The Edinburgh Marathon Event is coming soon 25th and 26th May and I'm sure we all know someone,family or friend who is running in this for a good cause. In The "run-up" to this wonderful and incredibly demanding task i tend to have clients looking for a sports massage to help prepare for the big day. Massage is a wonderful way to help someone prepare for an event like the Edinburgh Marathon. It helps the muscle tissue relax before the event and therefore can psychologically help in the mental preparation for the marathon.

What is a Back Nondger?

A Nodger is a cheeky little self-massager that hooks around your back and gives all those knots you can't reach a good going over. As soon as you use one, you'll hit a sweet spot and instantly start relaxing as you fall hopelessly in love with Nodging your knots.

With the majority of the population seated at their places of work back pain is a common issue. Sitting for several hours a day will eventually cause pressure on our back muscles. As will those of us who spend most of the day standing using arm movements doubled with back rotation and bending movements.Then add exercise after spending several hours a day working in awkward body positions I'm sure you will have experienced this scenario?

In the last year whilst working in Glasgow I've had the pleasure to be coached from my friend and Scottish National Weightlifter Andy Tsang. Andy is a skilled competitive weightlifter, incredibly knowledgeable trainer and one of the co-owners of Varsity Gym in Duke St Glasgow. We frequently chat about various training methods and diets fads that have "appeared" on the fitness scene on a seemingly monthly basis. Below is Andy's recently posted wise words which he has kindly permitted us to share.-

Sports Therapy Scotland Total Body Analysis

This service is very popular amongst BJJ, MMA, Thai , Boxing and Kick Boxing athletes who have to meet specified weights divisions several times a year. This is a fantastic way of monitoring and keeping a record throughout the year. Important factors such as Bodyfat % compared to total body weight, Hydration Level, Resting Heart Rate, Blood pressure levels and lung function (efficiency test) - are all measured using clinically calibrated equipment.  Advice on current training , diet etc can be modified if neccessary on the results gained from the assessment.

Electrical Muscle Stimulation EMS or STIM has been used for many years to stimulate muscle and nerve fibres to treat a number of muscle and nerve related conditions.EMS/STIM uses an electrical current to cause a single muscle or a group of muscles to contract. By placing electrodes on the skin in various locations the physical therapist can recruit the appropriate muscle fibers. Contracting the muscle via electrical stimulation helps strengthen the affected muscle. The physical therapist can change the current setting to allow for a forceful or gentle muscle contraction. Along with increasing muscle strength, the contraction of the muscle also promotes blood supply to the area that assists in healing.

Sports Therapy Scotland is opening a new Sports Injury and Physiotherapy clinic in The West End Glasgow.

16 Argyle Court,

The Hidden Lane,

1103 Argyle St

Glasgow

G38NA

We will offer the full range of Sports Therapy and Physiotherapy treatments conditions including

• Back Pain treatment and advice
• Frozen Shoulder
• Post operation Rehabilitation
• Functional Training and advice
• Tennis elbow
• Golfers elbow
• Snapping Hip
• Runners Knee
• Sciatica Treatment
  
• Sprains and strains
• Ultrasound Therapy
• Spinal Mobilisations
• Injury Prevention advice
• Qualified Nutritional Advice

• Neurotrac Sport XL 4 Channel Neuro Pulse Stimulator - EMS

Jon in July 

The Aonach Eagach, Glen Coe

Great weather (mostly) over the last month and lots of hill –time working on all kinds of training course, guided walks, scrambles and rock climbs throughout the Trossachs and beyond.  My Scottish Sun tan  has started to come back leaving me with a tanned face but white everywhere else as I keep covered to avoid the midges!

Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is similar to its counterpart, tennis elbow. The primary differences between these conditions are the location of the pain and the activity that leads to injury. However, both conditions are caused by overuse of the muscles and tendons of the forearm, leading to inflammation and pain around the elbow joint.

What is golfers elbow?

These problems, tennis elbow and golfer's elbow, are both forms of tendonitis. Tendons are the ends of muscles that attach to bone. Because of the force of the muscle, the points of insertion of the tendon on the bone are often pointed prominences. The medical names of Tennis Elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and Golfer's Elbow (medial epicondylitis) come from the names of these bony prominences where the tendons insert, and where the inflammation causes the pain. The pain of golfer's elbow is usually at the elbow joint on the inside of the arm; a shooting sensation down the forearm is also common while gripping objects.

What causes golfers elbow?

The mechanism of this injury can vary from a single violent action to, more commonly, repetitive stress injury where an action is performed repeatedly and pain gradually develops. No one is immune from these injuries, but they are most common at the beginning of the golf season, or when the offending activity is increased in intensity or duration. Golf is one common cause of these symptoms, but many other sport- and work-related activities can cause the same problem. Another common cause of this injury is with weekend DIY'ers who use hand tools on occasion.

Golfer's elbow is usually a self-limited problem, and does not cause any long-term disability. Treatment is rarely surgical, as this condition is well managed with a little rest correct manual therapy treatment and specific rehabilitation.

Sports Therapy Scotland regularly treats golfers elbow from amateur to professional athletes.

When we think of injury, we tend to think of the physical pain and discomfort experienced and perhaps less about the emotional effects.  Now recent research suggests that athletes may go through a process akin to that of someone grieving following serious injury.  For this reason, more attention is being paid to the emotional well-being of athletes during the rehabilitation process.

WEEK 13

After enjoying a couple of weeks off on holiday I was back at work on Monday feeling thoroughly refreshed and ready for the week ahead.  I had run 20 miles on Sunday in preparation for the Edinburgh Marathon, so I had decided to have Monday as my rest day.