TRX Suspension Training Is Now Here! Make Your Body The Machine!

TRX is a functional movement training tool. But you can also do conditioning, strength and corrective exercises as well. This combined with your therapeutic massage work that you receive from Roman Paradigm Massage & Therapy is a perfect compliment to each other. This is where the fitness and rehab industry is heading.

Gone are the days of just training muscles in isolation and getting stretched. We want to know how well do you move? And is this poor movement pattern causing your pain and dysfunction to begin with. We want to get to the root cause of your problem. If you are getting massages now and they are sending you home, without a way to cement the massage work that, you just received, they are NOT helping you to maintain that new relaxed position that your muscles are now enjoying.

Massages With Functional and Corrective Training

In general terms in order to maintain muscle and joint harmony, we need to identify length/tension relationships in your body that are affecting joint function. This is done by correcting the muscle imbalances; first by lengthening tight muscles and strengthening weak ones.

Even though we do suggest specific exercises and stretches that you can do at home, now we have the ability to do it right here.

The Posterior Chain Muscles Are The Ones That, You Complain Hurt The Most!

At Roman Paradigm Massage & Therapy, we spend the most time working on the posterior muscle group, it is also the group of muscles that our clients reach for the most when describing their pain. Most people do not know this but it is usually the tight muscles in the flexor chain that need more work; its these muscles that are most likely causing the pain in your back. Why? Because the flexor chain muscle group “pulls” the posterior backside muscles long and weak. And we spend most of our time in this “flexed position” (i.e driving, gym and work).

I can across this article recently written by, Christi Sullivan owner of Loveland Yoga and Core Fitness, in Loveland, Colorado. And it is one of the best explanations that I’ve read describing the role of your glute muscles in the posterior chain. This is why I am sharing it (with permission) with you and in its entirety, enjoy!

Thank you Loveland Yoga and Core Fitness for letting us share this with our clientele! Btw go to their Facebook page and like it!

What is the posterior chain?

The posterior chain is simply the backside of your body and its primary muscles include the lower back, gluteus maximus (glutes), hamstrings, and calves. This area is often neglected and misunderstood. There are two main reasons why. The first reason is many people sit 8-10+ hours per day. Because of the seated position the quadriceps/psoas become adaptively short and tight, further inhibiting the glutes.

The glutes then suffer amnesia to their primary role as hip stabilizer and extensors. The second reason the posterior chain is neglected is that none of these muscles are seen in the mirror. Out of sight out of mind, we only seem to notice when we are trying on jeans or the dreaded swimsuit. May be you do strength training, yoga, or running, etc …but the glutes are not reflecting all the hard work; so the question is…are you really working them?

Although the posterior chain consists of the low back, glutes, hamstrings and calves, the focus here will be on the function and importance of the glutes. When the glutes become inhibited the posterior chain is not functioning properly. The low back and the hamstrings then have to take on the work of the glutes, and along with these muscles being overworked the IT Band, TFL plus the piriformis also take on an additional load, leading to a whole cascade of low back, hip, knee, ankle, and foot problems.

Although yoga feels good when stretching the excessively used low back and hamstrings, the majority of poses that are used in class will over stretch the posterior chain and over work the anterior chain, exacerbating the problem the people deal with all day. This is not exclusive to yoga, there other workout programs in gyms that can be just as unbalanced. This article is going to look at the many roles of the glutes.

Glutes And Their Role In The Posterior Chain Muscle Group

The glutes role when it comes to the hip is hip extension and from a standing position this is to lift one leg behind you while standing on the other, but you must maintain the center of gravity of the ankle with the other glute. This position rarely equates to the pelvis being level. In general when the pelvis is level in balance work you are hanging off the passive structures of the hip and continuing to weaken glutes.

In the bottom half of a squat (Utkatasana) or bottom position of the lunge (Warriors), hip extension is the movement upwards to drive up out of the bottom of the pose. Hip extension is also done from the floor when in supine bridge. The next role of the glutes around the hip is abducting the leg. This movement is moving the leg away from the mid-line of the body; an additional role at the hip is that of external rotation.

