AboutBrad Walker (The Stretch Coach) Expertise I'm more than happy to answer any questions relating to stretching and flexibility. Including how to use stretching to improve your athletic performance, prevent sports injury and aid in the recovery of sports injury.
Experience I'm an internationally recognized stretching and sports injury consultant with 20 years of practical experience in the health and fitness industry. And the founder of (The Stretching Institute).
Organizations Sports Medicine Australia
Publications I've written 5 books on stretching, flexibility and sports injury, including... The Stretching Handbook (ISBN: 978-0958109338), The Anatomy of Stretching (ISBN: 978-1556435966) and The Anatomy of Sports Injuries (ISBN: 978-1556436666). Plus, I've had numerous articles published at About.com, Athletes.com and BodyBuilding.com.
Education/Credentials I'm a health science graduate of the University of New England, with post graduate accreditations in athletics, swimming and triathlon coaching. I've worked with elite level and world champion athletes and I lecture for Sports Medicine Australia on injury prevention.
Past/Present Clients I've worked as assistant coach to Miles Stewart (World Champion Triathlete) and Mick Doohan (World 500cc Motorcycle Champion). Plus I've worked with countless other athletes from sports as diverse as roller-skating, squash, and cycling.
I've got what must be one of the weirdest re-occurring cramps out there. The muscles below my pecs but still over my ribcage regularly goes into painful spasm. It happens on both my right and left side, but mostly on the left. It is most often triggered by turning and reaching back (if I'm sitting and reach back to pull up my shoes for example). I drink plenty of fluids and always drink an electrolyte after training. I cannot find a way to stretch it when it kicks off, and |i usually just have to bear it until it settles down. Have you got any suggestions on how I can stretch it or stop it from happening in the first place?
Thanks in advance,
Jonathan
Answer Hi Jonathan
Thanks for your inquiry. It's a pleasure to help and I hope the following is beneficial.
There are a number of factors that contribute to muscle cramps and spasms, the main ones being:
* Poor flexibility and tight muscles;
* Muscle fatigue and overuse;
* Dehydration; and
* Electrolyte and mineral depletion.
It sounds like you're doing the right things concerning hydration and electrolytes, etc.
If flexibility is the limiting factor that is causing the cramps, there are a couple of stretches that will target that area. Try this one....
"Lie face down and bring your hands close to your shoulders. Keep your hips on the ground, look forward and raise up by straightening your arms. Then slowly bend one arm and rotate that shoulder towards the ground."
I hope the above has been helpful. For more information on how to stretch properly and the best stretching exercises for you, visit www.TheStretchingInstitute.com
Brad Walker
Founder & CEO
The Stretching Institute
