Training Programs

Soft Tissue Maintenance

Soft tissue maintenance is the habit of isolating and eliminating tight muscles through stretching and trigger point therapy. There are two ideal times to stretch a muscle and apply trigger point therapy.  One is immediately after exercise (because the muscle tissue is at an optimum temperature) and the second is after “rolling” the muscles (because the muscles become dense with use) with a foam roller.

Think about a knot in a rope, by pulling on either end of the rope makes the knot becomes tighter – the same thing occurs when you try to lengthen a muscle that has a trigger point within it, it makes the trigger point tighter and increases the potential of a muscle tear.

To avoid pulling a muscle, use these rolling techniques before stretching.  The direct pressure on the tissue will vasodilate (open up) the blood vessels along with warm up the tissue which will cause the tissue to relax and become prepared for stretching and/or exercise. Below are five videos for you to utilize with a foam roller prior to exercise and/or stretching:

Foam Roller: Quads

Foam Roller: Hamstrings

Foam Roller: Calves

Foam Roller: ITB

Foam Roller: Leg Series

Understanding the dangers associated with stretching verses utilizing trigger point therapy and avoiding an injury, another nugget of knowledge to help Working Smart, Not Hard and Avoid Overtraining!

Yours in sport & health,

-Coach Robb, Coaches and Staff

Thought for the week:

“Results are more contingent upon the attitude of the athlete than the ability.”