All about Athletic Trainers

ROCKFORD TAPE, The KinesioloGy Tape, Synthetic For Sports, Best For Athletic Trainers & Physical Therapists, Perfect Support For Sports, STOP CHASING PAIN

2017-05-09T11:44:00.000-07:00

ROCKFORD TAPE, The KinesioloGy Tape, Synthetic For Sports, Best For Athletic Trainers & Physical Therapists, Perfect Support For Sports, STOP CHASING PAIN

STOP CHASING PAIN. Rockford Pre-Cut Combo - 20 Pre-Cut 10-Inch Strips features a design that helps maintain flexibility while improving the body's natural blood circulation to muscles and joints for increased healing. These kinesiology tape shapes are great for ligament strains, improved athletic performance and rehabilitation of sore muscles and joints. Features Waterproof Elasticity 170%, good tensile strength Strong and reliable sticky with high adhesion Soft, comfortable, light and skin breathable with cotton material Hypoallergenic adhesive, leaves no residue on body parts Elastic cotton substrate Latex free Health, Power, Strenght, Balance logo Easy application High visibility reflective graphics Wearable up to 5 days Water resistant, light & breathable Material: 97% cotton,3% spandex Rockford Tape™ is a premium kinesiology tape, is sticky, waterproof, hypoallergenic, it’s environmentally friendly, free of latex FDA/ISO/CE test report. The kinesiology tape is almost identical to human skin in both thickness and elasticity

http://rockfordtape.com/

Foam Roller Exercises

2016-11-16T08:30:00.001-08:00

A foam roller is a versatile and inexpensive piece of exercise equipment. It is basically a cylinder made of dense foam, and varying in diameter and length.

Myofascial release can be done as a foam roller exercise to stretch the fascia or connective tissue which surrounds the muscle.

Self myofascial release is a way of stretching the fascia yourself, without a therapist to do it for you. In most cases this is done using a foam roller - a cylinder of dense foam. Foam rollers can also be used to perform other exercises too, such as balance and core strengthening exercises.

Abdominal Crunch

This is an advanced exercise for working the abdominal and core muscles. Lying on the front with the roller under the thighs the knees are pulled up towards the

Adductor Muscles

This exercise gently massages the adductor muscles in the groin. The athlete rolls the inside of the groin over the roller applying more pressure

Balance Exercise

This exercise develops balance and pelvic stability. The athlete balances on two rollers alternately raising the arms and legs.

Bridge Exercise

This exercise strengthens the hamstrings, glutes and lower back. With the roller placed under the feet the athlete lifts the hips upwards.

Calf Muscles

This exercise massages the calf muscles at the back of the lower leg. The leg is rolled over the roller along the full length of the muscles

Hamstring Muscles

This foam roller exercise massages and applies myofascial release to the hamstring muscles.

Iliotibial Band

This ITB band foam roller exercise performs a myofascial release and stretch on the iliotibial band which passes down the outside

Latisimuss Dorsi

With the athlete positioned on their side the large latisimuss dorsi muscle can be worked.

Lower Abs

This exercise strengthens the lower abdominal muscles. Lying on the back with the knees bent the roller is placed between the knees.

Oblique Muscles

This exercise strengthens the oblique muscles. Lying on the back with the roller placed under the upper back

Peroneal Muscles

Foam roller exercise for myofascial release and stretching of the peroneal muscles on the outside of the lower leg.

Piriformis Muscle

The piriformis muscle is a deep outward rotating muscle in the buttock. It can become tight through over use.

Press Up

A simple press up exercise can be performed using the foam roller. An easy version can be done on the knees

Quadratus Lumborum

This exercise massages the quadratus lumborum muscle at the side of the lower back.

Quadriceps

This exercise performs a myofascial release and stretch on the quadriceps muscles at the front of the thigh.

Squat Balance

This is a variation of a standard squat exercise. A high level of balance is required.

Upper Back

This exercise massages the thoracic or upper area of the spine.

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/rehabilitation-exercises/foam-roller-exercises

Tests For Examination Of The Knee - Everything You Need To Know (VIDEO)

2016-11-10T13:14:00.003-08:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3643PM0a2o

How does Kinesiology Taping work?

2016-11-02T11:58:00.000-07:00

Muscles constantly extend and contract within a normal range; however, when muscles over-extend and over contract, such as when lifting an excessive amount of weight, muscles cannot recover and become inflamed. When a muscle is inflamed, swollen or stiff due to fatigue, the space between the skin and muscle is compressed, resulting in constriction to the flow of lymphatic fluid. This compression also applies pressure to the pain receptors beneath the skin, which in turn communicates, "discomfort signals" to the brain & emdash; the person experiences PAIN. This type of pain is known as myalgia, or muscular pain. To ensure that the muscles have free range of motion, elastic tapes with an elasticity of 150-160% of its original length are recommended for Kinesiology Taping. This specific elasticity also will not allow an over stretch of the muscles themselves. It may look like conventional athletic tape, but tape and Kinesiology Taping is fundamentally different. Kinesiology Taping is based on a different philosophy that aims to give free range of motion in order to allow the body's muscular system to heal itself bio-mechanically. Kinesiology Taping alleviates pain and facilitates lymphatic drainage by microscopically lifting the skin. The taped portion forms convolutions in the skin, thus increasing interstitial space. The result is that pressure and irritation are taken off the neural and sensory receptors, alleviating pain. Pressure is gradually taken off the lymphatic system, allowing it to channel more freely. Taped area forms convolutions then it increases the space between the skin and muscles and promotes the flow of lymphatic fluid. UNSTRETCHED. In this case, we stretch the skin of the affected area before application of the tape. This is done by stretching the muscles and joints in the affected area. After application, the taped skin will form convolutions when the skin and muscles contract back to their normal position. When the skin is lifted by this technique, the flow of blood and lymphatic fluid beneath the skin improves. The effect of Kinesiology Taping 1. Normalize Muscle Functions. It treats muscle pain due to overuse and troubles. The stressed muscles return to initial state from shoulder pain caused by holding heavy things, calf pain caused by walking too much, whole body pain due to long time exercise, cramp, etc. 2. Increase Circulation of Blood, Lymph, and Tissue Liquid. Its normally called bad blood circulation and examples are treating shoulder stiff and cold feeling disorder. When circulation of blood and lymph goes bad, it sticks to one place and as it becomes clot, it starts to put pressure on nerves. Through taping, it gives space between skin and organs which helps circulation and improve all kinds of illnesses. 3. Reduce Pain It stimulus skin and muscle which reduces neurologically. By nature, people themselves have function for reducing pain and it activates by attaching this tape. 4. Prevent from runoff of Articulation. When muscles pulls bone due to abnormal stress, articulation might run off. By pasting the tape, movement of muscles goes normal state and it prevent from runoff of articulation. The caution of Kinesiology Taping
1) Find the right part of muscle you feel pain and tape it fitted to your muscle size and shape. When muscle comes back to normal state, there should be wrinkles on the tapes.
2) Do not extend the tape. Rather stretch the muscle to the maximum and tape it.
3) Clean the part you are going to tape.
4) After taping, if you feel itchy or flare, remove the tape immediately.
5) If you extend the tape, it might continuously stimulus the skin and cause skin trouble.&nsp; So, do not extend and tape it.
6) When removing the tape, take off along the skin texture and put one hand pushing your skin and use the other hand to remove the tape. Be careful to take it off slowly. (Dont take off it with a jerk.)
7) If possible, process taping with support of specialists. If processing individually, go over the taping instruction carefully before further process.

Acute knee injuries

2016-11-01T16:06:00.000-07:00

knee injury usually occurs suddenly through either trauma or a twisting action. Pain in the knee can vary in severity from very mild to very severe and this depends on the injury mechanism (how the injury occurred) and the forces involved during the impact. It is strongly advised not to carry on playing if you have acute knee pain as this can easily progress to a chronic pain or to more complex knee injuries.

ACL Injury (anterior cruciate ligament sprain) or 'ACL injuries' are common in contact sports and especially those that are combined with sudden change of direction such as soccer or football. Often it will not occur in isolation but in most cases occur with damage to other structures within the knee such as the cartilage or ligaments.

Medial meniscus tear or torn meniscus is a tear to the semi circular shock absorbing cartilage in the knee joint causing pain on the inside of the knee. It is commonly injured through direct impact to the outside of the knee in contact sports or twisting but can also occur in older athletes through degeneration.

Medial ligament sprain (MCL injury) is a tear of the ligament on the inside of the knee, usually a result of twisting or direct impact. Symptoms include pain and swelling on the inside of the knee, often along the joint line.

Lateral ligament sprain (LCL) is a knee ligament injury involving a tear to the ligament on the outside of the knee and is most likely following a direct blow to the inside of the knee or twisting.

Patella dislocation occurs when the kneecap dislocates outside of its normal position, usually round the outside of the knee. It can also partially dislocate, called a subluxation. Pain will be felt immediately at the time of injury. There is likely to be swelling in the knee joint and there will be an obvious displacement of the kneecap.

Knee contusion or bruised knee occurs due to a direct impact or trauma to the knee. This can be due to a fall directly onto the knee or something hitting the knee, such as a ball or club. Contusion is the medical term for a bruise. The area will be tender to touch and there may be some swelling. The bruising will change color and start to fade after a few days.

Rotator Cuff Tears(Σύνδρομο υπακρωμιακής προστριβής).

2016-11-01T15:50:00.001-07:00

Rotator Cuff Tears(Σύνδρομο υπακρωμιακής προστριβής).

Το R.C.T (rotator cuff tears), είναι
μια επώδυνη κατάσταση στην περιοχή του ώμου, που προκαλείται από
επαναλαμβανόμενες προσκρούσεις του τενόντιου πετάλου των στροφέων
και του υπακρωμιακού θύλακα, μεταξύ της κεφαλής του βραχιονίου και
του ακρωμίου λόγω στένωσης χώρου. To R.C.T το διακρινουμε σε Rotator cuff tendinitis η πιο σωστα τα τελευταια χρονια Rotator cuff tendinopathy και σε Rotator cuff tear .Οι τραυματισμοί

στον ώμο των αθλητών μπάσκετ εμφανίζονται περίπου κατά 3.7 %.
Rotator cuff tendinopathy

Ο συγκεκριμένος τραυματισμός
είναι πολύ συχνός σε αθλητές (μπάσκετ, βόλεϊ , κολύμβησης,γκολφ) που το
άνω άκρο τους κινείται πάνω από το κεφάλι (over-head exercise) ουσιαστικα σε μια κινηση που
δεν ειναι φυσιολογικη για τα κινησιολογικα προτυπα του ανθρωπινου
μυοσκελετικου συστηματος.Η τενοντίτιδα θεραπεύεται συνήθως με τον πάγο, τα αντιφλεγμονώδη φάρμακα, και τη φυσικοθεραπεία

Rotator Cuff Tears

Ενας οι περισοτεροι τενοντες μπορεί να ''σχιστουν'' ως αποτέλεσμα ενος τραυματισμού η μιας χρόνιας τενοντοπαθειας, ή ενός συνδυασμού και των δύο. Χαρακτηριστικά η ζημία προκαλείται από μια πτώση, ένα άμεσο χτύπημα,

Οι υποκατηγοριες της κακωσης ειναι οι εξεις:

Rotator Cuff Partial Tear

παρατηρουμε μια κακωση των μαλακων μοριων του τενοντα

Rotator Cuff Full-Thickness Tear

Παρατηρουμε διατομη-σχισιμο του τενοντα σε 2 κοματια (υπάρχει βασικά μια τρύπα στον τένοντα.)

