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The American PT concept for runners regeneration

by with No Comment Regeneration EN

Winter is characterized by cold, early darkness and inconsistent weather conditions. These conditions often interfere with running training and force regular runners to take long breaks during the cold months. Whereas in summer long laps are performed after work, in the winter regeneration phase the focus is increasingly on short but effective runs and additional indoor training.

We have developed a sophisticated training plan to guide you through the winter months and treat minor instabilities from the previous season that can rob you of your strength and performance and in the long term lead to dysfunctions and injuries. In order to find and eliminate these dysfunctions, we pay increased emphasis on your breathing, movement and fitness.

Breathing

Before we can move properly, we must breathe properly. Breathing gives us stability and at the same time guarantees full mobility. A dysfunctional breathing can cause painful tension and back pain. The result is pain, careful movement and lost training days. To avoid this, we work specifically on your breathing technique for more energy and performance.

Movement

Movement is the foundation of all sports. To move freely, we depend on mobility and stability. If any of these are missing, energy leaks occur. They rob us of a lot of strength and lead to unnecessary wear and tear of our joints and ligaments. With the so-called runner’s TÜV we can recognize injuries and dysfunctions and correct them with specific exercises.

Fitness

In order to achieve optimal performance in training and competition, we need to be sufficiently fit. Running requires strength and stability in our posture, a lot of endurance to maintain this strength over several kilometers and explosive power when the finish line is in sight. During the quiet winter months, the focus for runners should therefore be on stabilizing the back and trunk muscles, so-called core training, functional and joint-gentle muscle building and fascial training to prevent shortening of the tendons and muscles in the legs.

  • First we treat all pain and movement restrictions (e.g. blockages) with
    Chiropractic, dry needling, fascial treatment and various physiotherapeutical
    techniques.
  • Next we test breathing, movement and fitness. In case of dysfunctions, corrective
    exercises offered.
  •  If we can‘t find any dysfunctions, we offer individual training, training plans and group training to prepare for the next season.

American PT will help you enjoy running again and optimize your performance so you can get back on track in spring.

Yours Michael Boettcher

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Stretching – lengthen your muscles

by with No Comment Personal Training ENPhysiotherapyRegeneration EN

Stretching exercises maintain the flexibility of muscles and the mobility of joints, which is a prerequisite for a healthy musculoskeletal system. Stretching can also improve training performance, relieve tension and reduce stress.

An indispensable part of professional sports

That’s why stretching exercises are a must in professional sports. If the sport requires particularly explosive movements or flexibility, stretching afterwards is indispensable. It increases flexibility, reduces muscle shortening and has a positive effect on performance. Stretching should be done for at least five minutes after each fitness session to promote recovery. One-sided movement patterns and incorrect posture can also be corrected through stretching exercises.

Effects on the musculoskeletal system

In the long term, stretching primarily improves the mobility of joints and surrounding structures. Tendons and ligaments are strengthened, and muscular imbalances are corrected in the short term by lengthening shortened muscles, thus reducing tension in the muscle. Additionally, it can reduce stress and restore circulation.

In the field of physical therapy, stretching is used to reduce muscular imbalances and correct problems caused by muscle shortening, as well as speed recovery from injuries.

Stretching correctly

However, to avoid injury, some important rules should be followed when stretching:

  • Stretch dynamically before the fitness session, as the muscles are not yet warmed up and thus injuries can easily occur.
  • The movements should be performed slowly and in a controlled manner
  • It is better to do static stretches after the training session.
  • Do not forget to breathe
  • The pain should be sustainable at all times
  • Always stretch on a non-slip surface

Static and dynamic stretching

Static stretching involves trying to pull the muscle to be stretched as far as possible and holding this position for 20-30 seconds. Static stretching should never be done before a workout, as it can reduce performance and lead to injury. Static stretching exercises are also not recommended if muscle soreness is noticeable.

Dynamic stretching exercises, on the other hand, consist of gentle movements that could also be described as springy. The muscle is stretched for a few seconds, but can always contract again. This form of stretching promotes blood circulation and thus also the oxygen supply to the muscle and is therefore particularly suitable as a warm-up before the fitness session.

