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Stages of healing after an injury
Farm Life, FarmLife

Stages of healing after an injury

Fit to Farm: There are usually clear phases to indicate what is needed, but when that will happen can’t always be predicted

By
Healing is not a linear process. It does often have some clear phases and stages that can indicate what is needed when, however, the arrival of these stages isn’t always predictable. In healing work I often see one of two presentations: an acute onset of a complaint or a long-term issue held in the body. […] Read more
Modalities are essentially any technique or tool that is used to facilitate healing.
Farm Life, FarmLife

The value of healing modalities

Fit to Farm: Modalities are tools to be used in the process of progressive healing

By
We’ve all experienced some form of healing/therapeutic modality. Modalities are essentially any technique or tool that is used to facilitate healing. Examples could include massage/bodywork, NSAIDs/pain relief medication, ultrasound, acupuncture, TENs units, cupping, taping, etc. These modalities are tools to a larger process of healing. In theory they should be used as a stepping stone […] Read more
When we approach compensations from a place of understanding the value they’ve held at some point in relation to our survival, they begin to make a lot of sense.
Farm Life, FarmLife

The truth behind physical compensations

Fit to Farm: How people move and hold themselves can reveal much of their life history

By
Even compensations and imbalances have a time and place — just like crutches have a place after breaking a leg. Though often when compensations begin to cause issues like pain, performance barriers and tension, they’ve reached the end of their purpose. Our body’s job is to keep us functioning and stable (a.k.a. safe) in an […] Read more
Our “usual” has been rudely interrupted, our connections kept at a distance and change forced upon many of us.
FarmLife

Stress management for uncertain times

Fit to Farm: During these pandemic times many have experienced stress-related symptoms

By
Big or small, we’ve all made sacrifices for the collective goal over the past months, and safe to say, experienced some level of stress-related symptom in our physical and emotional bodies. Common signs of stress, uncertainty, and overwhelm manifesting in the body include: Headaches, Fatigue, Malaise, Muscular tension, Stiff joints, Restlessness, Anxiety/depression, Transient moods, Bickering, […] Read more
Sciatica, like a majority of other pain conditions, can be resolved. It will take time and effort, but it is possible.
FarmLife

Have you been diagnosed with sciatica?

Fit to Farm: If you have been dealing with lower back pain there’s a good chance that you have been

By
Sciatic is the name of the nerve that is supposedly causing the symptoms. The traditional description of what causes sciatica symptoms is that surrounding muscle groups tighten and impinge on the sciatic nerve as it exits through the pelvis and carries on down the leg. Some of the underlying roots as to why sciatic irritation […] Read more
Often the fear and apprehension that arrive from seeing a big scary thing on an imaging report actually cause more tension and alarm in our systems, in turn, exacerbating symptoms.
FarmLife

Imaging and ‘big scary things’

Fit to Farm: The things most often seen through imaging of the spine are not always the cause of symptoms

By
Regardless of how back pain started, many sufferers go on to be referred for medical imaging such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. As a practising rehabilitation specialist I see imaging as both a blessing and curse, in the majority of cases I see. Research has shown that the big scary things we so often […] Read more
Some things to know about stretching
FarmLife

Some things to know about stretching

Fit to Farm: Newer research suggests this may not have as much benefit as once thought

By
Static stretching — or long holds of a position — is a thing of the past when it comes to correcting tight muscles. Over the last number of years research has suggested that static stretching doesn’t actually have as much long-term benefit as once thought. This doesn’t mean it’s bad, or harmful, but it is […] Read more
Is running good for you?
Farm Life, FarmLife

Is running good for you?

Fit to Farm: Yes it can be but there are some things you need to know

By
A fitness rumour that is often heard is, “running isn’t good for you.” Is it true? The short answer is — no — running is not bad for you. However, using running as your only form of cross-training does have the potential for harm. Running without a planned-out strategy will likely end in burnout and […] Read more
Weight training — when done intelligently for each individual — is just as effective as other types of exercise in improving health.
Farm Life, FarmLife

The truth about weight training

Fit to Farm: When done properly it can be a very effective exercise routine

By
“At your age, should you really be lifting weights?” “Isn’t weight training dangerous for your joints? Does that really help you feel better?” “Aren’t you worried about getting injured again?” “I heard that weight training is bad for you — doesn’t it cause arthritis?” These are some things my clients have heard when their peers/families/friends […] Read more
Whether it’s fixing machinery or feeding cows, chances are much of your day is spent using your arms in a 180-degree range in front of your body.
Farm Life, FarmLife

If you have shoulder pain you’re not alone

Fit to Farm: This is one of the most common complaints experienced by farmers, and here’s why

By
Among the common injuries I see farmers for, shoulder complaints fall into the top tier. The shoulder can cause grief for many reasons, but almost all of those reasons have common roots. Anatomically the shoulder is a fairly shallow joint, especially when compared to deep ball-and-socket joints like the hip. For a shallow joint it […] Read more

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