Η μείωση του υπακρωμιακού χώρου μπορεί να οφείλεται σε ανατομικούς

παράγοντες όπως οστεόφυτα, κατασκευαστική ιδιαιτερότητα (π.χ.
γαμψό ακρώμιο), μειωμένη ουριαία ολίσθηση του βραχιονίου κατά την
κάμψη ώμου ή λειτουργικούς παράγοντες (π.χ. μετά από τενοντίτιδα του
πετάλου των στροφέων έχουμε οίδημα άρα περιορισμός χώρου).
Το κύριο σύμπτωμα του συνδρόμου αρχικά είναι ο έντονος πόνος στον
ώμο μόνο σε over –head δραστηριότητες. Εν συνεχεία ωστόσο, πόνος
εμφανίζεται σε απλές καθημερινές δραστηριότητες, ακόμα και χωρίς να
κινείται το χέρι ή κατά τη διάρκεια του ύπνου όταν ο αθλητης πλακώνει
το πάσχον μέλος.Μερικοί ερευνητές υποστηρίζουν ότι το σύνδρομο
υπακρωμιακής προστριβής, επειδή προκαλεί συχνά περιορισμό κίνησης
ευθύνεται για τον παγωμένο ώμο. Η ακτινογραφία, το υπερηχογράφημα,
και η μαγνητική τομογραφία δίνουν στον ορθοπαιδικό μια λεπτομερή
εικόνα του προβλήματος, που σε συνεργασία με το φυσικοθεραπευτή
αναλαμβάνουν τη λειτουργική αποκατάσταση της άρθρωσης του ώμου.
Ο αθλητης ξεκινά συντηρητική θεραπεία με αντιφλεγμονώδη φάρμακα(NSAID'S)
που θα συστήσει ο θεράπων ιατρός, φυσικοθεραπεία, και αποφυγή
κινήσεων που επιδεινώνουν τον πόνο .Οι στόχοι της θεραπειας σε ενα σύνδρομο υπακρωμιακής προστριβής είναι να ανακτηθεί η χαμένη δύναμη, να βελτιωθεί η λειτουργία του ώμου, και να θεραπευθεί οποιαδήποτε ελλοχεύουσα τενοντίτιδα. Η συντηρητική αντιμετωπηση είναι επαρκής στη μεγάλη πλειοψηφία των αθλητων. Αν αυτή τελικά αποτύχει
εξετάζεται το ενδεχόμενο χειρουργικής θεραπείας (αρθροσκόπικα)
και μετεγχειρητικής φυσικοθεραπείας. Συνοπτικά παρουσιάζουμε ένα ενδικτικο
φυσικοθεραπευτικό προτοκολο.

Φάση 1 - Οξεία φάση (πρώτες 48-72 ώρες

● Κρυοθεραπεία, Ανάπαυση, Περίδεση, Ανάρροπη θέση (Κ.Α.Π.Α)
NSAID'S
● Φυσικά μέσα (TENS, Laser χαμηλής ισχύος, υπέρηχα ''3 MHz''διακοπτόμενα)
● Παθητικές, υποβοηθούμενες, εκκρεμοειδείς ασκήσεις
● Ισομετρικές συσπάσεις σε διάφορες γωνίες
● Παγομάλαξη
● Taping

Φάση 2 – Υποξεία φάση (πρώτες 3-6 εβδομάδες)

● Εναλλαγή ζεστού κρύου
● Φυσικά μέσα (TENS, Laser, υπέρηχo, θερμοθεραπεία)
● Μάλαξη
● Manual therapy (τεχνικές έλξης-ολίσθησης βραχιονίου,κινητοποίηση ωμοπλάτης)
● Κινησιοθεραπεία
(Ισομετρικές,ασκησεις με Thera-band, τροχαλία)
● P.N.F
(κινησιοθεραπεία-διατάσεις)
● Παγομάλαξη ,παγοθεραπεια
P.N.F
Taping

Φάση 3 – Χρόνια φάση (μετά τις 6 εβδομάδες)

Εναλλαγή ζεστού-κρύου
Φυσικά μέσα (TENS, Laser, υπέρηχα, θερμοθεραπεία)
Κινησιοθεραπεία
Μάλαξη
Διατάσεις (P.N.F.).
(Thera-band, πάσες, ντρίμπλες, shoots)
Παγομάλαξη,
P.N.F προχωρημένου επιπέδου
Taping

Τελος θελουμε να επισημάνουμε για πολλοστη φορα οτι η αριστη συνεργασια γιατρου-φυσικοθεραπευτη και φυσικοθεραπευτη-γυμναστη παιζουν καθοριστικο ρολο στην αμεση και σωστη επανενταξη του αθλητη

Christos Nikitas Poulis
Athletic Trainer

Ioannis Panagiotopoulos
Physical therapist

I would like to say a big thanks to my old classmate Nikitas Poulis aka (The Bird) and his partner Yanni Panayiotopoulos for their article

Indications, Contraindications, & Precautions of IASTM:

2016-10-24T14:53:00.002-07:00

Indications for Use:

Cervical sprain/strain
Lumbar sprain/strain
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Plantar Fasciitis
Lateral Epicondylitis/algia
Medial Epicondylitis/algia
Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
Patellofemoral Disorders
Achilles Tendinitis
Trigger Finger
Shin Splints
Post-Surgical Scar Tissue
de Quervain's Syndrome
Fibromyalgia
IT Band Syndrome
Low Back Pain
Joint Sprain
Muscle Strain

Contraindications for Use:

Neoplastic Disorders/Cancer
Kidney Infections
Anticoagulant Medication
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Uncontrolled Hypertension
Osteomyelitis
Osteoporosis
Generalized Infection
Fractures
Open Wound
Unhealed Suture Site/Sutures
Thrombophlebitis
Patient Intolerance/Non-compliance
Hypersensitivity
Hematoma
Myositis Ossificans

Precautions for Use:

Varicose Veins
Burn Scars
Acute Inflammatory Conditions (i.e. synovitis)
Pregnancy
*Extra care should be taken for clean up in individuals with blood-borne diseases (HIV/AIDS)*

How to Use & Apply IASTM:

GT elicits the use of six specially designed steel instruments for specific parts of the body. These tools are used to detect soft tissue lesions. They accomplish this by acting like "tuning forks," allowing for an increased biofeedback in the ability of the clinician to sense vibrations. A distinct vibration is incurred whenever the instrument comes into contact with soft tissue lesions, thus guiding the clinician to the specific area in need of treatment. Furthermore, the use of the tools also allows clinicians to spare the direct repetition of using their hands during treatment. This is a great advantage as many manual therapists report thumb pain and injuries, which can lead to a loss of income and clientele.

GT may be applied over the problematic tendon, muscle, ligament, fascia, or scar, and can treat non-surgical or surgical conditions associated with these tissues. Treatment dosage and frequency is determined by the healing stage of the tissue, patient tolerance, and tissue reactions. GT can also be administered statically, dynamically, or during functional movement.

The specifically-shaped instruments further allow the clinician to provide precise force application during treatment by allowing the instrument to mold over body contours. The varied edges of each instrument also allow for the clinician
to control the type of massage stroke and depth (dosage) of treatment, and to alter this depth so that it is comfortable to patients. The instruments also allow for the applied force to occur in the targeted area between the subcutaneous tissues and deeper connective tissues, rather than between the cutaneous tissue and the clinician's hands.

IASTM procedure involves using the instruments to apply force (massage) in a transverse direction to the underlying soft tissue lesion, therefore inducing the physiological inflammatory response. First, an emollient is applied to the patient's skin in order to reduce friction. The clinician may choose to wear rubber gloves to increase their grip on the tools if they desire. Next, IASTM is applied until a fair amount of redness develops in the area of the soft tissue lesion (<5min), signifying the start of the inflammatory response. Patients may experience slight pain with treatment, which is a normal reaction. Ice can be applied to the area afterwards to decrease pain.

*IASTM should not be used as a sole method of treatment.*
"Range of motion and strengthening exercises should be used in conjunction with IASTM to promote (proper) soft tissue adaptation and remodeling of soft tissue." (4) Therefore, patients should work on these exercises in the clinic and/or receive a home exercise program to promote these activities.

What is ASTYM treatment?

2016-10-24T14:53:00.001-07:00

Astym treatment is a therapy treatment that regenerates healthy soft tissues(muscles, tendons, etc.), and eliminates or reduces unwanted scar tissue that may be causing pain or movement restrictions.

ASTYM treatment is highly effective for restoring movement and reducing pain from soft tissue injury/dysfunction, and Astym even works when other approaches routinely fail. One of the main reasons for this is that was ASTYM Designed to target the underlying cause of many soft tissue problems, rather than just trying to relieve symptoms. Here are some of the diagnoses where patients have demonstrated excellent clinical results when treated with ASTYM :

• Lateral epicondylosis, chronic lateral epicondylitis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis
• Wrist sprain
• Plantar fasciopathy/heel pain/chronic plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendinosis and chronic achilles tendinitis
• Shin splints
• Patellar tendinosis, chronic patellar tendinitis/tendonitis (jumper’s knee)
• IT band syndrome
• Chronic hamstring strain
• Joint contractures
• Overuse injuries
• Pain or loss of motion & function following surgery, trauma or overuse injur

What is the hamstring strain?

2016-10-24T14:44:00.000-07:00

The hamstring muscle group consists of three separate muscles; the semitendinosus, semimembranosus and biceps femoris. They originate from the lower part of the pelvis and insert into the back of the shin bone. When contracting they mainly bend the knee and extend (straighten) the hip joint. Acute or sudden hamstring strains usually happen in two ways, either sprinting related or stretch related for example in martial arts, gymnastics or dancing.

During sprinting the hamstring muscles work extremely hard to decelerate the shin bone just before the foot strikes the ground and it is at this point that the hamstring is most likely to tear. Stretch related injuries usually occur higher at the back of the thigh in the tendon of the semimembranosus muscle. Sprinting related hamstring injuries often feel worse but recover more quickly, whereas stretch related hamstring strains can take longer to heel as the injury is more likely to the tendon where blood flow is lower.