If you want to improve mobility and promote health through regular stretching, you should be patient in your approach. The muscles need a few attempts to stretch properly, so it’s better not to rush things.

Your Michael Boettcher

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Pain in the knees from running

by with No Comment ChiropracticPersonal Training ENPhysiotherapyRegeneration EN
Many of our customers complain about knee pain while running. They often describe the pain as dull around the knee joint or as a twinge at the kneecap. Most often, the pain occurs during running or immediately following exercise. Clients often try stretching exercises or using a fascia roller to loosen the surrounding muscles and get rid of the pain that way. Unfortunately, the pain can be persistent and, in the worst cases, force them to take a longer break.

Causes of knee pain

The most common reason for knee pain is overuse of the lower leg extensor muscle quadriceps. If the muscle is used too frequently, so-called trigger points develop. These are small nodules in the muscle that have poor blood supply and cause a characteristic pain pattern. If there is overuse of the quadriceps, the pain tends to feel dull and is located around the knee. If the fascia is stuck or tight, the pain tends to be located on the sides of the knee or just below the kneecap (patellar tendinitis). In both varieties, the pain occurs during and after running.

Our holistic approach

Our strategy for this situation is first to lower the tension in the muscles by dry needling and massage. This is done by working on the fascia with a special tool to loosen it up and release any adhesions. With special tests we can determine if the connection between the nerve and the muscle is working properly. If this connection is inactive, the muscle will be overloaded or misloaded again and the discomfort will return even after the therapy is finished.

Functional Movement Screen

Once we have the local discomfort under control, we do a Functional Movement Screen and look at the patient’s overall movement amplitude. This gives us the opportunity to identify and target further faulty movement patterns. Through corrective exercises at home, discomfort and thus pain can be prevented in the future. Yours Michael Boettcher
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Reflexive Performance Reset – not only for competitive athletes

by with No Comment Altitude TrainingChiropracticPerformance PackagePersonal Training ENRegeneration EN

Reflexive Performance Reset, or RPR is more than just an ordinary therapy. It activates muscles that have a key function in our musculoskeletal system via certain reflex points. These key muscles give our body more support, bounce, energy and lead to more mobility in the long term. The Reflexive Performance Reset consists of different breathing exercises and the stimulation of certain nerves in the body, which help to increase the training success and prevent injuries.

When we are under constant stress and give our body little time to regenerate, it is inevitably put into stand-by mode. In this state, the body has little energy and performance is significantly reduced. Reflexive Performance Reset can help to bring the body back to its performance peak, reduce pain caused by compensating for poor posture, improve mobility and increase resistance to injury.

By activating specific reflex points that bring the body out of these damaging compensation patterns and targeted breathing exercises, the muscles can recover faster, you have more energy and are more resistant to stress. Whether you are a competitive athlete, an athlete or simply a sports enthusiast, the RPR concept is so simple and yet so promisingly designed that it can be implemented at any time. Just contact us!

Yours Michael Boettcher

Nutrition Coaching

Cold season – defying the weather with exercise and nutrition

by with No Comment Nutritional CounselingRegeneration EN

The winter period is characterised by cold weather and little sunlight and tugs at our energy.
Warm clothing and long walks outside are good for health and general well-being. If you want to protect yourself against colds in winter, you should pay particular attention to a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise. In our practice for alternative medicine and physiotherapy we offer a wide range of possibilities for exercise and relaxation as well as nutritional advice. Defy the cold weather and say goodbye to your cold!

The right diet is essential

Food plays a central role in our lives. It supplies not only our body, but also the soul and spirit with nutrients and energy. Like everything else in life, nutrition must remain in balance, only in this way can optimal health be achieved. Especially during the cold season, you should pay more attention to your vitamin intake to strengthen your immune system. The body needs sunlight to produce vitamin D. In the winter months, the daily sunshine hours are few and often there is no opportunity to use these few hours for outdoor activities. The consequences are: Exhaustion, lack of drive or concentration problems. With our nutritional advice tips, we help you to bring your health and your diet back into balance.

