Newsletter no. 38 – Monday 6 June, 2022

This is the web-based version of Stretch Therapy Newsletter no. 38

Read

Transformation While Restoring a Twice-Torn Achilles Tendon and Getting to Squat

Transformation While Restoring a Twice-Torn Achilles Tendon and Getting to Squat is the intriguing subject line of Edwin S.’s second ever post on the ST Community Forums, written just over two years ago. Edwin had set himself the goal of repairing an 80% torn Achilles tendon using non-surgical techniques, re-torn after a complete tear that was surgically repaired—is this even possible?

Read Edwin’s first post in the Transformation thread here.

Then post #2 in the Transformation thread, written two years later. I don’t want to précis Edwin’s experiences myself, except to give one quote, below; it’s better, I feel, to read his explanation in his own words, here. An extraordinary transformation, leading not only to restoration of impressive function, but:

"It all resulted in a state of relaxation and ease, of being able to more easily allowing stress-carrying activities and situations around me to simply slide off of me or around me, without it changing even my positive mood.”

The ST method requires only that you persist in using the techniques regularly, without regard to the outcome week to week, and what needs to happen (in this case the remodelling and replacement bit by bit of a very damaged tendon) happens in the background, and often imperceptibly.

I urge anyone interested in deep transformation to read Edwin’s two posts; he has mastered the system and his results are inspirational.

Watch

The rod of correction!

Edwin refers to a RollStretch technique which is sometimes called ’the rod of correction’!

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This video introduces you to RollStretch, a combination of stretching techniques and fascial rolling and releasing techniques, using simple and inexpensive devices to focus on parts of the body that are hard to roll using the usual methods.

We show you how to use polished sticks to work the muscles and fascia of the back of the legs, to help you to be able to sit on your heels on the floor comfortably. This rolling technique will help you get a deeper full squat in time, too (because the backs of the legs soften, the knee and hip angles can close more in the bottom position). This technique alone has helped many people get the full squat for the first time. The larger point is that any time joints need to close, the tissues on the inside of this movement have to yield—and so often they do not. RollStretch teaches the body how to yield, and what yielding feels like. Whole-body proprioception is woken up in the process.

In time, even Achilles tendonitis can be addressed and treated using these techniques.

We feel that targeting fascia in this mechanical way (rather like getting a deep tissue massage) really helps you stretch more effectively. Using the simple tools we recommend (sticks, various size balls, and other objects) can make an amazing difference to how you feel and function.

Further resources

Kit and Olivia each responded to Edwin’s recent post, Kit with comments about fascia and persistance, and Olivia with suggestions for additional exercises for Edwin to try.

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