3 Active mobility exercises

2016-10-24T14:40:00.001-07:00

Wide Leg Squat

Performing a squat in a wide leg position works the aductor muscles (groin) more than a conventional squat. The starting position for a wide leg squat is with the feet more than shoulder width apart and the toes pointing outwards. From here the athlete bends both knees, keeping back straight. Ideally the knee should reach a right angle (90 degrees), but if not this is something you can work on. Don't go past a right angle. Make sure the knees do not more in front of the toes, keep your weight over the mid foot and heel

Hip Raise

The hip raise exercise (sometimes called hip drop or hip hitch) is a great one for runners suffering with hip or knee pain. It strengthens the muscles responsible for the level of the hips when standing on one leg. The starting point for this exercise is sideways on a step with one leg unsupported. The unsupported leg is lowered towards the ground from the hip. The knees of both legs stay straight throughout. Drop the foot as low as possible before reversing the movement to list the hip as high as possible. This works the muscles around the hip on the standing leg

Tensor Fascia Latae Stretch 1

The tensor fascia latae is a small muscle on the outer hip, at the top of the IT band. It can be difficult to stretch so you may need to experiment with this position slightly until you can feel a stretch. The leg to be stretched is crossed behind the other. The same arm is raised up the the ceiling. The athlete bends over to the other side, sretching the entire side from shoulder to knee. Do not stretch into pain! Hold for 20-30 seconds, rest and repeat 2-3 times

Check this out

2016-10-23T10:43:00.002-07:00

https://m.facebook.com/SportMedLab/?ref=bookmarks

My old classmate nikitas aka The BIRD greate his own business ''the Sport Med Lab''

take a look to his FaceBook page.

ROCKFORDtape. Interesting stuff

2016-10-16T16:49:00.000-07:00

Be surprised from the quality of this products /http://rockfordtape.com/
Is not yet in the market just they ask our opinion by feedback
And I CAN SAY its super !!!
So... i choose to share it with you !!!

Guys worth every single penny this Kinesiology Tapes

10 Super Foods!!!

2013-04-16T07:25:00.001-07:00

These are definitely some of the best foods you can eat for your health... Full of antioxidants, chock full of vitamins, minerals and good fats; they help to fix the damage we do every day with diets, environmental stressors, chemical additives and physical stress. If you can include a few servings of these foods in your weekly diet, you will be adding a lot to your good health, and preventing many diseases that could be coming your way otherwise.

The list includes some superstars you may already know about and newly discovered foods such as:

Goji Berry
Acai Berry
Grass-Fed Meats and Wild-Caught Salmon
Almonds, Walnuts and Other Nuts
Avocados
Garlic, Onions, Leeks and Shallots
Tomatoes
Sprouts
Grass-Fed Raw Dairy Milk, Cheese, and Butter
Fermented Foods

Superfood #1. Goji Berries - Goji or wolfberries have long played important roles in Chinese medicine where they are believed to enhance immune system function, improve eyesight, protect the liver, boost sperm production and improve circulation, among other things. They can be eaten raw, consumed as juice or wine, brewed into an herbal tea, or prepared as a tincture.

Goji polysaccharides show antioxidant activity in vitro. As a source of dietary fiber, however, polysaccharides would yield products from bacterial fermentation in the colon, such as several short-chain fatty acids, e.g., butyric acid, which may provide health benefits.

Goji berry fruits also contain zeaxanthin, an important dietary carotenoid selectively absorbed into the retinal macula lutea where it is thought to provide antioxidant and protective light-filtering roles.

Several published studies, mostly from China, have also reported possible medicinal benefits of Lycium barbarum, especially due to its antioxidant properties, including potential benefits against cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases, vision-related diseases (such as age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma, having neuroprotective properties, or as an anticancer and immunomodulatory agent. Without a doubt, goji berries are one of the best antioxidant rich foods you can eat.

Super-food #2. Acai Berry - The fruit is a small, round, black-purple fruit about 1 inch in diameter, similar in appearance and size to a grape, and the newest wonder food.
Acai is particularly rich in fatty acids, feeling oily to the touch. It contains high levels of the monounsaturated fatty acid oleic acid. It is also rich in palmitic acid, and the polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid. β-sitosterol (beta-sitosterol), a phytosterol that competes with dietary cholesterol for absorption and so may reduce blood cholesterol levels, is also unusually rich.
A recent study found 19 amino acids, with especially high contents of aspartic acid and glutamic acid. The dense pigmentation of acai has led to several experimental studies of its anthocyanins, a group of polyphenols that give the deep color to berries and other fruits, and are high in antioxidant value.
Twelve other flavonoid-like compounds were additionally found, including homoorientin, orientin, taxifolin deoxyhexose, isovitexin and scoparin, as well as several unknown flavonoids. Proanthocyanidins, another group of polyphenolic compounds high in antioxidant value are present, with a profile similar to that of blueberries.
A number of studies have measured the antioxidant strength of acai. A recent report using a standardized oxygen radical absorbance capacity or ORAC analysis on a freeze-dried acai powder found that this powder showed a high antioxidant effect against peroxyl radical. This is approximately 10 times more than blueberries or cranberries.
Only 10% of acai's high antioxidant effects could be explained by its anthocyanin content, indicating that other polyphenols contribute most of the antioxidant activity.
Acai was found to have a higher amount of "slow-acting" antioxidant components, suggesting a more sustained antioxidant effect compared to "fast-acting" components.
Acai containing polyphenolics could reduce proliferation of HL-60 leukemia cells in vitro. The acai berry contains similar properties as red wine in controlling fats in the blood and is a fair contributor to go up against the wine diets of the Mediterranean people. In addition, Acai contains anti-inflammatory agents that inhibit COX 1 and 2 enzymes, thereby making it effective against arthritis, allergies, and other inflammatory diseases.

Superfood #3. Fermented Foods - Lacto-fermented foods have been around for a very long time. Common in Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and North and Central European cuisine, fermentation has been used to enhance the flavor of food, create food, and help food having a longer shelf life. Fermented foods are delicious and nutritious. These traditional foods are key to our health.
Fermentation allows the bacteria, yeasts and molds to "predigest" and therefore break down the carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to create probiotics which offer friendly bacteria into the digestive tract. This helps keep our immune system strong and supports overall digestive health.
Keep your digestive flora healthy and strong by regularly eating fermented foods.
Fermented foods are enzyme rich foods that are alive with micro-organisms. These foods allow beneficial microflora to "colonize" in the intestines (and for moms-to-be, also in the birth canal). This "inner ecosystem" helps support our health and fight infection. A healthy gastrointestinal tract is critical to a strong immune system. Diets rich in fermented foods, as well as fruits and vegetables, are best for us to in order to maintain a strong healthy body.
Fermented foods aid in digestion, promote healthy flora in the digestive tract, produce beneficial enzymes, offer better nutrition and allow the body to absorb vitamins (in particular C, and B12), minerals, nutritional value and omega 3s more effectively from foods. They regulate the level of acidity in the digestive tract and act as anti-oxidants. Fermented foods contain the same isothiocyanates found in cruciferous vegetables and therefore fight and prevent cancer.
Many fermented foods on the market today are not true fermented foods because they are created to maximize profits and shelf life instead of health. They are not as beneficial. It's important that we eat foods that are fermented with "Active" or "Live" Cultures.
Pasteurization kills off the living bacteria so look for unpasteurized and fresh fermented foods (in the grocery refrigerator section). Since fermentation is a way to keep the living enzymes alive, it goes against the theory to use pasteurized (or dead) milk, for example, but you can make yogurt and kefir with pasteurized milk, it just won't be as robust and beneficial.
Fermented Foods include: Acidophilus milk, amasake, bleu cheese, hard cheeses, fermented vegetables, kefir, kimchi, kombucha, miso, some pickles, sauerkraut (not canned), some soy sauce, tempeh, umeboshi plums, vinegar, yogurt.
Super-food #4. Grass Fed Meats and Wild Caught Salmon have more beta-carotene, vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids than beef produced using conventional cattle-feeding strategies.
Three ounces of ground beef from cattle fed conventional diets contain about 41 micrograms of beta-carotene and a typical rib eye steak has 36 micrograms. In contrast, meat from cattle fattened predominately on ryegrass has almost double the beta-carotene, 87 micrograms in 3.5 ounces of ground beef and 64 micrograms in a steak.
Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is a critical fat-soluble vitamin that is important for normal vision, bone growth, reproduction, cell division and cell differentiation.

The primary factor in both wild caught fish and grass fed meats is the fat content and the fat ratios. Both have significantly high levels of the essential fatty acid omega 3, which has powerfully positive health effects.
Grazing animals fed an exclusive grass fed diet, as well as wild caught salmon eating their natural diet, significantly alters the fatty acid composition. Cattle fed primarily grass have 60 percent more omega-3 fatty acids and a more favorable omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. Likewise for salmon raised on their natural diet. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and help prevent heart disease and arthritis. The essential fatty acids are also highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be particularly important for cognitive and behavioral function.
The meat and milk from grass-fed ruminants are the richest known source of another type of good fat called "conjugated linoleic acid" or CLA. When ruminants are raised on fresh pasture alone, their milk and meat contain as much as five times more CLA than products from animals fed conventional diets.
CLA may be one of our most potent defenses against cancer

Superfood #5. Grass Fed Raw Dairy Cheeses and Butter - Few people are aware that clean, raw milk from grass-fed cows was actually used as a medicine in the early part of the last century. That's right. Milk straight from the udder, the "stem cell" of foods, was used as medicine to treat, and frequently cure some serious chronic diseases. From the time of Hippocrates to until just after World War II, this "white blood" nourished and healed uncounted millions.
Clean raw milk, cheeses, and butter from grass-fed cows are a complete and properly balanced food. You could live on it exclusively if you had to. Raw dairy contains a wealth of healthy substances including: amino acids, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats such as CLA.
Amino acids are building blocks for protein. Depending on whom you ask, we need 20-22 of them for this task. Raw dairy products have all 20 of the standard amino acids. About 80% of the proteins in milk are caseins- reasonably heat stable but easy to digest. The remaining 20% or so fall into the class of whey proteins, many of which have important physiological effects (bioactivity). Also easy to digest, but very heat sensitive-and lost in the pasteurization process, these include key enzymes and enzyme inhibitors, immunoglobulins, metal-binding proteins, vitamin binding proteins and several growth factors.
Lactoferrin, an iron-binding protein, has numerous beneficial properties including (as you might guess) improved absorption and assimilation of iron, anti-cancer properties and anti-microbial action against several species of bacteria responsible for dental cavities. Recent studies also reveal that it has powerful antiviral properties as well.
Two other players in raw milk's antibiotic protein/enzyme arsenal are lysozyme and lactoperoxidase. Lysozyme can actually break apart cell walls of certain undesirable bacteria, while lactoperoxidase teams up with other substances to help knock out unwanted microbes too. The immunoglobulins, provide resistance to many viruses, bacteria and bacterial toxins and may help reduce the severity of asthma symptoms.