The role of the glutes at the pelvis is to posterior tilt the pelvis. This is misunderstood and is often poorly executed; most people end up extending from the lumbar spine instead of from the hips. When people cannot rotate the pelvis properly it is based off weak glutes plus short/tight quadriceps/psoas and resulting back pain. Visualize your pelvis as a bucket full of water and when in neutral, the water is going nowhere, but as the quads/psoas begin to tighten they pull the pelvis down slightly and water is now pouring out the front, this is an anterior tilt.

In a posterior tilt, water is being poured out the back, but you must be careful how you do this action because it comes from the co-contraction of the lower abdominals and the glute max, not from the lumbar spine. The glutes role around the spine is simple, if you don’t have strong glutes you are going to extend and flex at the spine instead. Strong glutes encourage good lifting and movement technique. The glutes also have the best leverage out of all the muscles in rotation based movements such a revolved crescent.

The Glute Muscles Provide Much Needed Stability

The glutes role around the sacrum is to provide stability through an action called force closure. Force closure is an outside force and is required if the joint has movement. The fibers of the glutes and hamstrings attach to the sacrum and when they contract help create this force closure for stability. But there is also a mechanism called form closure. In the body this would be a fused joint but the closest example we have is the sacroiliac joint (SI-J), but still has 0.2% movement. This is why the sacrum requires the additional stability from force closure created by the glutes.

• The glutes role around the anterior hip (front), when you use mainly the hamstrings without the co-contraction of the glutes, they will pull the head of the femur forward into the acetabulum (hip socket). Without the co-contraction of the glutes or if you do not have strong glutes to keep that from happening you are going to get anterior hip pain. The glutes pull backwards on the femur and track it properly in the hip socket and thus preventing anterior hip pain.
• The glutes role around the knee, is to help keep the knees tracking out (knees tracking on 2nd/3rd toe) when in low positions like a squat, this is when glute medius has the best leverage and becomes an internal rotator. Muscles change roles in hip extension/flexion depending on the depth.
• The glutes role around the feet, are through fascia connections via the thoraco-lumbar fascia of the low back and the IT Band. The most profound expression of the glutes and feet interaction is through sprinting, but this can certainly be the case for lesser intensities even in walking and jogging. The hip extensors absorb a vast amount of braking forces to help propel the body forward.

Proper glute activation and strength is necessary for force to transfer and movement to be efficient. Because of the many roles of the glutes, they also play a role in posture and have a cascading affect. All you have to do is look at posture (forward head posture, rounded upper back, pot belly or pouchy belly, flat sagging butt) and the pain people are suffering from today and see the importance of the glutes in the ways mentioned.

Sitting Is Not Friendly To Your Glutes

Pain in the lower body will inhibit the glutes, it is a protective mechanism. If the glutes are inhibited you won’t be able to do sudden or explosive movements, this to save whatever is injured to be repaired. The problem is that when the injury is healed the glutes don’t just magically come back on. When I test the recruitment order of the posterior chain 9 out of 10 people cannot activate the glutes, the body & brain skip right over it.

Sitting is another enemy of the glutes. When you sit all day you are in the position of hip flexion and there is adaptive shortening and tightening of the quads/psoas. When this happens, there is also an additional neurological response of shutting down the opposing muscle (the glutes); this is called reciprocal inhibition.

So get up and move throughout the work day and train or practice through full range of motion to counteract what we are doing during the day. Getting the glutes on all the time takes a multi-pronged approach; proper isolation when stretching quads/psoas; myofascial release (foam roller work), glute activation work, and working through full range of motion. I have worked to creatively incorporate these approaches from my strength training experience into a yoga flow.

