The Pressure Positive Blog

Eastern Mountain Sports Minimalist Nights in NYC!

pressurepositive — Tue, 08 May 2012 18:51:24 +0000

If you are in NYC on May 23rd and 24th come on down to the Eastern Mountain Sports SOHO and Upper West Side locations in store events.

Join Jason Robillard, the Barefoot Runner, on a run through Central Park preceded by a Barefoot Clinic sponsored by Merrell and Jason.

We’ll be there talking to customers about performance and recovery using some of the great products EMS carries

including Pressure Positive trigger point self care products and RAW Health International’s Topical Analgesics.

Coat and bag check and electrolytes provided by EMS.

See you there!

Temporalis Treatment with the Knobble II

pressurepositive — Wed, 02 May 2012 19:12:19 +0000

When treating the muscles associated with TMJD and headaches, it’s important to treat all the muscles of mastication both inside and outside of the mouth. While the MyoFree® Solution does an excellent job with intra-oral trigger point release therapy, it’s also important not to neglect the very important temporalis muscle. As you can see from the diagram, the temporalis is a very large muscle that attaches at the top of the mandible and fans out on both sides of the head along the side of the skull. The temporalis muscle exerts an upward force on the mandible and also helps to stabilize the TMJ while keeping the mandible in the rest position.

When one clenches the teeth, the temporalis is activated, and all parts of the muscle are involved. Bruxism, or grinding the teeth, causes increased muscle strain to the temporalis, as does anxiety or stress induced muscle tension. The temporalis muscle works in conjunction with, and is affected by the other muscles of mastication, also known as the chewing muscles. Therefore, it is important that we also treat any tenderness or trigger point involvement in the temporalis along with the other chewing muscles.

Common symptoms of trigger points in the temporalis are head pain, toothache and tension type headache behind the eyes. Poor posture, clenching the teeth, and stress can all perpetuate trigger points in the temporalis which is the primary cause of tension type headaches. There is also a strong correlation between the neck and shoulder muscles with the temporalis, so all surrounding muscles must be considered and treated for both active and latent trigger point (TrP) infestation. Active TrPs cause an active pain complaint. Latent TrPs while still in the muscle don’t cause an active pain complaint but need to be treated to prevent pain symptoms from becoming active down the road. Latent TrPs will also be tender when pressure is applied so that’s why we recommend searching the muscle thoroughly and treating all tender areas.

A common stretch is to take both hands, spread them out and place them on the temples on both sides. Press the temporalis muscle upward while opening the mouth.

Trigger point massage tools are very helpful to inactivate trigger points within the muscles. Each muscle group, both inside and outside the mouth, need different sizes and shapes to provide the best therapeutic effect. During my search for the perfect tool to treat the temporalis muscle, I came across the Knobble II which is a small handheld massage tool that is round and fits perfectly in the palm of your hand with a small knob that imitates a thumb. Using the tip didn’t have the effect I was looking for… so I found that lying down on the Knobble II sideways (using the large round part) was the most effective way to really get in there, locate TrPs and treat. Locate this muscle by starting across the top of your cheek bone by the ear and look for areas of tenderness and trigger points. Massage all around the temples and when you locate the very tender areas apply direct, sustained pressure to release trigger points, taut bands, and any tenderness. You can also open and close your mouth while applying pressure to tense contracted muscles which will help release the tenderness. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find out what works best for you.

The Knobble II is a perfect complement to the MyoFree® Solution. The Knobble II is a free gift when placing an order within the United States from www.pressurepositive.com. By using both the Knobble II and the MyoFree® massage tools, you will effectively be able to treat all the muscles of mastication that cause head, face, jaw, and neck pain.

Bonnie Prudden Memorial Scholarship announced.

pressurepositive — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 13:00:09 +0000

Join Enid Whittaker at the 2012 World Massage Festival in launching a new memorial scholarship award to celebrate Bonnie Prudden’s life and achievements.

Each year, one attending therapist’s name will be drawn for the Bonnie Prudden Memorial Scholarship. That therapist will receive FREE World Massage Festival registration for life! Enid will draw the first name to win the scholarship.

7th Annual World Massage Festival
2012 World Massage Festival – August 19-22, 2012
Tuscany Suites & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
Earn up to 26 CE hours (NCBTMB-approved)
$400 for all the workshops you want to take! Register by April 30 and you can pay in 3 payments!
Full details at http://www.worldmassagefestival.com/2012

Not only will you get your HANDS-ON continuing education from world-class instructors, but your networking opportunities are boundless! We have attendees coming from 46 of the 50 states, Australia and Trinidad. Take classes alongside Massage Therapy Hall of Famers and join in the Facebook & Friends Meetup after the Hall of Fame Ceremony.