All fats cause the stomach lining to secrete a hormone (cholecystokinin or CCK), which, aside from boosting production and secretion of digestive enzymes, signals the brain that we've eaten enough. With that trigger removed, non-fat dairy products and other fat-free foods can potentially help contribute to over-eating. Full-fat raw dairy is the ONLY healthy dairy... NOT fat-free pasteurized dairy, which is basically a food with it's nutrition destroyed.
CLA, short for conjugated linoleic acid and abundant in milk from grass-fed cows, is a heavily studied, polyunsaturated Omega-6 fatty acid with promising health benefits. Among CLA's many potential benefits: it raises metabolic rate, helps remove abdominal fat, boosts muscle growth, reduces resistance to insulin, strengthens the immune system and lowers food allergy reactions. Grass-fed raw dairy has from 3-5 times the amount found in the milk from feedlot (grain fed) cows.
Discussions of minerals, or any nutrients for that matter, must deal with ranges rather than specific amounts, since individual needs vary. Raw milk contains a broad selection of completely available vitamins and minerals, ranging from the familiar calcium and phosphorus, to Vitamins A and D, and on down to trace elements. Raw grass-fed dairy also has a missing nutrient called 'K2', which is extremely valuable in helping the body absorb calcium, and therefore rebuilding bone, repairing cavities, and keeping the blood vessels clean.
The 60 plus (known) fully intact and functional enzymes in raw milk have an amazing array of tasks to perform, each one of them essential for one key task or another. The most significant health benefit derived from food enzymes is the burden they take off the body.
The amylase, bacterially-produced lactase, lipase and phosphatase in raw milk, break down starch, lactose, fat (triglycerides) and phosphate compounds respectively, making milk more digestible and freeing up key minerals. Other enzymes, like catalase, lysozyme and lactoperoxidase help to protect milk from unwanted bacterial infection, making it safer to drink.
Raw dairy contains about 3mg of cholesterol per gram - a decent amount. Our bodies make most of what we need, that amount fluctuating by what we get from our food. Cholesterol is a protective/repair substance. A waxy plant steroid (often lumped in with the fats), our body uses it as a form of waterproofing, and as a building block for a number of key hormones.

Superfood #6. Avocados - Avocados contain oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that may help to lower cholesterol. In one study of people with moderately high cholesterol levels, individuals who ate a diet high in avocados showed clear health improvements. After seven days on the diet that included avocados, they had significant decreases in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, along with an 11% increase in health promoting HDL cholesterol.
Avocados are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure. Adequate intake of potassium can help to guard against circulatory diseases, like high blood pressure, heart disease, or stroke.
One cup of avocado has 23% of the Daily Value for folate, a nutrient important for heart health. One study showed that individuals who consume folate-rich diets have a much lower risk of cardiovascular disease or stroke than those who do not consume as much of this vital nutrient.
Not only are avocados a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids including oleic acid, which has recently been shown to offer significant protection against breast cancer, but it is also a very concentrated dietary source of the carotenoid lutein; it also contains measurable amounts of related carotenoids (zeaxanthin, alpha-carotene and beta-carotene) plus significant quantities of tocopherols (vitamin E).
In a laboratory study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, an extract of avocado containing these carotenoids and tocopherols inhibited the growth of both androgen-dependent and androgen-independent prostate cancer cells.
Enjoying a few slices of avocado in your tossed salad, or mixing some chopped avocado into your favorite salsa will not only add a rich, creamy flavor, but will greatly increase your body's ability to absorb the health-promoting carotenoids that vegetables provide.
Since avocados contain a large variety of nutrients including vitamins, minerals, as well as heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, eating a little avocado along with carotenoid-rich vegetables and fruits is an excellent way to improve your body's ability to absorb carotenoids while also receiving other nutritional-and taste-benefits.
Oral cancer is even more likely to result in death than breast, skin, or cervical cancer, with a mortality rate of about 50% due to late detection. Avocados may offer a delicious dietary strategy for the prevention of oral cancer.
Phytonutrients in Hass avocados, the most readily available variety, target multiple signaling pathways, increasing the amount of free radicals (reactive oxygen species) within pre-cancerous and cancerous human oral cell lines, that leads to their death, but cause no harm to normal cells. Hass avocados may inhibit the growth of prostate cancer as well. When analyzed, Hass avocados were found to contain the highest content of lutein among commonly eaten fruits, as well as measurable amounts of related carotenoids (zeaxanthin, alpha-carotene, and beta-carotene).
Superfood #7. Almonds, Walnuts, Pecans, and Other Nuts - A high-fat food that's good for your health? You betcha!

Almonds and walnuts sit at the top of the heap for nutrition, but other nuts are healthy, too, including pistachios, pecans, and cashews. Nuts are high in monounsaturated fats, the same type of health-promoting fats as are found in olive oil, which have been associated with reduced risk of heart disease. Five large human epidemiological studies, including the Nurses Health Study, the Iowa Health Study, the Adventist Health Study, and the Physicians Health Study, all found that nut consumption is linked to a lower risk for heart disease.
Researchers who studied data from the Nurses Health Study estimated that substituting nuts for an equivalent amount of carbohydrate in an average diet resulted in a 30% reduction in heart disease risk.
A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition indicates that when foods independently known to lower cholesterol, such as almonds, are combined in a healthy way of eating, the beneficial effects are additive. In this study of 12 patients with elevated LDL cholesterol levels, a diet containing almonds and other nuts, plant sterols (also found in nuts), and soluble fiber (in high amounts in beans, oats, pears) reduced blood levels of all LDL fractions including small dense LDL (the type that most increases risk for cardiovascular disease) with near maximal reductions seen after only 2 weeks.
In addition to their cholesterol loweringeffects, nuts' ability to reduce heart disease risk may also be partly due to the antioxidant action of the vitamin E found, as well as to the LDL-lowering effect of monounsaturated fats. In addition to healthy fats and vitamin E, a quarter-cup of almonds contains almost 99 mg of magnesium (that's 24.7% of the daily value for this important mineral), plus 257 mg of potassium.
Magnesium is Nature's own calcium channel blocker. When there is enough magnesium around, veins and arteries breathe a sigh of relief and relax, which lessens resistance and improves the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Studies show that a deficiency of magnesium is not only associated with heart attack but that immediately following a heart attack, lack of sufficient magnesium promotes free radical injury to the heart.
Potassium, an important electrolyte involved in nerve transmission and the contraction of all muscles including the heart, is another mineral that is essential for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function. Nuts promote your cardiovascular health by providing 257 mg of potassium and only 0.3 mg of sodium, making them an especially good choice to in protecting against high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.
Walnuts, pecans, and chestnuts have the highest antioxidant content of the tree nuts, with walnuts topping out the others in antioxidant content. And, peanuts (although technically, a legume) also contribute significantly to our dietary intake of antioxidants.
Even more impressive were the results of a review study of the evidence linking nuts and lower risk of coronary heart disease. Subjects consuming nuts at least 4 times a week showed a 37% reduced risk of coronary heart disease compared to those who never or seldom ate nuts. Each additional serving of nuts per week was associated with an average 8.3% reduced risk of coronary heart disease.
Superfood #8. Sprouts -Sprouts are one of the most complete and nutritionally beneficial of all foods. Their nutritional value was discovered by the Chinese thousands of years ago. Recently, in the USA, numerous scientific studies suggest the importance of sprouts in a healthy diet.
As an example, a sprouted Mung Bean has the carbohydrate content of a melon, vitamin A of a lemon, thiamin of an avocado, riboflavin of a dry apple, niacin of a banana, and ascorbic acid of a loganberry. Other studies have shown sprouts to be a powerful antioxidant and may assist in preventing some types of cancer.
Sprouts are the most reliable year-round source of vitamin C, beta-carotene, and many B vitamins (such as folacin). Sprouting seeds, grains, and legumes greatly increases their content of those vitamins. For example, the vitamin A content (per calorie) of sprouted Mung beans is two-and-a-half times higher than the dry bean, and some beans have more than eight times more vitamin A after being sprouted.
Sprouts preserve our body's enzymes, which is extremely important. How do they do this? Sprouted beans, grains, nuts, and seeds are extremely easy to digest. Sprouting essentially pre-digests the food for us by breaking down the concentrated starch into simpler carbohydrates and the protein into free amino acids, so our own enzymes don't have to work so hard. Sprouting also removes anti-nutrients such as enzyme inhibitors, and that makes sprouts even easier to digest, further sparing enzymes.
Another anti-nutrient is phytates, which is what stops some people from enjoying grains such as wheat. Many people who can't eat unsprouted wheat find they can eat all the sprouted wheat they want with no problem.
Almost any vegetable or grain can be consumed from sprouts. Broccoli, canola, cauliflower, and mustard greens sprouts are loaded with vitamins, minerals, protein, enzymes, and chlorophyll. In a recent study, 1 oz. of broccoli sprouts had the same cancer-fighting power as over 11⁄2 pounds of fully-grown broccoli.
Super-food #9. Tomatoes - Tomatoes are a rich source of several nutrients. They are well known for their high vitamin C content, but also contain significant amount of vitamin A, B vitamins including niacin and riboflavin, magnesium, phosphorous, and calcium. Tomatoes are also a good source of chromium, folate, and fiber.
In recent years a particular nutrient found in abundance in tomatoes, lycopene, has made many headlines for its disease fighting abilities. Lycopene is well known as a preventer of prostate cancer, which makes tomatoes high on the healthy food list for men.
Lycopene is not just important for men though. It is a powerful antioxidant and as such helps to protect the cells in our bodies from damage. Studies in humans have shown that lycopene is protective against a variety of cancers including prostate of course, but also colorectal, breast, lung, endometrial, pancreatic, bladder, cervical and skin cancers.
Lycopene has also been shown to help prevent heart disease and may slow the development of cataracts and macular degeneration, an age related vision problem that can lead to blindness.
The vitamin B6, niacin, potassium, and folate found in abundance in tomatoes are potent protectors against heart disease. Niacin can lower high cholesterol levels and potassium has been shown to lower high blood pressure and to reduce the risk of heart disease. Vitamin B6 and folate also work to convert the homocysteine in our bodies into harmless molecules. High levels of homocysteine are associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
The fiber in tomatoes also helps lower cholesterol levels, helps prevent colon cancer, and helps to keep blood sugars at a low level. Tomatoes are a source of riboflavin, which has been shown to be helpful for migraine sufferers by reducing the frequency of their headaches.
A helpful note about tomato nutrition is that lycopene is actually more available to the body when tomatoes are cooked, so cooked or canned tomatoes are just as nutritious for you as raw. The facts about tomatoes definitely point to this fruit/vegetable as a nutrient powerhouse and a super food to be enjoyed as often as possible.
Superfood #10. Garlic, onion, leeks, and shallots - In a study of centenarians (people living over 100 years of age), it was found that high garlic and onion consumption was one of the factors that surveys revealed may have partial involvement in their longevity. Garlic and onions are a couple of the best sources of uniquely powerful antioxidants.
Garlic health benefits and medicinal properties have long been known. Garlic has long been considered a herbal "wonder drug", with a reputation in folklore for preventing everything from the common cold and flu to the plague! It has been used extensively in herbal medicine. Raw garlic is used by some to treat the symptoms of acne, and the common cold, and there is some evidence that it can assist in managing high cholesterol levels. It can even be effective as a natural mosquito repellent.
A stronger tasting clove of garlic has more sulphur content and hence more medicinal value. Some people prefer to take garlic supplements. These pills and capsules have the advantage of avoiding garlic breath.
Modern science has shown that garlic is a powerful antibiotic, albeit broad-spectrum rather than targeted. The body does not appear to build up resistance to the garlic, so its positive health benefits continue over time.
Studies have shown that garlic - especially aged garlic - can have a powerful antioxidant effect. Raw garlic is very strong, so eating too much could produce problems, for example irritation of or even damage to the digestive tract.
There are two main medical ingredients, which produce the garlic health benefits: allicin and diallyl sulphides.
Allicin is the most powerful medicinal compound derived from garlic and provides the greatest reputed health benefits.
It is produced when garlic is finely chopped or crushed. The finer the chopping and the more intensive the crushing, the more allicin is generated and the stronger the medicinal effect.
As well as having antibiotic properties, allicin is an excellent anti-fungal and has been used to treat skin infections such as athlete's foot.

