Resources
Being an athlete, weekend warrior, active individual, or work stud can be very demanding and taxing on the body. Below are descriptions of some of the products I like to use to help patients maintain peak performance, recover faster, and sustain maximal productivity. Click on the image to grab yours!
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"MAGIC" TAPE!!
#1: Gentle (for sensitive skin)
#2: Standard (for regular strength)
#3: Extra Sticky (for maximal strength)
Being a certified athletic trainer, white tape was our "all-purpose" tools we had to have. It was used to support sprained ankles and buddy tape weakened fingers, but also conveniently used to hold broken bag handles together and seal boxes for travel.
As kinesiology tape hit the scene, it revolutionized the way we used tape. We were now able to support damaged tissues in a different way. This kinesiology tape could facilitate inactive muscles, promote drainage of swelling, and even influence better posture! After playing around with various brands, only one stood out from the rest - RockTape. This tape lasts longer and withstands the abuse placed on it by athletes, all while being super comfortable. This is why I highly recommend using this brand of kinesiology tape! There are 3 intensity levels to choose from: Gentle, Standard, or Extra Sticky.
GENTLE:
For those that want the durability and the effects of RockTape without the insult that tape adherent can have towards more sensitive skin, then definitely choose the Gentle RockTape. The geriatric and pediatric populations would benefit from this option, but quite frankly, anyone with more sensitive skin makes this option a no brainer!
STANDARD:
The classic Standard RockTape hit the scene with phenomenal results. It’s much better than its competitors with more durability to stand behind it. Most individuals from various activities levels can benefit from this tape, hence it being the top choice!
EXTRA STICKY:
There are times where pushing your body and sweating like mad is needed, or jumping into water or moving a ton is no option, so RockTape Extra Sticky is there so you can make it through. The extra tape adherent is built for times like this, making it a durable companion as you toil through the rigors of the WOD, workout, competition, practice, or other demanding event.
THE “VIBRATING” SELF TORTURE TOOLS
Someone has to get your tight and inactive muscles loosened up and firing normal again.... why not you? There are many self torture devices (aka. self myofascial tools) out there to get the job done, but nothing seems to compare to using vibration devices!
Don't get me wrong, you can easily get a tennis ball or lacrosse ball to accomplish the task, but I prefer the vibratory devices instead, because they provide a 2-for-1 effect! The pressure applied works on the health of your soft tissues, while the vibration works on the proficiency of your nervous system! There are different shapes, sizes, and strengths of these vibratory devices! Below are the ones that patients seem to gravitate towards!
Vyper Go
Vyper 3
Vyper 2.0
Think of these devices as a lacrosse ball, tennis ball, foam roller, or other myofascial tool on caffeine - all amped up and ready to rock and roll. The vibrating feature on these rechargeable devices is what separates it from its inactive counterparts.
There are two distinct reasons why I personally prefer using the vibrating option for myofascial care:
When you go over those “OMG, this is killing me .. why am I even using this torturous device” spots, the vibration dampens those sensations. Think of it like a friendly distractor that takes your mind off of those super sensitive areas, making it a more tolerable and enjoyable experience. You can thank me later …
There is research coming out that is actually validating it’s beneficial outcomes compared to its non-vibration counterpart. (Check out a few of the published research here, here, and here!)
The VYPER SERIES seems to offer a sturdier option while still providing a more comfortable experience (“comfortable” used loosely considering that rolling may not be known for its “comfortable” properties). On top of that, a cool feature with both the Vyper Go and Vyper 3 is that they offer Bluetooth capabilities to monitor and gather data, adding a more complete outlook to your health! Techies love this!
The TRIGGER POINT SERIES is the more affordable option, with 3 shapes to torture … I mean treat … yourself with, all covering and addressing a multitude of body areas. It just takes your imagination and courage on how you utilize its services!