Written by:

• Christi Sullivan owner of Loveland Yoga and Core Fitness

References:

1. Bret Contreras, T-Nation
2. Mark Buckley, FMA Strength Training
3. Perry Nickelston, DC, FMS, SFMA Dynamic Chiropractor, Dynamic Chiropractor—July 15, 2011, Vol. 29, Issue 15

KRTY Is Hosting Their Radio Stop Today At Roman Paradigm Massage & Therapy!

It Will Be Your Chance To Win A Free Ticket To This Years 6 Hottest Country Music Concerts!

Tonight KRTY will be doing their radio stop again at, Roman Paradigm Massage & Therapy between the hours of 6pm – 8pm. Come by to enter your name to win, your free 2012 Country Megaticket. This ticket is good for 6 of this years hottest Country music concerts. And while you are here get a free chair massage from our massage therapists, we look forward to seeing you tomorrow. Tell a friend!!

KRTY is giving you the chance to win your FREE 2012 Country Megaticket

This MegaTicket will allow to attend these concerts for free…

• Miranda Lambert on April 27th,
• Sugarland on June 1st,
• Brad Paisley on July 27th,
• Toby Keith on August 12th,
• Rascal Flatts on September 14th, and
• Jason Aldean on September 28th …all performing at Shoreline Amphitheatre.

This Valentine’s Make That Special Someone’s Day A Relaxing One!

Valentine’s Day is Tuesday, February 14th and Roman Paradigm Massage & Therapy wants you to spend, your day with us. In some Latin American countries Valentine’s Day is known as “Día del Amor y la Amistad” (Day of Love and Friendship). How are you going to spend your day of friendship and love?

You will have 3 days to celebrate with us; Saturday, February 11th, Sunday, February 12th and of course Tuesday, February 14th on these 3 days we will be providing champagne, fruits and chocolates for your enjoyment. A gift of massage has so many benefits; it decreases stress, improves your immune system, reduces muscle tension, increases blood circulation and the best part massage stimulates the production of endorphins, dopamine and serotonin, chemicals that make the body feel good.

Now don’t you want that for someone you care for?

In-addition to these massage packages listed below, we also have massage gift certificates available for sale that can be redeemed at any time.

His and Hers package – Price $350

Nothing says “I love you” better than an afternoon of warmth, meditation and massage.

• 90 Minute, Same Room Couple’s Massage
• Hot Towel Foot Rub and Scalp Massage
• Aromatherapy and Hot Stones

Roses are Red package – Price $150

Show her how much you care with this great gift!

• 75 Minute Massage, catered to her relaxation needs.
• Includes Hot Towel Foot Rub and Scalp Massage.
• Rose Aromatherapy

Gift Certificates Available!

Can’t make it Valentine’s Weekend? Purchase a Gift Certificate for that special someone at 75 Minutes or longer and receive 15% off the second one of equal value!

Buy 2 Get 1 Free Massage Package Ends Today!

Has the economy created a deep hole in your pocket and knots in your body?  If so, Robert is reaching out to you.  He wants to show you that a great therapeutic massage can alleviate, your aches and pains from your body. Robert recently decided to extend this deal alittle bit longer to give all the The 408k runners a chance to purchase this.

This offer will end very soon it could be today or it could be tomorrow, I wouldn’t wait to find out. This is a great deal, from a therapist who has 17 yrs experience!!

For those of you who have NEVER been massaged by him, or if it has been a while since you have been on his schedule, he welcomes you to try this 3 session package. Why 3 sessions? It has been his experience that 3 – 5 sessions close together allows him to build on the previous sessions work; giving your body the most benefit. To entice you, when you purchase two 60 or 75 minute sessions, he will give you the third session for FREE!!

Read more about Robert, our trigger point specialist here. Please keep in mind that, Robert’s massage rates are slightly higher than our regular rates.

Massage Package:

Now this massage package is ONLY offered by Robert Vignoli and cannot be redeemed by anyone else in our office. He is offering this massage special as a way for you to get good quality therapeutic massages at a discounted rate, plus he is looking to get his rusty hands on something other than  a keyboard. For past 9 months he has been blogging and marketing.

This offer is no longer available. But sign up on our Newsletter for the next time Robert feels generous.