Taping & Strapping Preparation

2012-12-11T02:50:00.002-08:00

Before attempting taping or strapping, the following important points should be noted:

Taping should never be used as a substitute for treatment by a qualified healthcare professional. Always make sure an injury is assessed fully by a qualified healthcare professional before a taping technique is used. Taping is contraindicated if the patient has an allergy to the materials used, if there is active infection or irritation of the skin or if the circulation and/or nerve supply is compromised.
The area to be taped should be clean and dry. Ideally the area should shaved to be free of hairs. If not, an underwrap should be used. This is particularly necessary at the back of the knee or elbow, where adhesive tape on the skin can cause irritation.
Tape should be applied smoothly, taking care not to cause any wrinkles which can be uncomfortable for the athlete and even cause blisters.
Once applied, the tape should be checked to make sure the athlete is comfortable with it. The circulation and sensation of a taped area should be double checked. If the skin is excessively pale or blueish, cold or there is a lack of sensation, then the tape is too tight and should be removed immediately.
Following activity, a tape cutter or bandage scissors should be used to remove the tape. Adhesive remover should be used to help ease off the tape. Tape should not be left on for too long in case skin irritation or breakdown occurs.

Rotator Cuff

2012-07-22T19:57:00.001-07:00

As you may recall from our intro post on kinesiology taping, we’re going to focus on each muscle group/joint and show you how to use kinesiology tape in three distinct ways:

Immediately after injury (for swelling and pain)
During the healing process (correction techniques to restore normal position and allow for healing)
Techniques to help improve strength + function

In this post, we’ re going to be talking about a taping application designed to inhibit the muscles of the shoulder to allow for rest and recovery. This is important in the case of a rotator cuff injury where the small tendons have become pinched and inflamed. When this happens muscle imbalances can occur and the shoulder blade can lose it’s normal alignment/mobility. As the body tries to compensate with the larger muscle groups (i.e. the deltoid), it can make this problem worse and lead to further injury.

Anatomy

For this taping application, we want to look at the muscles of the shoulder. The rotator cuff consists of four separate muscles: the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and on the inside of the shoulder blade the subscapularis. All four of these muscles start on the shoulder blade and then insert onto the humerus (upper arm bone). Think of it like a hand laying on the shoulder blade and then wrapping its fingers over the joint. This is why even though it hurts in the front of the shoulder around the tendons, the real problem is in the muscles that become those tendons on the back of the shoulder.
Specifically for this application you will need to be able to find the spine the scapula. Think of the shoulder blade like a bony triangle that sits on the back of the rib cage and is held in place by muscle. The most prominent feature of the shoulder blade is the large bony ridge that runs across it. This is known as the spine of the scapula. If you reach over your shoulder with your fingers, this bony ridge will be easy to feel.

You can read more about the anatomy in this area and find palpation tips here.

What you will need:

1) Roll of kinesiology tape.
2) Sharpest scissors in the house.

Prep work:

1) Clean skin. This means no oils or lotions of any kind. You want your skin to be clean and more importantly dry. Moisture of any kind = tape will fall off or fail to stick altogether.
2) Hair care. Ideally, the less hair the better. Guys, this means that for best results you will need to trim any long leg hair or shave the calf area.
3) If clean, dry, and hairless skin still = no sticking of tape. Time to get some adhesive spray like Tuf Skin.
4) The tape should last 3-5 days. You can get it wet and shower with it on. Just towel dry it after. No hair dryer! The tape is heat activated.

Taping Techniques

1) Rotator cuff application (two strips):

Key Points:

Prep the skin first. For this application, there are two Y strips and each will require you to place the arm in different positions. For the first strip along the back of the deltoid, you will need to move the arm forward across the body like you are reaching to your opposite shoulder. You will then need to reposition the arm so that you are reaching behind your back (like you would to tuck in your shirt) to apply the second strip along the front of the deltoid. This arm position will remain the same as you apply the second Y-strip along the spine of the scapula. Confused?? All of this is in the video above.
Strip #1- deltoid. Start by placing the anchor at the base of the deltoid muscle. The anchor should be 1-2 inches in length and then you will have the two strips to use. Place the arm in the stretch position and then lay the tape down with NO stretch. Reposition the arm as shown above and repeat for the second strip.
Strip #2 – supraspinatus. Start by placing the anchor at the front of the shoulder. You want this to be 1-2 inches below the acromion process (use the palpation tips and link above!) and just to the outside of the line up from the axilla (armpit). For the anatomy guru’s you’re looking for the greater tubercle of the humerus.

Once the anchor is in position, move the arm so that the area is on stretch (reach behind the back like tucking in your shirt). The lower strip shoulder follow the spine of the scapula while the upper strip should be just above it. Both strips should be applied with NO stretch.

Here is what the finished application looks like:

For further instructions on how to incorporate kinesiology taping into your self treatment regimen click here.

References

1) Capobianco, Dr. Steven and van den Dries, Greg. (2009). Power Taping, 2nd Edition, Rock Tape Inc, Los Gatos, CA.
2) Hammer, Warren. (2007). Functional Soft-Tissue Examination and Treatment by Manual Methods, 3rd edition. Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc, Sudbury, MA.
3) Kase, Kenzo, Wallis, Jim, and Kase, Tsuyoshi. (2003). Clinical Therapeutic Applications of the Kinesio Taping Method.
4) Muscolino, Joseph. (2009). The Muscle and Bone Palpation Manual. Mosby, Inc, St. Louis, MO.

AC Joint

2012-07-22T19:54:00.004-07:00

As you may recall from our intro post on kinesiology taping, we’re going to focus on each muscle group/joint and show you how to use kinesiology tape in three distinct ways:

Immediately after injury (for swelling and pain)
During the healing process (correction techniques to restore normal position and allow for healing)
Techniques to help improve strength + function

In this post, we’ re going to be talking about a taping application for the AC or acromio-clavicular joint. This joint lies on top of the shoulder and is where the clavicle (collar bone) attaches to the scapula. In the case of a “separated shoulder” this attachment is injured and those two bones are able to come apart. Depending on the severity of this injury, the clavicle may actually pop up due to ligament damage. The purpose of this tape application is to hold the bones together to allow the supporting structures to heal.

Anatomy

In your reading, you may have heard of something called the “shoulder girdle”. This is composed of three bones: the scapula, the clavicle, and the humerus. The scapula lays on the back of the rib cage (it is held in place by muscle) and connects to the clavicle/collar bone which wraps around from your breast bone/sternum. These two bones meet on the outside of the shoulder at the acromion (this is the bony bump on the outside of your shoulder). Just beneath the acromion is where the humerus (upper arm bone) attaches to the shoulder blade (the ball or head of the humerus connects to a socket in the scapula known as the glenohumeral fossa). Part of the reason it is referred to as the shoulder girdle versus simply the shoulder joint is because there are actually three joints- 1) where the scapula and the clavicle/collar bone meet at the acromion (this is your AC joint), 2) the glenohumeral joint where the humerus connects to the scapula, and 3) the sternoclavicular or SC Joint where the clavicle attaches to front of the rib cage at the sternum.

To find the AC joint, start by placing your fingers on your collar bone (clavicle). Trace this bone out towards your shoulder. You will notice that as you do so the bone curves back and then finishes with a small bump at the end. You can also trace the scapula forward to the acromion. If you’ve injured the AC joint, pressing down on the end of the clavicle will be uncomfortable. In the case of a severe AC injury, the end of the clavicle may actually be elevated and sticking up.

You can read more about the anatomy in this area and find palpation tips here.

What you will need:

1) Roll of kinesiology tape.
2) Sharpest scissors in the house.

Prep work:

Taping Techniques

1) AC joint mechanical correction strip
Key Points:

Prep the skin first. For this application you will want to be seated and sitting up straight with good posture. No slouching! Let the arm rest comfortably at your side.
Cut the tape so that it is long enough to cover the top of the shoulder (front to back) with 1-2″ of tape on either side (these are your anchors and must be applied without stretch). Round the edges to keep the tape from curling up on the ends or catching on your clothes.

For this application you will want to apply 50-75% stretch to the tape. You want to hold that stretch and apply it down onto the AC joint. The goal here is to hold the two bones together and keep the clavicle in place!! Don’t sweat the 50-75%. Think medium stretch versus maximum “how far can I pull this tape” kind of stretch. Hold the anchors, stretch the tape and then with that same stretch, push the tape down over the AC joint.

Once the tape is applied, remove the paper backing from the anchors and then simply lay the ends down. Rub the tape to warm up the adhesive. Here is what the finished application looks like:

For further instructions on how to incorporate kinesiology taping into your self treatment regimen click here.

References

Shoulder impingement

2012-07-22T19:47:00.000-07:00

As you may recall from our intro post on kinesiology taping, we’re going to focus on each muscle group/joint and show you how to use kinesiology tape in three distinct ways:

Immediately after injury (for swelling and pain)
During the healing process (correction techniques to restore normal position and allow for healing)
Techniques to help improve strength + function

In this post, we’ re going to be talking about a taping application designed to restore normal alignment and create space at the front of the shoulder. Impingement syndrome at the front of the shoulder is typically a result of muscle imbalances that allow the humerus (upper arm bone) to slide forward in the joint. Once this happens, the small tendons of the rotator cuff and even the bursa can be pinched when you try to reach overhead. In the case of repetitive motions such as swimming, this can quickly lead to inflammation and pain.

