HEALTH

HEALTH OTL /

Muscle Evaluation and Activation: The New Frontier

STORY BY DR. JEFF LUKE

As a chiropractor, I often take on the role of educator to empower my clients to realize their health and wellness goals. And because you are with yourself more than you are in my office, it is important to include you in the process. Therefore, I have found it is far easier to enlighten a person’s perspective on health and healing than trying to do it all myself. By being more of a Sherpa than a Guru, I guide clients to see the world and their bodies in a new light. I recommend therapeutic movement and exercise; foods to eat or avoid; and ways to improve mental state. By allowing my clients to choose and own their personal healing path, individuals reclaim their health and becoming their body’s ally. Rather than sit back passively and wait for someone else to make them well, they grab it by the horns.

Consumer health care has conditioned people to adopt several disempowering beliefs towards what health is, and how to attain it. Many people feel they can simply hand over their ‘health’ to their healthcare provider and return in an hour to pick it up. We have also been conditioned as consumers to expect to feel better yesterday and have someone else pay for it. We are constantly seeking a magic bullet or pill, but do not actually believe in magic. By reframing what true health and wellness is and how it is attained, my clients, again, are empowered to be their own body’s ally.

The truth is that the body was designed to self-heal and self-regulate, and when given the correct internal and external environment, the body can do seemingly miraculous things. We often forget that the power that made the body, heals the body and that that power did not leave you when you left mom. Armed with this understanding, we can see how the body is always doing the best it can with what it has at a given moment for the overall betterment of you and with the end goal of survival in mind. Consider that chronically swollen ankle as your body’s own cast, immobilizing inadequately healed tissue. Is this dysfunction or the body’s innate intelligence at play?

In a very general sense, three avenues influence our health, positively or negatively. These avenues are the mental (Emotional), physical (Structural), and environmental (Chemical). Our unique combination of these three influencers of health equates to our personal health state. Each avenue works with the others to establish and maintain homeostasis towards the goal of survival. Just as this relationship between the three avenues can beneficially impact our health and healing capacity, so too can it be detrimental. Special attention must be paid to each avenue to correctly identify causative factors to symptoms or dysfunction so that appropriate treatment may be provided to maximize healing time and potential.

EMOTIONAL

Whether you think you can or think you cannot – you are correct. The same is true for our mindset around healing. Unaddressed and unresolved mental and emotional stress can hinder healing and contribute to pain. Visualize the posture of someone grieving, now oppose that to someone is who just made a million dollars in cryptocurrency. And because of the interconnected avenues our emotional state is heavily influenced by our diet and gut health. For example, feeling moody when hungry and tired after meals are potential signs of blood sugar dysregulation.

There is a limit and capacity to our tissues. Whether it be bone, organ, or cartilage, acute and repetitive stress can cause serious health issues. This underlines the importance of moving and resting within the design of our body. Assessing for primary faults in range of motion, posture, strength, and coordination leads to better treatment. Understandably physical ailments can cause tremendous amounts of mental and emotional stress, as well as deplete our body’s metabolic reserves.

Chemical: The quality of our internal and external environment logically plays a large role in our ability to function and heal. This includes everything that we put in and, on our bodies, along with all the biochemical processes required to digest, detoxification, repair, and maintenance. From the chemicals used to clean us, our food, our things and more our environment has become increasingly saturated. Avoiding primary food allergens and harsh chemicals from our day-to-day lives drastically improves our ability to recover. Just like it is hard to be productive in a dirty room, your cellular function is reduced in a toxic internal environment.

CHEMICAL

MY CLINICAL WORK

Most clients seek my services for physical complaints, along with my special certifications in muscle assessments and treatment. Of the three avenues discussed above, the physical avenue is my main entry point used to improve health and healing in my clients.

Unlike other muscle-specific therapies and techniques that center around finding tight muscles and releasing them, I take a different approach. Through advanced training in AMIT, I can locate, treat, and re-integrate functionally weak or reflexively inhibited muscle(s) that cause dysfunction and discomfort.

Chronically tight muscles are often associated with an opposite (also called an antagonistic) muscle with weakness and/or inhibition. An example of antagonistic muscles is abdominals and back muscles. They are opposite to each other, and they work synergistically for optimal movement, balance, and overall health.

