We all know we should warm-up before and cool-down after sport. Stretching excercises are an important part of these rituals but what type of stretch should we do and when?

Stretching exercises fall into 2 categories: Dynamic and Static

DYNAMIC – These are the warm-up stretches. They are used to allow relaxtion in the target muscles – as one muscle contracts, so its opposite muscle relaxes. They are not long hold stretches, but are 8-10 repetitions of only 1-2 seconds.

STATIC – The cool down stretches.  Long hold stretches of 30-60 seconds and are to improve the structural length of the muscles, and if done regularly give a long term improvement.

This advice is brought to you with the compliments of Mika at Shepperton Chiropractic Clinic – to read the full article please visit Stretching or for more information This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or give Mika a call on 01932 429584.

Shepperton Chiropractic Clinic have regular features covering such topics as running -skiing – sitting correctly – optimal golf performance - visit the rest of the website to see these

A golf pro can teach you the technique of a good swing –but can your body deliver it?

A golf swing is a complex series of events which, if we follow the technique should give us a perfect shot – easy – straight – and the distance we require.

Sounds simple – but as any golfer will tell you – it certainly is not.

Things get in the way – mainly our brain! As our brain computes all the moves we need to make, it has to compensate for all those ’niggiling’ and sometimes serious injuries we have had over the years. The ankle sprains – the twisted wrists – the back twinges.

Optimal Performance Golf is a new way of analysing and treating the golfer to enhance their performance. It does not teach you how to swing, but it prepares your body to allow it to swing to its best effect.

It takes into account those old injuries – improving them where possible using chiropractic and stretching exercises, but also looks at the whole body – from head to toe literally. It analyses your posture and movement patterns, and at the heart of this is finding you Core Stability.

So what is Core Stability – basically it is there to help the brain to learn how to utilise your muscles better – making you functionally and dynamically strong and resilient.

Read Mika’s excellent article – a must for any golfer.

This advice is brought to you with the compliments of Mika at Shepperton Chiropractic Clinic – to read the full article please visit Optimal Performance Golf or for more information This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or give Mika a call on 01932 - 429584.

Shepperton Chiropractic Clinic have regular features covering such topics as running -skiing – sitting correctly – Browse the rest of the website for these.

"I have been working with Dr Mika Janhunen of Shepperton Chiropractic Clinic for four years. During this time he has not only been able to help me overcome various niggling injuries and to enjoy better health, but has been able to improve the performance of a number of my golf coaching clients as well. His detailed knowledge of the human body and the complexity of the golf swing movement pattern is virtually unrivalled in terms of results that I have ever seen. I will continue to refer my players to see Mika, and would encourage anyone to do the same.

Rob Watts, PGA professional, Director - Rob Watts Golf Academy."

You see lots of people pumping away at the gym with their ’core blaster’ programs  - and feeling the burn, but an abdominal work out is not the same as core stability.

Let’s not mix up the difference between core strength and core stability.

The strongest abs does not mean good stability. Core stability is an innate ability in infants. Babies use their muscles perfectly as they haven't had injuries that may disrupt the normal functioning of the core.

The role of core stability is to provide protection for the body, namely to the vulnerable back, but equally to the pelvis, the shoulder and the hip girdle. It produces a link between our upper and lower bodies giving dynamic and functional strength.

Core stability work is as much about the brain as the body, it is there to help the brain learn how to utilise your muscles more efficiently – resulting in you being functionally and dynamically stronger.

Core stability work does not produce a six-pack – and is not a quick fix approach. Gradual specific exercise is needed to re-learn the innate skills we were born with, and it affects every movement we make from mundane tasks like brushing our teeth – to arduous sports exercises.

Core stability work has been shown to help in many situations – in the recovery or prevention of back injuries – disc problems – sciatic irritation – and various sports related injuries. Importantly – it can also reduce the likelihood of new injuries

This advice is brought to you with the compliments of Mika at Shepperton Chiropractic Clinic – to read the full article please visit Core Stability or for more information Email or give Mika a call on 01931-429584.

Shepperton Chiropractic Clinic have regular features covering such topics as running -skiing – sitting correctly – browse the website to see these.