Exercise is the key to optimal health

Regular exercise is not only good for our musculoskeletal system, but also stimulates the metabolism. This in turn leads to increased performance and, in the long term, to more energy. Movement is therefore essential for health. Physical processes such as digestion, circulation and respiration are strengthened – and ultimately so is the immune system. With the special personal training in our physiotherapy practice, we combine ambitious training with the latest scientific findings from sports and movement medicine. With your personal training goal in mind and a mobility test, problems are recognised and corrected, mobility is improved and fitness is increased.

Relaxed through the day

When it comes to strengthening the immune system, relaxation is an important part of our health, along with exercise and nutrition. Stress and lack of exercise can lead to muscle tension and attack our immune system. With massages, we release all forms of tension in the muscles. In this way, we help you with tension pains and at the same time stimulate the blood circulation and metabolism. The immune system is activated and cold viruses have no chance.

If you have any questions about nutritional advice, personal training or massages, please call us or make an appointment via our website.

Your Michael Boettcher

Krankengymnastic am Gerät

Medical rehabilitation training – effective and gentle on the joints

by with No Comment ChiropracticPhysiotherapyRegeneration EN

What is medical rehabilitation training?

Medical rehabilitation training is generally used after injuries and operations to restore mobility and treat diseased areas of the musculoskeletal system. Targeted training units are used to improve strength, mobility and endurance in the long term. The specially developed medical build-up training for therapeutic purposes is considered part of rehabilitation treatment and is often accompanied by a doctor.

For whom is medical rehabilitation training recommended?

In general, medical rehabilitation training is prescribed by a doctor after an injury or operation on the musculoskeletal system. However, it can also be used for persistent pain in the joints or back. The physiotherapist draws up an individual training plan tailored to the problem area and person. Medical rehabilitation training is also suitable for the prevention of painful muscle tension and resulting damage to the spine.

What is trained in medical rehabilitation training?

Depending on the type of training, medical rehabilitation training trains balance, coordination and posture, strength, flexibility, speed or endurance. The essential components of the medical rehabilitation training are: mobilisation and mobility training, strength and stabilization training, coordination training, endurance and cardiovascular training.

What equipment is used for medical rehabilitation training?

The medical rehabilitation training uses training equipment that is easy on the joints and yet highly effective, while putting optimal strain on the muscles and joints. Additionally, computer-controlled training devices such as the Power Plate or EMS allow a targeted training of the deep muscles and can be used, for example, for muscle building before an operation.

In our practice for physiotherapy we offer medical rehabilitation training for therapeutic purposes. Do you have any questions or would you like to arrange an appointment? Call us, we will be happy to assist you!

Yours Michael Boettcher

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Homeoffice – risks and side effects

by with No Comment OsteopathyPersonal Training ENPhysiotherapyRegeneration EN

Due to the ongoing pandemic, more and more people are being forced to work from home, but not everyone has an ergonomic workplace available. People often work at the kitchen table or on the sofa and often lack the time or motivation for compensatory movement after work or during breaks. Especially in the dark season, when it is already dark outside after work, many people find it difficult to get enthusiastic about exercise and sports. Instead, they make themselves comfortable on the sofa with a bag of chips.

From a medical point of view, these factors can in the long term promote physical complaints such as tension in the neck and shoulder area and headaches or lead to pathological obesity and associated chronic cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, lack of exercise and an ergonomically inappropriate sitting position can increase the potential for musculoskeletal disorders. Through a prophylactic posture, the respiratory muscles tense up, breathing becomes shallower, we feel tired and exhausted and have difficulty concentrating.

Anyone who wants to prevent this should therefore provide for compensatory exercise in their free time. True to the motto “if you rest, you rust”, even small units of one hour per week can provide sufficient mobilization and relaxation. In our practice for physiotherapy and personal training, we offer not only classic physiotherapeutic applications but also an extensive portfolio of holistic training with a focus on joint-sparing movement sequences and medical muscle building.

We recognize and treat dysfunctions so that you can work in your home office in a relaxed and pain-free manner. Say goodbye to pain and make an appointment today.

