Sponsored Athlete takes 5th at Reservoir Triathlon!

Congratulations to Erich Wegscheider who finished first in his age group and 5th overall this past weekend at the Reservoir Triathlon.  Having crashed just 8 days prior to his race, he was pleased with his finish and this accomplishment.  Read more about this Trigger Point Performance sponsored athlete’s experience here.  Erich, best of luck in your upcoming races this season!!

Exercise Science Student Intern

Trigger Point Performance Therapy offers unpaid internships to qualified candidates studying exercise physiology, exercise science, kinesiology or related fields. Internships may be available during the fall, spring or summer semesters. Interested individuals should send a résumé and cover letter describing their background, interests and career goals to the listed contact person.  We are currently looking to fill a summer position.

Trigger Point Performance Therapy internships aim to provide qualified candidates with an environment for understanding the positive role physical activity, massage therapy, and active recovery plays in preventive and rehabilitative care. Specifically, interns will:

• Gain an understanding of human biomechanics and how the body is designed as an interconnecting network
• Participate in 2-3 major fitness expositions and events throughout the country
• Hone the skills required for using and sharing the methodology behind Myofascial Compression Techniques
• Develop a personal style necessary for communicating the importance of self-massage
• Learn to work with a multi-discipline team in delivering quality information to clientele
• Through participation and guided learning, develop the skills to instruct group exercise and personal training classes using Trigger Point Performance Therapy in a variety of environments and modalities
• Assist in development of internet-based protocol for injury prevention and rehabilitation

Trigger Point Performance is an Austin-based company that has successfully become one of the leaders in personal performance care by marketing its in-home therapy technology to consumers in the athletic, health care, and personal wellness markets.  We are a multi-channel company that provides a broad selection of information, media, products, and services to customers that value personal development, wellness, positive lifestyles, and enlightening media.

Contact: Lindsey Smith

Lindsey@TPtherapy.com, (512) 300-2804

Shin Splints and TP Therapy

Shin splints is often the term associated with general pain in the shins.  It is a common condition in field sports and running alike.  Shin splints are typically caused by overuse of the tibialis anterior muscle, which controls dorsiflexion of the foot.  Pain occurs when the sheath, or periosteum, surrounding the tibia becomes inflamed due to the stress the anterior tibialis puts on this connective tissue between the muscle and the bone.

Symptoms of Shin Splints:

• Pain on the medial portion of the shin
• Pain that intensifies during exercise and eases when sedentary
• Small lumps that can be felt along the shin bone
• Mild swelling
• Pain when the toes or foot are bent downward

According to Sports Injury Clinic, “Treatment for shin splints is as simple as reducing pain and inflammation, identifying training and biomechanical problems which may have helped cause the injury initially, restoring muscles to their original condition and gradually returning to training.”

At Trigger Point Performance Therapy we can aid in this treatment process by offering a means by which adhesions and scar tissue in the tibialis anterior can be broken down.  This is accomplished through myofascial compression techniques and the use of our TP Massage Ball. The tibialis anterior originates on the lateral portion of the lower leg and inserts on the medial portion, at the medial cuneiform.

• Place the TP Ball on the anterior lower leg on the lateral side of tibia bone.
• Keeping an upright torso, slightly lean back and allow your body weight to allow pressure to generate throughout palm and through the ball.
• Apply pressure, as tolerated, to this area as you address the extremely tight areas of this muscle.

• Place one TP Ball on the interior lower leg on the medial side of tibia bone, while the other ball rests underneath the calf and isolates the muscle from the bone.
• Keeping an upright torso,  allow pressure to generate throughout palm and through the ball by shifting body weight forward.
• Knead the muscle in this area and along the connective tissue to target extremely tight areas of this muscle.

Perform this routine up to twice daily to optimize results and get on the path to recovery!

IT Band Syndrome

Over the past two events we have had numerous inquiries regarding Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS).  The most common symptom of ITBS is progressive pain on the lateral portion of the quadriceps and the outside of the knee joint.  This pain is often increased when running up and down hills.

A recent article by Running Times Magazine shares, “The traditional view on the cause of this injury has focused on the tightness of the structure and over-training.  There is no doubt that the ITB will become tighter when it is injured.  The tightness, however, is more than likely a result of the injury and not the actual cause.  The cause of this injury actually lies in the function of the ITB.

The main functions of the ITB are to assist the hip muscles in abduction (outward movement) of the thigh and to stabilize the lateral side of the knee.  The ITB is not a strong structure, and if the surrounding muscles have any weakness that can lead to injury and ITB syndrome.  Runners are notoriously weak in their hip and core muscles, particularly if strength training or participation in sports that involve side-to-side movement are lacking.”

For individuals struggling with ITBS we strongly encourage addressing the issue from the ground up.  This process will begin with massage of the soleus muscle in the lower leg with the use of the Footballer.  You will also want to consistently address the quadriceps and ITB through the use of the Quadballer with slow and controlled movement.  We will caution, however, against rolling along the IT band too much.  Remember, it is a fibrous band of tissue rather than a muscle; long periods of deep massage applied to this area can result in greater irritation.  Release of scar tissue and adhesions through the muscles in the lower extremities can ultimately offer relief to the IT Band, reducing the painful symptoms of ITBS.

For optimal results, use your Trigger Point Products daily!

The Ultimate Six Course

Michele Garner of Gemini CrossFit shares her experience of the U6 Course!

Upcoming Course Dates:

Austin, TX - May 15th

New London, CT – June 12th

Hartford, CT – June 13th

Workout using The Grid!

Kendra, a member of our Event Staff, takes a break from her office duties to get a workout using The Grid!