Pilates and You're Tummy

Pilates strengthens the psoas muscles and engages the body from the inside out, which has long been the missing link to nicely toned abs!

Pilates enthusiasts maintain that the method gives them a flat tummy like no other exercise system can. Does this sound too good to be true? And if so, how is it possible?

Pilates focuses on muscles of the intrinsic system. Many does not realize that there are muscles underneath the visible system that support our joints and bones. Imagine the muscular system as an onion with several layers. Certain layers are not evident to the eye. But they act as fundamental support for the entire body. Often, they are referred to as core muscles.

They are elusive but essential for structural reinforcement. Pilates participants must concentrate and be precise when working them.

http://www.suite101.com/content/how-pilates-flattens-tummy-a298400

Eight Pilates Principles Mind and Body Meets Core Stability

 

A Pilates workout revolves around the eight principles of: control, breath, flowing movement, precision, centering, stability, range of motion and opposition.

For more information, please visit:

http://www.suite101.com/content/eight-pilates-principles-a71119

Bobath Concept: Theory and Clinical Practice in Neurological Rehabilitation

by: Linzi Meadows, Sue Raine, Mary Lynch-Ellerington
 John Wiley & Sons, 2009 - 232 pages
Authored by members of the British Bobath Tutors Association, Bobath Concept: Theory and Clinical Practice in Neurological Rehabilitationis a practical illustrated guide that offers a detailed exploration of the theoretical underpinning and clinical interventions of the Bobath Concept.

The evolution of the Bobath concept is brilliantly captured in this volume. The recognition that the best inhibition may come from engaging the patient in normal activities is an example of the way one of the notions central to the original Bobath Concept has developed. In short, the Bobath Concept lies at the heart of an approach to neurorehabilitation that is ready to take advantage of the rapidly advancing understanding, coming from neuroscience, of brain function in, in particular, of the effects of and responses to damage, and the factors that may drive recovery. It is no coincidence that neuroplasticity figures so prominently in the pages that follow.'

Emeritus Professor Raymond Tallis BM BCh BA FRCP FMedSci LittD DLitt FRSA

This book guides the reader through general principles to more specific application of neurophysiological principles and movement re-education in the recovery of important areas, including moving between sitting and standing, locomotion and recovery of upper limb function.

Bobath Concept: Theory and Clinical Practice in Neurological Rehabilitationwill be invaluable to undergraduate and qualified physiotherapists /occupational therapists and all professionals working in neurological rehabilitation. Covers the theoretical underpinning of the Bobath Concept. Presents a holistic, 24-hour approach to functional recovery. Focuses on efficient movement and motor learning, to maximise function. Forges links between theory and clinical practice. Illustrated throughout.

What is the best age to start? - for a baby to learn how to swim

Experts have observed that the optimal age to start babies is between six months and 12 months old. At this stage the majority of infants are ripe in the water. They are comfortable, the water feels natural. These very young babies still seem to have a memory of the fluid environment in the womb. However, a window of opportunity for smooth learning still exits up to approximately 18 months old (especially for water adjustment and initial submersions). At approximately 19 months to 24 months toddlers can begin to enter the "challenging twos" phase. It is easier to teach water adjustment and breath control before this stage begins. However, it is never too late when utilizing a creative and interactive curriculum. The group class structure works miracles and motivates children to participate with their peers, at any age.

Understanding "Pusher Syndrome"

"Pusher syndrome" is a clinical disorder following left or right brain damage in which patients actively push away from the nonhemiparetic side, leading to a loss of postural balance. The mechanism underlying this disorder and its related anatomy have only recently been identified. Investigation of patients with severe pushing behavior has shown that perception of body posture in relation to gravity is altered. The patients experience their body as oriented "upright" when the body actually is tilted to the side of the brain lesion (to the ipsilesional side). In contrast, patients with pusher syndrome show no disturbed processing of visual and vestibular inputs determining visual vertical. These new insights have allowed the authors to suggest a new physical therapy approach for patients with pusher syndrome where the visual control of vertical upright orientation, which is undisturbed in these patients, is the central element of intervention.

 

for more information on this clinical disorder, please visit:

http://ptjournal.apta.org/content/83/12/1119.full

what not to do for a soft tissue injury

Many of the problems resulting from sprains are due to blood and edema in and around the ankle. Minimizing swelling helps the ankle heal faster.

The RICE regimen facilitates this.:

• Rest - no weight bearing for the first 24 hours after the injury Possibly longer, depending upon severity)
• Ice - apply ice packs using a towel over a plastic bag to the area that is painful. Be careful to avoid frostbite. Ice should be intermittantly applied for the first 24 hours.
• Compression - an ACE bandage or other soft elastic material should be applied to the ankle to help prevent the accumulaton of edema.
• Elevation - elevating the ankle helps in removing edema. By having the foot higher than the hip (or heart), gravity is used to pull edema out of the ankle.

In the initial 24 hours, it is very important to avoid things which might increase swelling.

Avoid H.A.R.M:

• HEATING - hot showers, heat rubs (methylsalicylate counterirritants), hot packs
• ALCOHOL - include drinking alcohol

aspirin - prolongs the clotting time of blood and may cause more bleeding into the ankle. (Tylenol or Ibuprofen may be taken to help with pain, but will not speed up the healing process)

Heat and alcohol cause the blood vessels to dilate (open up) and increase the bleeding in the injured area. Exercising the body part or massaging the area also increases the blood-flow to the area. This is detrimental to the repair process as there is increased swelling in the area to be resolved.

• RUNNING/EXERCISE - Running/Exercising the injured area
• MASSAGE

baby swimming

For those of you who have babies, maybe this article will help you. Don’t be afraid that your baby will be drowning. Because there are certain steps that you must follow.

The benefits of "baby-friendly", infant/toddler swimming are unique, uplifting and contribute to the positive development of the whole child. Through the soothing medium of water, we are able to tap into the child's potential, both within and without.

Researchers have documented that the stimulating effect of child-paced infant/toddler swimming lessons has the potential to increase intelligence, concentration, alertness, and perceptual abilities. Improvement in social, emotional and physical development has also been published. Of course, the manifestation of such  inspired cognitive, personal and motor development takes time, patience and repetition.

Here some pictures about baby swimming (courtesy from Google search engine)

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