Anatomy

For this taping application, we want to look at the bony structure of the shoulder. Essentially we are trying to pull everything back into into it’s normal position with this tape application. The shoulder is composed of three bones: the scapula, the clavicle, and the humerus. The scapula lays on the back of the rib cage and is held in place by muscle. It connects to the clavicle (aka collar bone) which wraps around from your breast bone/sternum. These two bones meet on the outside of the shoulder at the acromion process (this is the bony bump on the outside of your shoulder). Just beneath the acromion is where the humerus (upper arm bone) attaches to the shoulder blade.
Specifically for this application you will need to be able to find the coracoid process (aka the bony bump that the pec muscles attach to). To find this process, trace your fingers along your clavicle until you feel it curve back just before it gets to the outside of the shoulder. From here drop your fingers down approx 1 inch and press in. Pull your shoulder blades back together and then round your shoulder forward. You will feel a bony bump push forward. This is the coracoid.
You can read more about the anatomy in this area and find palpation tips here.

What you will need:

1) Roll of kinesiology tape.
2) Sharpest scissors in the house.

Prep work:

Taping Techniques

1) Shoulder application (two strips)

Prep the skin first. For this application you will want to put the muscles at the front of the shoulder on stretch. To do this, straighten your arm at the elbow and move it out to your side. Then pull your shoulder blades back together and rotate your entire arm so that the thumb is pointing up towards the ceiling like the picture above. Only go as far as you can comfortably!

With the arm in the starting position, apply the anchor first. This means apply the first 1-2 inches of the tape with NO stretch. For this application, you want this tape to be up into the armpit. If you’re a guy. You’ll want to shave! You don’t need to wrap the tape under to the back of the arm, just on the front of the that you can see. Apply the anchor and then rub the tape to warm up the adhesive.

Once the anchor is in position, wrap the tape around the back of the shoulder all the way to the spine. Remember, the area is already on stretch. Just lay the tape down as you go.

For the second piece of tape, we want to place the anchor over the front of the shoulder at the coracoid process. Use the palpation tips above!!! Apply the anchor and then rub the tape to warm up the adhesive. Move the arm back to the stretch position.

Once the anchor is in position, wrap the tape around the back of the shoulder all the way to the spine. Remember, the area is already on stretch. Just lay the tape down as you go. When both strips are applied, the application looks like the picture above.
When measuring the tape, make sure that the first strip can reach from the armpit all the way to the spine. The second strip should be long enough to cover from the front of the shoulder past the shoulder blade towards the spine.
For further instructions on how to incorporate kinesiology taping into your self treatment regimen click here.

References

Roles of glutamine

2012-03-19T17:06:00.000-07:00

Glutamine (Gln) is found abundantly in the central nervous system (CNS) where it participates in a variety of metabolic pathways. Its major role in the brain is that of a precursor of the neurotransmitter amino acids: the excitatory amino acids, glutamate (Glu) and aspartate (Asp), and the inhibitory amino acid, γ-amino butyric acid (GABA). The precursor-product relationship between Gln and Glu/GABA in the brain relates to the intercellular compartmentalization of the Gln/Glu(GABA) cycle (GGC). Gln is synthesized from Glu and ammonia in astrocytes, in a reaction catalyzed by Gln synthetase (GS), which, in the CNS, is almost exclusively located in astrocytes (Martinez-Hernandez et al., 1977). Newly synthesized Gln is transferred to neurons and hydrolyzed by phosphate-activated glutaminase (PAG) to give rise to Glu, a portion of which may be decarboxylated to GABA or transaminated to Asp. There is a rich body of evidence which indicates that a significant proportion of the Glu, Asp and GABA derived from Gln feed the synaptic, neurotransmitter pools of the amino acids. Depolarization-induced-, calcium- and PAG activity-dependent releases of Gln-derived Glu, GABA and Asp have been observed in CNS preparations in vitro and in the brain in situ. Immunocytochemical studies in brain slices have documented Gln transfer from astrocytes to neurons as well as the location of Gln-derived Glu, GABA and Asp in the synaptic terminals. Patch-clamp studies in brain slices and astrocyte/neuron co-cultures have provided functional evidence that uninterrupted Gln synthesis in astrocytes and its transport to neurons, as mediated by specific carriers, promotes glutamatergic and GABA-ergic transmission. Gln entry into the neuronal compartment is facilitated by its abundance in the extracellular spaces relative to other amino acids. Gln also appears to affect neurotransmission directly by interacting with the NMDA class of Glu receptors. Transmission may also be modulated by alterations in cell membrane polarity related to the electrogenic nature of Gln transport or to uncoupled ion conductances in the neuronal or glial cell membranes elicited by Gln transporters. In addition, Gln appears to modulate the synthesis of the gaseous messenger, nitric oxide (NO), by controlling the supply to the cells of its precursor, arginine. Disturbances of Gln metabolism and/or transport contribute to changes in Glu-ergic or GABA-ergic transmission associated with different pathological conditions of the brain, which are best recognized in epilepsy, hepatic encephalopathy and manganese encephalopathy.

Griffin posterizing Perkins from all different angles!

2012-02-01T01:50:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KsdiQ8Fz1M&feature=share

NBA lockout over

2011-11-26T02:16:00.000-08:00

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/7279734/nba-lockout-owners-players-resume-meetings-new-york

A Broken Toe

2011-06-28T02:05:00.000-07:00

Foot anatomy
There are 26 bones in the foot, all of which can be fractured. The toes themselves are made up of 14 bones called phalanges, 3 in each of the small toes and 2 in the big toe (hallux). Fractures to these bones are different to a fractured metatarsal, which is actually in the foot, rather than the toes.

Bones of the foot - the phalanges are fractured when a toe is broken

Common Causes

Fractures to the phalanges usually occur as a result of a direct trauma, such as something being dropped on the foot, or even stumping your toe! The Hallux (or big toe) can suffer a stress fracture , which is common in adolescent athletes.
The most common toe fractures include a broken big toe and broken little toe (pinky toe). This is because these two toes are more exposed, the others are protected more by the other toes.

Symptoms of a Fractured Phalange

The signs & symptoms of a broken toe include:

Pain (instant if from a traumatic injury, gradual onset if a stress fracture).
Swelling is common.
Bruising may appear, if there is associated soft tissue injury.
In severe fractures which have become displaced the toe may look deformed.
Often with fractures of the smaller toes, the patient is not aware that they have a fracture.

Treatment options for a Broken toe

What to do with a broken toe?
Take the weight off the foot, elevate it and apply cold therapy as soon as possible. If you suspect a broken toe you should visit your Doctor for a consultation where you may be referred for an X-ray .
Often, a minor fracture in one of the smaller toes will not require any treatment and the patient will not be disabled for any period of time.
Treatment of hallux fractures
Fractures in the Hallux (big toe), or more complex fractures may require the patient to wear a walking boot to protect the foot and reduce weight bearing for 2-4 weeks. Alternatively the Doctor may buddy strap the toe - meaning it is taped to the toe next to it to help immobilise it.

NBA draft 2011: winners and losers

2011-06-24T15:19:00.000-07:00

NEWARK, N.J. – The Sacramento Kings need a new arena and they need to start winning. But if the Kings’ owners are serious about trying to keep the franchise in Sacramento, they also need a star who can help them build back their fan support.

They think they found one in Jimmer Fredette.
The Kings acquired the rights to the former Brigham Young guard in a three-team trade with the Milwaukee Bucks and Charlotte Bobcats during the NBA draft. The consensus national player of the year won over a legion of fans while leading the nation in scoring last season. The Kings, who initially tried to move to Anaheim, Calif., could use the help: They finished second-to-last in the NBA in attendance last season.

Jimmer Fredette was drafted by the Bucks but then traded to the Sacramento Kings.
(NBAE via Getty Images)

By landing Fredette, the Kings helped lead a list of winners on draft night. More importantly, they hope Fredette can help them generate ticket and sponsorship revenue and spearhead support for a new arena in Sacramento.
“I know they are going to be there one more year and see how it goes,” Fredette said. “I hope the fans come out and support us. I hope they like our team. I think we will have a very exciting team and I hope we can get more wins. Winning translates to getting more fans out there, and hopefully we’ll be able to keep the organization there.”
The Kings also made a wise move by deciding to play combo-guard Tyreke Evans (notes) off the ball. Fredette will likely open next season as the Kings’ starting point guard after Beno Udrih (notes) was dealt to Milwaukee in the trade. Evans, the 2010 NBA Rookie of the Year, certainly has the size and scoring ability to play shooting guard. The Kings also got a steal with the last overall pick in the draft in gritty point guard Isaiah Thomas. Fredette, Evans, Thomas and the likely re-signed Marcus Thornton (notes) give Sacramento a young and talented collection of guards for years to come.
And thanks to Fredette’s arrival, those years could be spent in Sacramento.
“Jimmer was one of the most exciting players in college basketball the last couple of seasons,” Kings general manager Geoff Petrie said. “If not the best shooter in the draft, he was certainly one of the best. He’ll add a new dimension to our team offensively. He’s an exciting player and I think our fans will enjoy him as well.”
Here’s a look at some of the drafts other winners – and losers.
Loser: Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers did their due diligence leading into the draft by working out Duke guard Kyrie Irving and Arizona forward Derrick Williams – in addition to also working out Turkish center Enes Kanter, Kentucky guard Brandon Knight and Texas forward Tristan Thompson twice. But the Cavs also let Irving, supposedly the new face of the franchise, nervously wait out their selection without confirming he was the first pick.
The New Jersey native was a near-consensus top pick, so if you’re going to wait that long to tell him, you might as well be daring enough to draft someone else.
“I knew when everybody else knew,” Irving said. “They gave me no indication that they were going to pick me. I was really nervous sitting at that table with my family and my friends.”

