The month of February can be harsh, winter is in full force. As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, even the best of us can get a little down. The “winter blues” are characterized by the mild depression, lack of motivation, and low energy that many people experience during this cold season. Luckily, there’s a lot you can do to both prevent the blues from coming on and get yourself back to normal if they’re already here. According to an article by Nicole Nichols in Sparkpeople, a few things you can do to beat the winter blues are: exercise, eat a healthy diet, relax, embrace the season, and get some sun (vitamin D). Remember, spring is right around the corner – keep it up!
Maybe it’s not the “blues” holding you back this season. Do you have prior injuries or scar tissue that prevent you from being active? Have you heard of Graston Technique® or Astym Treatment®? Both of these incorporate an evidence-based form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively detect and treat scar tissue and restrictions that affect normal function.
The Technique:
- Separates and breaks down collagen cross-links, and splays and stretches connective tissue and muscle fibers
- Increases skin temperature
- Facilitates reflex changes in the chronic muscle holding pattern
- Alters spinal reflex activity (facilitated segment)
- Increases the rate and amount of blood flow to and from the area
- Increases cellular activity in the region, including fibroblasts and mast cells
- Increases histamine response secondary to mast cell activity
Many providers and patients are requesting this treatment, STARS has many certified providers. Please visit our website www.starspt.org for more information on these treatment methods and the therapists that are certified at STARS.
