen!
Active Release Techniques® (ART)
I was introduced to the ART technique 10 years ago when I did my first Hawaii Ironman. They always have a huge tent right by the swim start where hundreds of athletes go everyday to get treated.
Last year in Hawaii I met Michael Leahy, the man who developed the technique and got to chat with him for a while on the theory behind the madness!!!
Active release technique (ART) is a patented soft tissue management system, where the doctor reestablishes motion between fascia planes thus reducing fibrous adhesions and reestablishing neural and myofascial glide between tissues. In English, it allows the muscles to contract freely thus more effectively. In most cases, the doctor/chiropractor will treat abnormal tissues by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements, they use their hands and it's like an art. It can make a huge difference to an athlete's performance.
The Graston Technique (GISTM)I was introduced to the Graston Technique® 5 years ago while spending some time at the Olympic center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The Graston Technique® incorporates a patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization to effectively detect and treat scar tissue and restrictions that affect normal function. The technique has been around for over 20 years but got very popular in the last few years and for a good reason...it's very effective.
David Graston suffered a multiple ligament injury of his knee and the surgical reconstruction left him with limited range of motion. Traditional physical therapy failed so he developed stainless steel tools to assist in the application of myofascial work on scar tissue. They use special stainless tools and a lubricant that allows the instrument to glide over the skin without causing any irritation.
Athletes usually ask me which one is best. I love both of them. My only recommendation is making sure you see a good doctor or Chiropractor. If either technique is not performed correctly, it can cause more damage than help.
The best two doctors in the Dallas area I know of are:
Dr. Ron Tribendis (
www.ntperformancechiropractic.com) and
Dr. Camille Reagan (
www.chirosportcenter.com)
Awards/Nominations: 