Twin brothers Markieff, right, and Marcus Morris, who played together at Kansas, embrace each other after they were picked No. 13 and No. 14, respectively.
(AP photo)

Winner: Morris twins
Marcus Morris was expected to be drafted ahead of his twin brother and former Kansas teammate, Markieff. But in a surprise, Markieff was selected 13th overall by the Phoenix Suns. Marcus didn’t have to wait long to also hear his name called: He was picked next by the Houston Rockets. Markieff, who was born seven minutes ahead of Marcus, was drafted seven minutes, 13 seconds ahead of his twin.
“Maybe when I’m 60 I’ll tell him I got one on him,” Markieff said.
Loser: Minnesota Timberwolves
There is no question that Derrick Williams is a talented and athletic combo-forward who has a bright career ahead of him. But the last thing the Wolves needed was another forward, right?
Isn’t Williams more or less the same player as Michael Beasley (notes)? Doesn’t Minnesota have enough players who can play either forward position already in Beasley, Kevin Love (notes), Wesley Johnson, Martell Webster (notes), Anthony Randolph (notes) and Anthony Tolliver (notes)? Minnesota slightly improved its depth at center by trading for aging Band-aid Brad Miller (notes), but Enes Kanter’s talent and potential should have made him a candidate to go No. 2.
The Wolves also tried desperately to trade the second pick, but failed in their efforts to land the type of experienced star they wanted.
“I’m not really focused on that right now. I’m just going to get my body into the best of shape as possible,” Williams said of Minnesota’s logjam at the forward positions.
Winner: Tristan Thompson

Thompson

There were some raised eyebrows when Thompson left Texas after his freshman year, especially because there were several other players in his class that were regarded higher than him. Even in a down draft, the 6-foot-8, 235-pound forward was expected to be selected in the latter half of the lottery. But the highest-drafted Canadian ever was the surprise of the night when he was taken fourth overall by the Cavaliers. Cleveland now has a talented 19-year-old inside-outside combo to build around for the future in Irving and Thompson.
“I know a lot of people never expected it and neither did myself,” Thompson said. “It just shows the wonders that hard work puts in.”
Loser: Milwaukee Bucks and Captain Jack

Stephen Jackson was the Bobcats’ leading scorer in 2010-11, averaging 18.5 PPG.
(Getty Images)

The Milwaukee Bucks acquired talented – but often disgruntled – swingman Stephen Jackson (notes) from Charlotte to join young Brandon Jennings (notes) in their backcourt in a three-way trade. While Jackson and Jennings will score a lot of points together, it will be interesting to see how the combustible Captain Jack gets along with stern coach Scott Skiles. Jackson will be playing for his seventh NBA team and third since 2009. The Bucks traded John Salmons (notes), but also acquired guard Beno Udrih and might have landed a steal in 18-year-old Tennessee forward Tobias Harris.
Despite the potential issues, Jennings was excited about Jackson’s arrival.
“Stephen Jackson brings a lot of leadership,” said Jennings, who attended the draft. “He’s won an NBA championship. He plays hard every night. He wants to win. And I think he is going to be that voice in our locker room that we need.”
Winner: Utah Jazz:
The Utah Jazz quietly improved their team by adding Kanter (No. 3) and Colorado guard Alec Burks (No. 12). Kanter proclaimed a day earlier that he is the best player in the draft, and with his size, scoring ability and rebounding he has the talent and potential to prove he is right. While Burks isn’t a household name, he was a proven scorer in college, averaging 20.5 points last season as a sophomore. The Jazz have an intriguing group of young players in Kanter, Burks, Derrick Favors (notes), Gordon Hayward (notes) and Jeremy Evans (notes).
Loser: Portland Trail Blazers

Felton

The Portland Trail Blazers traded one of the most underappreciated players in point guard Andre Miller (notes) to the Denver Nuggets and sent athletic guard Rudy Fernandez (notes) to the Dallas Mavericks while acquiring point guard Raymond Felton (notes) in a three-team trade. The Nuggets were disappointed with Felton after a lackluster offensive-minded performance in the playoffs and were determined to trade him. While Felton is a solid starting point guard, he’s not as experienced a floor leader as Miller. Friends close to Nuggets coach George Karl said he was thrilled about the return of Miller, whom he hated to see dealt in the Allen Iverson (notes) trade on Dec. 19, 2006. While Fernandez wanted out, the Blazers helped the NBA champion Mavericks and lost an insurance policy for injury-prone guard Brandon Roy (notes).
Winner: Indiana Pacers
The Pacers acquired veteran guard George Hill (notes) in exchange for the 15th selection (Kawhi Leonard), the 42nd overall pick (Davis Bertrans) and the draft rights to Erazem Lorbek. The Pacers not only filled a need for a shooting guard in Hill, but also landed an Indianapolis native who should be a hit with the fans. The Pacers finished last in the league in attendance last season. The former IUPUI star, Darren Collison (notes) and Paul George (notes) give the Pacers a young core of perimeter players. For Hill, the Spurs could’ve sent him to a lot worse places than his hometown team.
“It is tough, but at the same time things happen for a reason,” Hill said in a statement. “My hat is off to San Antonio for opportunity I had here and I’m really looking forward to coming home to Indiana and helping the Pacers win games.”
Loser: Prospects who left college too early
UCLA forward Tyler Honeycutt, Georgia forward Travis Leslie, Michigan guard Darius Morris, Kentucky guard DeAndre Liggins and Kansas guard Josh Selby all left school hoping to be taken in the first round. None of them were. Boston College guard Reggie Jackson also looked bad by shunning teams for workouts and interviews because he was promised to be selected 24th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Wonder if he could have been drafted higher if he took part in the draft process?

By Marc J. Spears

NBA DRAFT 2011

2011-06-23T19:41:00.000-07:00

1. Cleveland Cavilers — Kyrie Irving/PG, Duke

This has long been the popular choice, but Cleveland has options here. They are in obvious need of finding LeBron James 2.0 to save the franchise from embarrassment and they have the 1st and 4th picks to try and do it. Irving may not be the answer, but he’s a piece of it.

2. Minnesota Timberwolves — Derrick Williams/F, Arizona

Man is it painful to be a Wolves fan or what? Not only do they consistentaly get shafted on good draft picks, they never get any better. Wolves fans droned when they got the two pick in what has been called a one player deep lottery. That is such Wolves luck, but Williams is a nice second prize. The fact is though, the Wolves don’t need another forward they need someone to feed the ball to Michael Beasley and Kevin Love. The signing of Ricky Rubio eases the pain of picking second but really how much pain is there to be had when you own the second pick. I think the Wolves should trade down into the draft hot spot(picks 8-11) but with (finally) the addition of Rubio at guard, the need for one isn’t as dire. The second pick is where the draft starts to me which is why I am talking about it at length; after all a signature of the NBA Draft is trades. Minnesota and Phoenix almost struck a deal to send Steve Nash to Minnesota to mentor the young Rubio, but even the two teams involved thought that was a poor idea. The Wolves were hot after JaVale McGee and the Wizards 6th pick, but Washington has steadfastly declined the proposal. Minnesota deep down wants to dump this pick for a proven player but with David Kahn, trades have not been his strong suit and had Rubio not signed, neither would his drafting skills.

3. Utah Jazz — Brandon Knight/PG, Kentucky

Bulls fans know how good John Calipari is at giving the NBA a good point guard, but despite similar ages Derrick Rose and Brandon Knight are not one in the same. But according to those close to the Jazz, they feel he is better than the guy they have which is a very interesting thing to say. It’s interesting because the guy they already have is Devin Harris, a guy they traded for at this year’s deadline. After the Jazz all of a sudden found themselves with the No. 3 Overall pick because of the aforementioned trade with the Nets of New Jersey, Utah is not hesitating at all in drafting Knight and deeming him better than Harris. Which means Harris will be on the move because he will not sit behind Knight given his age and potential talent. Smell that? I smell another trade a comin’.

4. Cleveland Cavilers — Enes Kanter/C, Kentucky

The Cav’s (hey didn’t they just draft?) would really love to add a big man to their rebuilding scheme and Kanter wouldn’t be a bad option. Even though he didn’t play last year due to a suspension for violating the NCAA policy on receiving payments, he draft status remains high. Again, this isn’t football where a guy misses a year and he ends up being Mike Williams or Maurice Clarett. Kanter’s 6’11″, 260lbs frame could work well in Cleveland and even though he missed last year’s NCAA season, he’s coming from the Turkish league. Bulls fans can appreciate a big man center who comes from the Turkish league and the Cav’s may be hoping Kanter turns out to be another Omer Asik-esque player if only slightly better.

5. Toronto Raptors — Jan Vesely/SF, Czech Republic

This is where things start to get really interesting. The Raptors want Brandon Knight but the chances he falls all they way to the 5th pick is very unlikely. For this to happen, the Jazz would have to decide they do indeed want to stick with Harris at guard and draft Enes Kanter at three, which could realistically happen. The Cav’s would then draft backup plan Jonas Valanciunas at four leaving Toronto in their dream scenario. But going with the chance that doesn’t happen, Toronto will most likely be looking guard here. This then leads to three scenarios, one which has Toronto taking Kemba Walker and the other has them trading the fifth pick to San Antonio for Tony Parker. This ia an appealing idea, but I had a tough time justifying Toronto taking Walker here when they have Jerryd Bayless and two other guards on roster. Taking Walker makes the more sense as he’s young and has more upside than Bayless. Taking Parker would be fun but he’s 29 and Toronto is a young squad. If they don’t go with Walker, that means they’re going to stick with Bayless and develop him; trading for Parker would be pointless and wouldn’t help much at all. Some mocks have Toronto going with Jan Vesely, including ESPN’s Chad Ford, and don’t be overly surprised if that happens as James Johnson is not the answer at small forward or Toronto. Vesely is capable of playing the small forward spot and would fill the roll as Johnson is too raw, one of the reasons Chicago dumped him this year. Walker is still viewed as a reach at five, but I like him in Toronto. I just like Vesely there better and so will the Raptors.

6. Washington Wizards — Kawhi Leonard/ SF, San Diego St.

Washington is really in a pickle here at six. There is still a lot of talent out there at this point, but they don’t have a lot of positions that they want to uproot. The one position that sticks out in their charts is the small forward spot where Maurice Evans is past his prime and doesn’t really fit the rebuilding mold. Washington is in a position where they still have a few years of leeway left to under achieve while they build up their young players. Taking Leonard here fills the small forward spot for the future and will allow a young group to grow together and become a solid unit. If Vesely is available, the Wizards might flinch at him, but Leonard is really thee only option for the Wizards unless someone is willing to trade up into the six slot or if someone falls to them.

7. Sacramento Kings — Jonas Valanciunas/C, Lithuania or Kemba Walker/PG, Connecticut

If it’s hard to be a Wolves fan, than it must be Hell to be a Kings fan; at least Minnesota isn’t losing their team. Regardless of the relocation talks, the Kings want a point guard here and the consensus is they will go with Kemba Walker if he is available. Jimmer Fredette is an optiona as well but there are two holes in the Kings lineup, not just at the point guard position. Beno Udrich is not the guy the Kings apparently want to move forward with, but he steadily improved in 2011, albeit he is 28. But as we have seen in other players, point guards have a long life span, centers need to produce. The Kings should gladly jump at the chance to add Jonas Valanciunas at center. The problem is (and the reason I gave Valanciunas falling) is there may be some issues with his Lithuanian contract buyout. We all saw what a mess this made for Ricky Rubio and the Timberwolves and teams aren’t looking to repeat that. However with Rubio signing two years after being drafted, teams may try it after all. It’s a gamble, and unpopular among analysts to take Valanciunas here with Walker being such a popular name and holding such potential talent, but Valanciunas in the long run will benefit the Kings no matter where they end up playing. However, Sacramento management isn’t winning any awards for how great it is and I believe they will buckle under the pressure of outside critics projecting Walker here. If Walker doesn’t go here, he could plummet if someone doesn’t trade for him. But Sacramento seems sold on him if he is here or trading with someone who wants him.

8. Detroit Pistons — Bismack Biyombo/F-C, Congo

The Pistons will be looking to add a post player to compliment Greg Monroe, and Tristan Thompson may be the answer to that. But picks 8-11 are what I like to deem the hot zone, as there are reportedly numerous teams looking to move into these spots. The Pistons are seriously considering a deal proposed by the Houston Rockets that would send the 14th and 23rd picks to Detroit according to Chad Ford. The target at 14 would be at Marfkeiff Morris from Kansas. Morris is also a power forward and the Pistons feel they can get him at 14. Further evidence of this scenario playing out is the fact Morris worked out for the Pistons and wowed them. I’m not predicting a slew of trades in 8-11 but it’s like tornado alley; one could strike at anytime in this sections and if it does it could be huge. However you can’t count out the fact that Detroit is really high on Bismack Biyombo from Congo. They like them both and it will really come down to the wire and will be based off whether there is a solid trade offer or who worked out the best.