Plan ahead and register for 2013 at:
http://www.regonline.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1057011

Valerie Delaune, LAc. Speaking Tour 2012

pressurepositive — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 19:04:16 +0000

Valerie DeLaune, LAc.

PO Box 3082

Homer, Alaska 99603

(907) 435-7060 cell

valerie@TriggerPointRelief.Com

http://triggerpointrelief.com

Press kit/reviews: http://triggerpointrelief.com/presskit.html

Trigger Point Author and Instructor to Speak at Conferences,
West Coast Seminar Tour Fall 2012

(Anchorage, AK) April 4, 2012: Author and continuing education instructor Valerie DeLaune will be presenting on trigger points at three conferences in 2012.

According to DeLaune, “Around 75% of pain is caused by trigger points; yet in spite of decades of research, it is one of the most under-diagnosed conditions in medicine. I’d like to change that by heightening awareness through magazine articles, books, and courses for health care professionals.” She will be speaking at the American Massage Therapy Association Washington Convention in Tacoma in April, the World Massage Conference in June (a web-based conference), and the Northwest Symposium in Portland, Oregon, also in June.

Trigger points are hyperirritable spots in skeletal muscles that feel like “knots” or tight bands. About 74% of the time, trigger points “refer” pain to a different area — they are not located within the area in which a patient is actually feeling symptoms, so treating the area of pain does not afford relief. For example, if someone has pain in their hand and fingers, it is probably being referred from trigger points in muscles in their neck, shoulder area, or forearm. Pain and other symptoms can be relieved if the trigger point is treated with pressure or other techniques.

DeLaune says “People live with a lot more pain than they need to. There really is a lot they can do to help themselves, and become informed about their options for treatments. The earlier the intervention in a painful condition, the more likely the degree and duration of pain can be reduced or eliminated.”

DeLaune will also be touring West Coast States Fall 2012 teaching seminars for health care professionals in Oregon, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah.

You can find out more information about DeLaune’s books, speaking engagements, and seminars for health care professionals at http://www.triggerpointrelief.com.

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Trigger Point Self Care Class in Chicago!

pressurepositive — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 20:48:44 +0000

Attention folks in the Chicago area!

We hope this message finds you well — better yet, pain free and fully functioning! We’re writing today to share news of an upcoming SELF CARE CLASS.

MYO Pain Relief Center, in partnership with SkyLab and YogaNow, will be hosting a Self-Care Workshop for everyone who’s interested — myofascial patients, yogis, alternative health practitioners and health-minded individuals alike.

Beyond formal therapeutic sessions, self-care is a big part of the ongoing healing process – enabling pain sufferers to relieve their pain problems and prevent recurrence. So, if you’d like to increase your knowledge of self-care and get some hands-on practice, join us for an evening of fun and healing through stretching and compression.

Below, you’ll find the event details in a flier that we’ve attached.

Trigger Point Self Care Class

The Ups and Downs of Racing

pressurepositive — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 14:50:20 +0000

Oh how time flies when you are sick. Well, that was the case for me in the middle of my racing season.

While it happens to everyone, nobody ever likes it, and I am definatly not an exception to that rule. My biathlon races continued to move in a positive direction through January though which gave me some positive energy going into February.

My racing focus changed a bit moving further into the season. I had two big marathon cross country races planned. The first was the “Mora Vassaloppet”. This is one of the longest marathons in the U.S. at 60km, and a big one in the Mid-West. Unfortunately, they had to cancel the event due to lack of snow. Thankfully, I did have a backup. Instead, I raced the “Pre-Birkie” race in Hayward, WI. Record numbers and cold temperatures made for a tough day, but not a bad one in the end. I was happy to finish 2^nd overall in the 42km race. I felt I had things in order and was well prepared for the big race, the “American Birkebiener”. This is the biggest Nordic race in the U.S. , with over 9,000 racers. It is a pretty awesome event. And then I got sick. Bronchitis settled into my chest and just wasn’t going to go away without a LONG fight. I was bummed to say the least. If nothing else, being forced to sit on the sidelines for this race was a good reminder to me of just how much I do love racing. And that is always a good feeling to have.

So I spent few weeks of resting, recovering and then getting back into race shape. And then it was time to pick up my rifle again. Last week I raced in the Canadian Nationals in Valcartier, QU. The conditions were great and the competition tough, all of which made me very happy. I started off the week feeling a little shaky on the range and it showed. A few too many penalties left me frustrated but eager for another chance to get out there and do it right. I put things together on Saturday and Sunday with two 5^th place finishes. I am always racing for the podium, but felt that my performance was solid in the end and have to be happy with that, at least until next time!

