Muscle Memory digital Dec/Jan 2019 | Page 37

ANOTHER TOOL CHIROPRAC- TORS CAN USE TO IMPROVE MUSCLE ACTIVATION IS ACU- PUNCTURE. Many athletes have overuse injuries, strained muscles, and hyper and/or under active muscles. Acupuncture is a great therapeutic tool in order to help heal these issues. It can also help with: ● STRESS RELIEF ● IMPROVE TIGHT MUSCLES ● DECREASE INFLAMMATION TO A CHRONIC INJURY ● IMPROVE MUSCLE ACTIVA- TION ● AND INCREASE BLOOD FLOW TO ASSIST WITH HEALING. Many athletes use this throughout general training and during competi- tion prep. WHEN REGULAR ADJUST- MENTS OCCUR, MANY ATH- LETES NOTICE THAT THEY ARE ABLE TO LIFT MORE WEIGHT, TRAINING SESSIONS ARE LESS TIRING, AND THEY ARE ABLE TO OBTAIN THE FULL RANGE OF MOTION NECESSARY IN LIFTING AND WHEN PRACTICING THEIR POSING FOR A SHOW. They experience less stress within their body, more energy and im- proved overall wellbeing. WHEN TRAINING REGULARLY SEEING A CHIROPRACTOR EVERY TWO TO THREE WEEKS IS IDEAL, and when in competition prep, it is best to go for weekly adjust- ments. POSING PRACTICE IS ANOTHER IMPORTANT COMPONENT FOR COMPETITION PREP. Having a properly aligned physique will assist in posing practice and on the day of the show. Athletes will have better muscle activation and will be more aware of how to activate those muscles when posing. Many individuals present with elevated shoulders and hips when on stage. Adjustments can help remove this imbalance. In addition, it will help the athlete become aware of when they are out of alignment. Regular adjustments can assist with: ● RANGE OF MOTION HERE ARE SOME SIGNS THAT MAY INDICATE YOU ARE OUT OF ALIGNMENT: n WHEN SQUATTING THE BAR DOESN’T SIT ON YOUR SHOULDERS EVENLY n MUSCLE DEVELOPMENT ON ONE SIDE OF YOU BODY IS GREATER IN COMPARISON TO THE OTHER n DECREASED RANGE OF MOTION ● PROPER MUSCLE ACTIVATION n LEANING TO ONE SIDE IN ● ALIGNMENT AND SYMMETRY n FEELING A LACK ÇOF BAL- all of which are imperative when posing on stage. SQUATS OR DEADLIFTS ANCE MUSCLEMEMORYMAG.COM 35