9. Charlotte Bobcats — Marcus Morris/PF, Kansas

There are two kinds of holes; there is Swiss cheese and there is the Charlotte Bobcats lineup. There are holes all over the place in Charlotte’s lineup and the problem is, most of the holes are already filled by young guys with potential. D.J Augustine is great when he wants to be and we all hear about Tyrus Thomas and his potential he has failed to live up to five years running, a reason Chicago parted with him. Of the teams in the 8-11 situation most likely to pull the trigger on a deal, the Bobcats top the list. They clearly haven’t been able to get it done with a young-ish roster and some proven veteran help may be the solution. Charlotte has three possible scenarios at this spot, one would involve them packaging the 9th and 19th picks to move up and try and snag Kawhi Leonard. This might happen as Washington is one of the teams that may be willing to move down. Another scenario involves Charlotte trading with Houston for 14 and 23 and a third scenario would involve the Spurs moving into the ninth spot for George Hill. A trade with San Antonio or Houston makes even more sense if Kemba Walker is available at nine which he realistically could be. If Charlotte does draft at nine, they will most likely look at Marcus Morris of the Morris twins.

10. Milwaukee Bucks — Klay Thomson/SG, Washington St.

He has been projected to go anywhere from the top five to the bottom of the first but it’s finally looking like Klay Thompson is settling in at the 10th pick and the Milwaukee Bucks. John Salmons is a nice player at the shooting guard spot, but Thompson and his increasingly deadly perimeter game will benefit the Bucks big time. There could be a combo for the future that Bucks fans can get excited about: Jennings/Thompson could be the rally cry that propels the Bucks to the playoffs.

11. Golden State Warriors — Alec Burks/SG-Colorado

The Warriors may go defense here by taking Chris Singleton or even Tristan Thompson, but adding the height of Burks to the bench can only help. Stephan Curry and Monta Ellis are not big guys and Burks brings both an ablilty to score inside and on the perimeter only helps his stock with the Warriors. A sleeper idea here is that the New York Knicks swoop in and take Jimmer Fredette here. Now what should happen in my eyes, is Sacramento takes Valaciunas at seven (because they have zilch at center) and the Knicks and all of the popcorn media get their dream come true scenario where hometown boy from the Bronx Kemba Walker gets drafted by the Knicks. That won’t happen but it would make all teams involved a lot better including Golden State who could grab Jordan Brooks (potentially) at 17.

12. Utah Jazz — Chris Singleton/SF, Florida State

If Golden State doesn’t take him at 11, expect the Jazz to leap at Singleton with the 12th pick. Andrei Kirilenko is most likely not coming back and the Jazz will need a forward to defend the perimeter. Singleton is that guy and there should be no reason to think the Jazz won’t take him unless something drastic happens like a trade at No. 3 or them taking a forward there. Easy pick for the Jazz.

13. Phoenix Suns — Jimmer Fredette/PG, BYU

The Suns will go one of two ways at 13 if all plays in their favor. One direction would be to draft Channing Frye’s ultimate replacement or running mate in Tristan Thompson from Texas, but the more obvious choice would be to draft the replacement for Steve Nash who is 37. Jimmer Fredette is high on the Suns board and if available at 13 (barring a trade by New York) they will take him. Nash was rumored to be traded to Minnesota to play mentor to Ricky Rubio, but both sides agreed to walk away from that. But Phoenix may take that idea from Minnesota and use it for their own benefit. Having Nash mentor Jimmer, who seems much to have a character build like Nash, would be brilliant for the Suns. Nash is arguably one of the franchises all-time most respected, liked and talented star and to replicate him in Jimmer is a blueprint for success moving forward.

14. Houston Rockets — Jonas Valanciunas/C, Lithuania

If Sacramento cracks under the pressure of outside influences (as management there has been known to do, redefining the “safe-pick”) they won’t take arguably the best young big man prospect in the draft. If Sacramento passes, Valanciunas plummets fast and hard. 14th pick hard. The Rockets want a big man to replace Yao Ming who has been one of the biggest busts in NBA history. Houston may be hesitant given they swung so hard and missed so bad with Ming, and Valanciunas is a young big man like Ming was coming out of China. But Valanciunas is too talented to fall any farther than 14 to the Rockets. If he doesn’t go here it would be because the Rockets traded up but the reason they would trade up would be to grab Valanciunas. Bottom line is Houston wants him and unless Sacramento gets smart, Houston gets him one way or another.

15. Indiana Pacers – Tristan Thompson/PF, Texas

If he falls like this, he won’t go any farther than Indiana. The Pacers want Jimmer Fredette but unless they trade up they won’t get him. The solution is not to sulk, but to draft Tristan Thompson to play power forward. Tyler Hansbrough is a nice player, but Thompson will be an improvement on him. The Pacers won’t make a trade here because Thompson makes too much sense at 15, but stranger things have happened during the draft.

Facial Injuries and Nosebleeds

2011-06-17T17:41:00.000-07:00

Anatomy of the Face

The

main bones of the face consist of the skullcap (calvaria), the nasal

and cheek (zygoma) bones and the upper (maxilla) and lower (mandible)

jaw bones. In sport, injuries to this region are usually associated

with a direct forceful impact to the face and/or head.

Soft Tissue Injuries to the face

Soft tissue injuries to
the face are common in racket sports and martial arts but may occur in
any sport. They often result in the facial or scalp area becoming
either cut (lacerated) and/or bruised (contused) as a result of direct
trauma. Immediate treatment should aim to stop the bleeding or swelling
in the area as quickly as possible.

Treatment of soft tissue face injuries

To reduce swelling, ice in addition to pressure can be applied to the area.
In
order to control bleeding, direct pressure over the wound can be
applied with a sterile gauze. If an athlete is bleeding then they must
be removed from the field of play in order to minimise the risk of
infection.
Once off the field all foreign material such as mud
or grass will be removed from the wound and the area should be cleaned
with an antiseptic wipe.
As a rule of thumb lacerations greater
than .5 cm should be closed once cleaned. This can be achieved by
using adhesive strips (steristrips), however if the player intends to
return to the playing field then the affected area must be dressed
appropriately to prevent further damage.
If the wound is deeper and the bleeding cannot be stopped then seek medical advice.
This
may be common in the lip and eye brow areas and medical stitching
(suturing) may be required. For deeper wounds a tetanus shot should be
administered. Also, in the event that the injury may be contaminated by
another player saliva, as in bite wounds, anti-biotics should be
given.

Nosebleeds

Nose
bleeds happen as a result of injury to the division between the two
nasal passages (nasal septum) which contains a high proportion of blood
vessels.
Treatment of nosebleeds
- Compression
  should be applied as quickly as possible to the soft area just below
  the bridge of the nose, preferably with ice to stop bleeding.
- It
  is important to lean forward as this facilitates the blood to run out
  of the nose. Leaning back may cause swallowing of the blood which can
  lead to nausea and vomiting.
Complications arising from nosebleeds: Septal Hemotoma

This
is caused by bleeding within the tissue of the nasal septa. This forms
a clot that can block the nasal passage and may cause difficulty in
breathing. In this condition medical intervention must be sought to
remove the clot.

Facial Fractures:

Symptoms of a facial fracture

Pain, swelling and bruising are the most obvious symptoms.
Deformity may also be present. This may result in some asymmetry in one side of the face to the other.

Signs and Symptoms of a Fractured Cheekbone

Swelling, bruising, numbness cheek flattening or any jaw dysfunction.
Note
that this fracture may also be associated with a fractured eye socket
which may lead to visual disturbance such as double vision, or limited
eye movement.

Treatment of fractured cheekbones

Medical treatment must be sought immediately. Surgery may be necessary to stabilise the fracture.

Fractured Jaw-bone

Two different areas of the jaw may be fractured namely the upper and lower jaw bones.

Lower Jaw-bone (Mandibular) Fractures

This
is a very common injury associated with all sports and usually is a
result of a direct trauma to jaw. The mandible commonly fractures in
more than one place.

Signs and Symptoms

There may misalignment of one or more teeth.
Alternatively a whole segment of teeth may be seen to move independently.
Bruising may be present on the floor of the mouth.

Treatment

This is a very serious injury and requires urgent medical attention.
The patient is usually best placed in sitting forward position ensuring that he/she can breathe correctly.
Any displaced teeth or tooth debris must be removed from the person's mouth.
If the patient is concussed then they may be placed on their side, again clearing their mouth of any debris.
As
a safety precaution the tongue may need to be stabilised and held in
place to avoid swallowing and so obstructing the air way.

Upper Jaw-bone (maxillary) fractures

Signs and Symptoms

A 'lengthening' of the face
Bruising
Problems associated with biting .i.e. jaw alignment.

Treatment of upper jaw fractures

Make sure the air-way is clear so the affected person can breathe.
If the person is conscious then he/she should be made to sit in a forward position.
Seek medical advice immediately

Mortons Neuroma

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What is Morton's Neuroma?

Nerves that transmit messages to the brain from the toes pass between the metatarsal bones (long ones behind the toes). If the arch in your foot is weak then this can cause the metatarsal bones to pinch the nerve causing it to become inflamed. This is most likely to happen between the 3rd and 4th bones causing a pain or numb sensation on the inside of the two toes that the nerve comes from.

The pinched nerve causes pain or numbness on the sides of the toes nearest to the nerve

Sometimes it is caused by a neuroma or benign tumour on the plantar digital nerves (situated in the web between the toes). It may develop due to ill fitting shoes which press against the nerve. The condition is made worse by athletes who spin on the ball of their foot such as golfers and tennis players.

What are the Symptoms?

Pain on one side of a toe and the adjacent side of the next toe.
Pain when you squeeze the foot.
Pain if you press between the bones.

Treatment Methods

What can the patient do to treat mortons neuroma?

Rest.
Wear a metatarsal raise which will raise and spread the bones of the forefoot taking the pressure off the nerve.metatarsal pads(UK) - metatarsal raise (USA).
See a sports injury professional who can advise on treatment and rehabilitation.

What can a sports injury specialist do to?

Fit orthotics as mentioned above.
Tape the foot to relieve pain and pressure on the nerve.
Prescribe anti-inflammatory medication (such as iboprofen ).
Give exercises to strengthen the arch of the foot.
Operate.

What does mortons neuroma surgery involve?

Surgery for mortons neuroma consists of either a decompression, where more space is created for the nerve or a resection, where this part of the nerve is removed completely. This will result in some permanent minor numbness. Success rates for surgical procedures to treat mortons neuroma have a high success rate.