Your Michael Boettcher Continue Reading

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Massage – using pressure against pain

by with No Comment OsteopathyPhysiotherapyRegeneration EN

Many of our patients come to our practice with muscle tension and pain resulting from it. Massages can help in this case. It is not without reason that massages are among the oldest known therapeutic treatments: The pressure on or rubbing over the tense area influences the tense condition of the muscles and fasciae, promotes blood circulation and relieves pain.

In our practice for physiotherapy we offer the following massage techniques:

  • Traditional massage: relaxes muscles, improves blood circulation, stimulates metabolism, relieves pain, improves posture and helps restore physical balance
  • Leg massage for runners: Improves performance and efficiency, prevents fatigue injuries, increases running speed, reduces muscle soreness after the run and accelerates recovery time and regeneration
  • Fascial massage: loosens the fasciae (connective tissue) so that the body is not pulled into a bad posture, reduces pulling and radiating pain, improves mobility, reduces muscle tension, positively influences the musculoskeletal system
  • Lymphatic drainage: Helps to remove swelling and water retention, improves mobility by reducing joint swelling, reduces recurrent spinal blockages, activates the autonomic nervous system, promotes regeneration

Conclusion: Massages can be helpful for a variety of muscle or joint pains and in the best case are performed by a trained physiotherapist. With the help of these techniques we can free you from pain, treat or prevent injuries and correct your posture – for a life full of mobility and without pain.

Yours Michael Boettcher

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Neck pain – causes and treatment options

by with No Comment ChiropracticOsteopathyPhysiotherapyRegeneration EN

The most common cause of neck pain is tension in the neck/shoulder area. These are usually caused by monotonous movements or an incorrect sitting position at the workplace. Especially in the home office, people do not pay attention to their sitting position, because not everyone has a fully equipped workroom. People often work at the kitchen table or on the sofa, which can lead to permanent incorrect strain on the spine and thus to pain.

What types of neck pain are known to occur?

If the pain is caused by tension that is not based on injury or pathologically changes in the vertebral bodies, it is called non-specific pain. Those are often caused by lack of movement, incorrect sitting posture in an office chair, shallow breathing or overweight. If the pain is the result of an injury or surgery, it is considered to be a specific pain, since the cause can be precisely determined: We adopt a relieving posture and the body tries to avoid movement and the pain that comes with it.

What other factors can contribute to neck pain?

Tension in the neck and shoulder area and resultant muscle hardening can also be favored by the following factors: monotonous movement patterns at work, shallow breathing, psychological factors such as stress and anxiety, posture problems or insufficiently trained neck muscles. The joints are stressed incorrectly or too much, we feel uncomfortable, flabby and have pain. The diaphragm remains largely inactive, the respiratory muscles are put under much greater strain, the muscles in the neck tense up and pain occurs.

How can neck pain be treated?

In our physiotherapy practice we offer various treatment options for neck pain. Starting with classic physiotherapeutic applications such as massages and manual therapy, dry needling, functional training, muscle building in the neck and shoulder area or physiotherapy on the machine. We accelerate the healing process and restore the mobility and stability of your musculoskeletal system so that you can live permanently pain-free and without tension.

Yours Michael Boettcher

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The power of breathing

by with No Comment Altitude TrainingRegeneration EN

Many of our patients come to us with back pain. These often occur in the shoulder/neck area or the lower back. The pain is usually triggered by tension or blockages. As a result, they suffer from headaches, loss of concentration, lack of drive and general loss of performance.

In order to release tension and relieve pain, we use various practical healing methods in our practice. However, one important factor should not remain unrecognized: breathing. If breathing becomes overly superficial, the diaphragm remains inactive and the respiratory muscles are put under much greater pressure.

These muscles are basically the assistant to the diaphragm and consist, among others, of muscles in the front neck and chest area and the so-called back extensor muscle. The respiratory assist muscles perform the main part of the respiratory movement. Permanent strain on these muscle groups due to stress, poor posture or lack of movement causes them to tense up.

That is why we also focus on effective breathing when treating pain. Through focused breathing exercises we can reduce stress, encourage muscle regeneration and improve general mobility. In long-term this means more freedom of movement, calmness, quality of life and less pain. To learn more about the power of breathing, book an appointment with us.

Yours Michael Boettcher