Fine Print:

This offer ends today and it must be used within 60 days. One purchase per client, new or existing customers are welcomed to purchase.

For questions, please call 408-726-2363

This review is for Dr. Sage, who is a naturopath in addition to a massage therapist.

“Last week I called with an urgent lower back issue and Dr. Sage was able to fit me in for a 50-minute massage the same day. A back muscle was in constant spasm, and moving the wrong way caused nearly unbearable pain. I had to be driven to RPM; I could not really walk, or drive.

Dr. Sage asked some key questions before the massage and listened very carefully. She was oh-so-patient as it took forever to situate my body on the table. Like watching paint dry!

We did not know the root cause of the pain and the most important thing about this whole experience is, she did no harm. Dr. Sage really knows her stuff and is a true professional. She ended up giving me two massages with hot stones (and heat on the table) on two consecutive days. She “read” what was going on with my hip/back and knew exactly where to apply pressure, and how much.

After each massage there was soreness but later more relief. She helped me use ibuprofen strategically, and then stop when it wasn’t needed anymore. She also advised me on how to use heat and cold packs to ease the pain. All her advice seemed to yield results for me. Very knowledgeable and compassionate.

3 days later I was able to drive myself back to RPM to see Dr. Friedman for an osteopathic consultation and adjustment. If you have back issues or just need a therapeutic massage, get acquainted with the folks at RPM. They’re the best I’ve found in the South Bay.

Elaine A.

Mountain View, Ca. ”

Clinical Therapeutic Bodywork! Not Your Typical Fluff, Oily, Spa Massage!

Bryon graduated from the National Holistic Institute of Massage Therapy in 2009. A state accredited program that included Kinesiology, Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Sports, Swedish, Trigger Point and Deep Tissue courses.

He is licensed by the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC License # 23707) and is a professional member of the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP). And it is this professionalism that you will notice when you book a therapeutic massage session with Bryon. His dedication and work detail are second to none.

Prior to becoming a massage therapist, he worked in various fields that left him feeling dissatisfied. He desired more than just a job, but a career. One that would be fulfilling, enjoyable and in high demand. Bryon’s number #1 goal is to help you overcome muscular pain due to muscle tightness and poor posture.

Muscle tightness can lead to injury due to faulty movement patterns and joint dysfunction. Your lifestyle will often contribute to these muscle imbalances with the daily stress, fatigue, insufficient movement or a lack of variety of movement (doing the same things over and over).

Massage Techniques Used By Bryon:

• Trigger Point Therapy
• Deep Tissue Massage
• Sports Massage (Post, Pre and Rehab.)
• Swedish
• P.N.F. Stretching
• Pregnancy Massage
• Hot Stones Massage

More about Bryon Lindsey:

According to Bryon, “The best thing about a career in massage therapy is the ability to assist in the process of healing. It is personally satisfying.” His favorite types of massages include Sports, Trigger Point, and Deep Tissue but he doesn’t stop there. He is fully capable of a relaxing Swedish style massage.

“I enjoy the aspects of Sports, Trigger Point and Deep Tissue Massages merely for the fact that there’s no ‘foo-foo work’ involved. The massage is meant to fix issues in the body, and I like that I can address these specific issues with just my hands. I never thought I could find a job that I loved. But I have. I thoroughly enjoy being a massage therapist! ” -Bryon Lindsey

When he’s not working, you can find him warming those hands in front of a bonfire at the beach, logging in miles on his Fixie, or simply enjoying the company of family and friends (specifically his two children Jada and Braylon). Bryon continues to expand his knowledge and expertise in bodywork as often as possible to enhance his skills, and to better serve his clients.

Bryon’s Massage hours:

• Monday 1pm – 9pm
• Tuesday 3pm – 9pm
• Wednesday 3pm – 9pm

Massage Rates:

• 60 min session = $90
• 75 min. session = $105 (recommended length)
• 90 min. session = $130 (recommended length)
• 120 min. session = $180