When a weak or inhibited muscle is left untreated, the body brilliantly adapts by offloading the weak muscle and rerouting muscle recruitment. Of course, this comes at a cost: reduced efficiency and hardwiring compensative movement patterns. These new movement patterns alter load and stress on tissues, ultimately leading to inflammation, degeneration, and pain.

To return to our earlier example of antagonistic muscles, I often see functionally inhibited abdominal and glute muscles causing tightness in the lower back. Rather than focus on the area of pain (low back), I focus my work on the abs and glutes, which brings balance to the system. In many cases, tight muscles are not the cause but the response. They will release on their own when there is no more need for their adaptive state.

With this understanding and AMIT, I can individually test and evaluate 200+ muscles per side of the body. Muscles are then facilitated or “turned-on” through specific and unique stimulation to the mechanoreceptors. This system was developed from the integration of diverse techniques ranging from chiropractic, acupuncture, myofascial therapy, lymphatic and vascular reflexes that reestablish the integrity of the involved muscle.

Unless there is underlying pathology, eg. a torn tendon, ligament or muscle, corrections hold, and the body no longer needs to adapt to the inhibited muscles. Additional therapies and rehabilitation are supported by muscle activation, as you cannot strengthen something you cannot contract.

Jeff Luke is a Chiropractor and owner of M Powered Chiropractic specializing in Advanced Muscle Activation Techniques (AMIT). He is currently practicing in both Austin and Georgetown, Texas. He can be found on Facebook and Instagram @mpoweredchiro and reached at jeff.luke@mpoweredchiro.com or 512-921-5235.

Let’s Get Luxe

STORY BY MICHELLE KELLER

We’re overdue for exceptional exploration, luxury and happy memory making, won’t you agree? Adventure is opening back up friends, and it’s time to get back to living your best life. Who could have predicted an era when travel would have been limited and all of the plans we had on the back burner went straight to the “not going to happen file.” If we learned anything, isn’t it not to wait? It’s time to take your dreams off the back burner and make them the entree. In this space we’ll talk about getting your body back on track, your mind back in tranquility and your life on,“Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead.”

et’s get your body right and put some work in with a fascia solution. Lingering low back pain, aching feet, or constant tension in your shoulders? Unhealthy fascia can be the cause. Fascia can restrict your range of motion and compress muscles, blood vessels, and nerves, causing pain and tension. Take hold of the improved performance, reduced injury, and overall health benefits that come with understanding and caring for your body’s fascial system. You can learn what it is, how to care for it, and how to maximize performance through healthy fascia with Jenea Frierson at Fit Fascia Solutions. Co-owner Jenea Frierson has worked with professional athletes, chiropractors, orthopedic doctors, acupuncturists, plastic surgeons and many more health professionals. The focus is on bringing holistic wellness into your life.

What else needs a tune up? Sources say we spend an average of 12k miles annually in our cars. So why not make it as comfortable as possible? The smell of fresh leather in the interior and dazzling options never quite blinged as bright as the 2021 Jaguar Convertible F-Type. Get ready for euphoria from within, the lightweight seats are a snug fit, controls are intuitively accessible and instruments are clear and simple.The front performance seats in the F-TYPE are 12-way adjustable, so you can settle into your own personal sweet spot. Plus, there’s the option of heating or cooling for optimum comfort. Choose to build-your-own model and go from 0 to 60 MPH in 4.9 seconds with a 3-liter, 6-cylinder, 380HP, supercharged all wheel drive. Feature-rich with more options and capabilities than you can dream of, this is the car for the affluent in 2021.

Let’s talk about some newbies from the pandemic era. Zoom and similar live meeting apps allowed us to make significant use of our time and helped many businesses survive. Along with this came interactive at-home entertainment. From apps that offer the ability to watch movies at the same time with video to share reactions, to calling interfaces with virtual game nights, we’ve made some lasting industry firsts. Wineries offered virtual one-on-one wine tasting events. In California, Dutton Goldfield Winery reached out to us in our homes via zoom and kept us interactive in the things we enjoy. All you had to do was choose your flight, sign up for the tasting, the wine was shipped and hospitality manager, Greg Johnson hosted a one-on-one tasting through the wines. Stories were shared about the vineyards, the area they’re from, and what makes them special.