I am sorry to report that I don’t have any additional biathlon races this season. I am hoping to sneak one more Nordic race in at Distance Nationals in Stowe, VT a week from now. To be honest, I am not very optimistic that it will happen, since old man winter seems to have moved out of the Northeast early this year. The temperatures have been approaching 80 the last few days, which leaves me feeling very confused while packing. Do I pack my shorts and flip flops?

Will report back from Vermont shortly! Hope you are all enjoying the sunshine!

Cheers, BethAnn

The Pressure Positive Company forms strategic partnership with RAW Health International.

pressurepositive — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 18:50:21 +0000

March 13th, 2012

For Immediate Release:

Gilbertsville, PA Tuesday, – The Pressure Positive Company is proud to announce the formation of a strategic partnership with RAW Health International to promote techniques which combine the use of topical analgesics and deep muscle compression tools.

About The Pressure Positive Company

In 1979, The Pressure Positive Company began designing and making The Original Backnobber^® and The Original Jacknobber® in rural Pennsylvania. It was their goal to produce well-crafted, elegantly simple self care massage tools of practical value made of quality materials. These same principles continue to guide The Pressure Positive Company today in its continuing efforts to develop new and useful self care products.

According to Renee Gladieux Principe, LMT, NCTMB, Vice President of Sales and Marketing of The Pressure Positive Company, “The alliance with RAW Health International improves the overall ability of both our companies to educate health professionals and our customers on the safe use of and benefits of using simple, non invasive, all natural self care products and techniques. These products and techniques aid pre-activity warm-up, assist with injury prevention, promote strength and are very effective in defeating pain. Also, vital for proper recovery these products will help alleviate symptoms associated with muscle tension and overuse, myofascial trigger points and encourage relief from everyday stress and strain.”

About RAW Health International

Established in 2009, RAW Health International is focused on delivering innovative, effective, Natural Products Association (NPA) approved products to promote the health and wellness of its users and the environment. RAW Heat & RAW Ice, the world’s first and only NPA certified topical relief gels are the company’s first two products. RAW Heat & RAW Ice also aid in injury prevention, recovery and are an effective remedy to sooth sore joints and muscles. RAW products additionally relieve symptoms associated with chronic conditions, common stress and strain as well as helping muscles to properly warm up and cool down both before and after activity.

RAW Health’s CEO, Ross Marino, stated, “All of us at RAW Health International are pleased to announce the strategic alliance with the leading company in self care massage tools, The Pressure Positive Company. This alliance will permit both of our companies to work together on the core values that we share, especially our commitment to the health and well being of those who use our products. We both remain dedicated to providing industry leading, effective relief in the most simple and natural forms. Individually, both companies offer superior products…together, we will provide healthcare professionals and customers the opportunity for excellent results and self care relief that have yet to be achieved in the industry. We look forward to a long lasting alliance that will ultimately benefit the users of both companies’ products.”

The Race Report from BethAnn.

pressurepositive — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:27:31 +0000

The sport of biathlon isn’t always a kind one. Just over a week ago in Jericho, Vermont I was racing in a mass start event at North American Championships. The mass start is one of the most exciting events in biathlon, since everyone starts together. Most often a big group comes into the range to shoot together as well. This always causes a bit of additional pressure for the athletes but a lot more excitement for the spectators. When I came into the range for my first of four shooting stages in this 12.5 kilometer race, panic struck me. Half of my rear sight had fallen off somewhere in the first loop of skiing. This meant that instead of having a nice aperture to line up my sights with, I was left with a big gaping hole to try to center my shot in. This is not a fun way to shoot in the middle of a biathlon race, trust me. Needless to say, things didn’t go that well on the range for me that day. But truth be told, that is biathlon for you. It can be so wonderful one day, and just the opposite the next. There are just too many variables with the shooting, on top of the skiing, to keep this sport from ever becoming dull!

Thankfully that day in Jericho was just one race of many, and one that I don’t ever plan to repeat! This past weekend things came together much better for me. I raced in nearly my backyard, in Fort Kent, Maine. The 10^th Mountain Ski Club hosted the North American Cup #3 there. We had two races over two very cold days. It was a beautifully run event by all the great people of Fort Kent. I am happy to report that I was standing on the podium both days. Good skiing and, for the most part, good shooting put me in second place in both Saturday’s sprint race and Sunday’s mass start race. It felt good to get back in the groove of racing after my rifle mishap the week before. It was also a lot of fun to be racing on a home course, in front of many people that I know.

This past weekend wraps up all the racing I will be able to do in Maine this winter. I am off to Quebec in the week ahead for more biathlon races. February is going to be another busy month of racing through the Mid-West, including the biggest Cross Country Skiing event in the U.S., the American Birkebeiner. I am looking for a personal best in this race this year. I am ready to break the top ten! Day one of Birke training began today with a 60km distance skate workout this morning. Thing are just starting to warm up here in the racing season of 2012! Stay tuned for more updates!