I love it when a client’s simple, positive, changes lead to huge results!
Meet Bill. In the past year he has:
- Eliminated his neck pain
- Cleaned up his diet
- Increased his strength
- Lost 40 pounds!
In August 2016, Bill first came to see me for massage. He suffered from chronic neck pain, tightness, and limited range of motion. Sometimes the pain and tingling sensation would shoot down his arm, and into his head. His job requires him to be on the computer for most of his work day.
For exercise, he was running, and walking his dog, but not doing any strength work. I spent most of his first massage session working on his neck using myofascial release, cranio sacral, gentle manipulation, and passive stretching. I also showed him gentle release exercises he could do at home (nose circles, and puppet arms). I explained that if he did these exercises at home the results would be longer lasting. Guess what? He did his homework!
He felt less pain, and greater mobility immediately after his first massage, and we scheduled his next one for two weeks out. After his second massage we added a few new exercises. He was continuing to feel better, but still had some pain and tightness. We met for 6 sessions over a twelve week period and by the end of October he was feeling so much better we transitioned from massage to strength training sessions. We began a R.O.S.S. training plan, including release work, shoulder stabilization, upper and lower body strength exercises, and neck and shoulder flexibility work. We now had a catalogue of about 20 exercises, plus we went through the Five at the start of each month.
In March of 2017 he decided to clean up his diet. He rarely eats sweets or fried foods anymore, and he and his wife often prepare healthy meals at home together. He has not only lost weight, he has improved his body composition, gained strength, and eliminated his neck pain! Now (January 2018) we meet once a week for thirty minutes, go through that month’s exercises – this month we are working on hamstring flexibility – then he repeats his strength exercises twice that week on his own, in addition to running and walking his dog. Occasionally (maybe four times a year) his neck will flare up and he will opt for a massage in lieu of training.
I nicknamed him “one more” Bill because each week he does one more of each exercise than he did the week prior. So what is the key to Bill’s success? He meets with me consistently, does his homework, and sticks to a healthy diet (with the occasional treat). He is super motivated because he sees the results of his hard work!
What are your 2018 goals? How can I help you get there?
Anne McCranie is a Portland, Oregon based Personal Trainer and Licensed Massage Therapist. She loves helping her clients reduce pain, increase mobility, and look and feel their best! Call her today to set up your complimentary consultation. (503) 705-4762.