Date: October 16th, 2009
Posted in: Quick Fitness Tips by Dr. Ryan
Quick Health and Fitness Tips by Dr. David Ryan
In this edition of Dr, David Ryan’s Quick Health and Fitness Tips, learn about why you should be concerned with numbness extending past the area of swelling and brusing if you are dealing with a possible tear, learn how to reach that area between your shoulder blades and also how to train your back properly!
Numbness and Muscle Tears
Whenever you are dealing with a potential muscle tear, make sure that you do not have any numbness extending anywhere past the area of bruising or swelling. This usually indicates that you are having a compartment syndrome, which is considered a medical emergency. There are simple tests that any ER can do to determine if you have swelling that is significant enough to cause a nerve to die. It is a very simple corrective procedure; however, if you do not follow through and see a medical professional, you will likely lose a hand or foot. Ouch!
How To Reach The Area Between Your Shoulder Blades?
Have you ever had to apply any topical medication to that area between your shoulder blades? If you are an individual with any size, it might be extremely difficult for you to reach that area. A simple trick is to use the edge of a door or doorway, when trying to apply any cream or ointment. Simply place the medication in your hand and then apply to the doorway edge. Move your body into a position to apply the ointment by moving your back up and down and sideways over the door edge. If you are lucky someone can do this for you, but if you are pressed for time, this is the next best thing. Make sure you wipe down the door or edge with a towel when you are done so no one gets a gooey hand afterwords.
Proper Way To Train Your Back
Most people do not train their back muscles correctly. Many individuals will lift a weight simply by pulling with their arms. The correct technique is best demonstrated by locking the elbows in a fully extended position, then shrugging the shoulders for approximately 10 reps. After this technique has been mastered, the next step is to learn to arch the back as you shrug the weight. You can shrug either down; as with lat. pull downs; or back; as with cable rows or similar movements.
Yours in Health!
Dr. David Ryan
Tags: Dr. David Ryan's Quick Health and Fitness Tips
October 24th, 2009 at 4:31 am
Great Tips - I live on my own and always find it hard to rub cream on my back for a fungal infection that flares up every nown again. I’ll give the door trick a try next time I have to use it. Thanks Dr!