With wines that offer the brightness of fruit, complexity, structure and balance that are reflective of their cool coastal neighborhood, Dutton Goldfield specializes in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and also produces small quantities of Syrah, Zinfandel, Pinot Blanc, Riesling and Gewürztraminer. Winner of numerous awards this Sonoma Valley winery sources from vineyards throughout the Northern California coast, from Marin to Mendocino counties. Call ahead and enjoy a case this summer.

Time is valuable and one of the few things you can’t get back once it’s gone. Why would you treat it any other way than on a brilliant Cartier display? Cartier’s new timepieces themed “Watches and Wonders” is dedicated to the culture of design this year. Tank Must, Pash de Cartier and Cloche de Cartier all shine in new models. The new version of the Pash de Cartier appeared with a jewellerywatch diameter, a quartz movement and all the signature details found on a Pasha watch: engraved initials hidden behind the crown to cover the interchangeable straps. A true Cartier signature, the Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch is emblematic of the Maison’s vision of design. With pure lines, precise proportions, precious details and the accuracy of the shape, every aspect of this watch is a matter of harmony. Cartier completes its collection with a new 40 mm size that complements both men’s and women’s wrists with the same elegance.

“Diamonds are a Girls’ Best Friend.” That, ladies and gents will always be true. “Square-cut or pear shaped, these rocks don’t lose their shape. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” Marilyn Monroe sang in one of the movie’s she was famous for. From Tiffany’s to Cartier, and from 8 years old to 110, every girl’s heart has a diamond shape on the inside. Jokes aside, male or female, there’s something for everyone who likes a bit of lux in their attire. The four C’s never hurt anyone’s feelings, especially not mine (Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat weight).

Customize the heart of your dreams at Tiffany’s with the Soleste, heart shaped Halo engagement ring with a diamond platinum band (available in .5 carat up to 2 carat). The diamond really is the shape of her heart in this one-of-a-kind set. Diamonds are still man’s best correspondence seal. Signet rings, monograms, diamond point cuffs are among the things every gentleman needs in his valet. Find the newness your heart desires from the lapel to the belt.

Pasha de Cartier Tank de Cartier

I’ve spent enough time at home to span a lifetime. Are you as ready to get bathed in sun and fun as I am? We both know you are. Let’s get a little spa treatment and water fun at Lake Austin Spa Resort. Start and end each day soaking up stunning views from accommodations at Lake Austin Spa Resort. These rooms offer a sanctuary to inspire and rejuvenate while embracing the rustic charm of the Hill Country.

Spend an afternoon reveling in relaxation at the spa, exploring the lake by kayak, or practicing yoga on a paddle board. When it’s time to settle in, retreat to the comforts of your accommodations under your favorite Texas stars. Our entire resort is an escape from the everyday, but the LakeHouse Spa takes you even further down the path to true tranquility. Join us as a spa day guest or indulge in all-inclusive luxury as an overnight guest at the resort.

The LakeHouse Spa has incredible amenities to explore as a day guest. From fresh, seasonal dining at the elegant Aster Café, to private suites perfect for couples, treatments are just the beginning of your spa journey.

Experience the world’s best ancient and modern therapeutic techniques in a serene setting. Our one-of-a-kind 25,000-squarefoot facility is an Austin spa oasis that offers all of our guests a calming place to refresh and relax.

But don’t think I forgot about the fun in the sun. Immerse your mind, body, and spirit in a wave of restoration at Lake Austin Spa Resort. Located right on the shores of Lake Austin, this stunningTexas retreat inspires you to form a new relationship with water when you go below the surface and reconnect with life. You’ll find aquatic influences all around you during your stay, from floating water meditation and sundown paddle outings, to scenic boat cruises and live music lakeside, as well as aquatic spa treatments, our all-inclusive activities invite you to dive into a new experience while developing a deeper understanding of the transformational properties of water.

Led by Executive Chef Stéphane Beaucamp, the resort’s lakefront dining room and Aster Café specialize in French influences with local inspiration to cook up healthy, flavorful creations you’ll remember long after the dishes have been cleared. Whether you’re participating in a chef-led cooking class or indulging in one of the three meals included in your overnight stay, you’ll find satisfaction in a meal is best served by the water.

These are just the beginnings of a summer of luxury that’s waiting for you to claim it. Whatever you do this summer, even if it’s in your own backyard, make the most of it. Breathe in every single second of it. Cherish time, the air, freedom and most importantly life.