Trigger Point MB Vibe
Trigger Point Charge Vibe
Trigger Point GRID Vibe
FREE E-BOOK
Whether you loosen up yourself with a vibration devices, tennis ball, racketball, marbles, foam rollers, PVC pipes, barbells, your knuckles, the side of the wall, or anything else that can press into your body, consider these helpful tips in this FREE ebook:
Foam Rolling The Smart Way: So You Have A Foam Roller … Now What?
THE “HANDY” PERCUSSION TOOL
Hypervolt
Hypervolt GO
Here’s another less torturous option that you can choose when trying to relax those taut tissues of yours. It looks frightening, but it can actually be very calming. With 3 speed levels to choose from, this portable percussion tool can cover large areas in a short amount of time.
Want to use it on smaller areas, on either sides of the spine, or over flat body surfaces? Don’t worry, there’s different attachment pieces to choose from! A more affordable, lighter and quieter option versus its competitors!
… and for those that are constantly on the go, and want the same great product but don’t necessarily want the bulkiness to it, then the newer, and lighter, Hypervolt GO may be the better option! Designed with 3 different speeds and weighing in at 1.5 lbs! That’s some power all in the palm of your hand!
THE "ALL-PURPOSE" REHAB BAND
Who needs those expensive gym equipments and bulky gym instruments to rehab and exercise with? You can challenge yourself at any stage of injury or any level of conditioning with these Gray Cook bands! When was the last time you found something that you could use during the early stages of injury, and again weeks later during the latter part of recovery?
These resistive bands are specifically designed so that your whole body can be challenged and worked out. They may look simple and not so intimidating, but be prepared to sweat and get your butt kicked with them! The added bonus too is that they are light and compact enough to train with at home and while traveling! No excuses now when vacations and holidays draw near ... productivity is at your fingertips!
TOE SPACERS
ZenToes Silicone Toe Spacers
There are little things in this world that can impact your life … one of which are toe spacers! Yes, you’re reading that correctly - those squishy things that you snug in between your toes can make a difference! If you constantly feel some foot pain, cramps, tightness, and even numbness, these little bad boys may be a solution to these unwanted sensations!
Do yourself a favor, and grab an affordable pair (or two) and watch your feet relax and smile for a change! There’s nothing like happy feet!
THE "ALL-NATURAL" RECOVERY BOOSTER
Activation Magnesium Ease
Life Flo Pure Magnesium
Are you OnTheGo and out the door with little to no time for cooling down after your workout and training sessions? Or are you fearful of getting post-workout soreness that lasts for days, making you walk gingerly from place to place. Why should you suffer through that torture? Grab a bottle of magnesium spray and assisting those muscles in recovering now ... before you pay for it! Spraying on the skin is the best way our body's love to absorb magnesium; much better than swallowing pills.
For athlete specifically, it's necessary for relaxation of the muscles and joints, and it helps ensure our bodies are getting the best quality of sleep possible. Better sleep quality means your body recovers more efficiently and your body adapts more readily.
There are two that I would recommend. The first is the one I personally us to get my boost of magnesium: Magnesium Ease, by Activation. It's the more expensive out of the two, but it boasts one of the purest natural forms of magnesium chloride. [Bonus: comes with a free e-book too!]
The second is the more affordable brand, that other patients have really gravitated towards. It's called Pure Magnesium Oil by Life-Flo. I have not personally used this product, but I am mentioning it for those that are on a more restrictive budget. You can't go wrong with either product.
What's the BIG deal about magnesium anyways?!
Check out the benefits magnesium has for athletes!!
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It Just Got Easier ….
I've teamed up with these companies so you too can experience the benefits that these products have to offer!
Click on the logo to go to their store, and please type in “drjoejaime” when checking out to get a discount (yeeeaaa!!)
DISCOUNT CODE: drjoejaime
DISCOUNT CODE: drjoejaime
Mobilizing, Training,& Stretching Using Flexible sticks!!
To reach a new level of fitness, sometimes our bodies need variability when being engaged and challenged… To effectively feel an amazing stretch, sometimes we need an assistive device to achieve this goal. The missing answer - Stick Mobility.
“Stick Mobility is a training system that improves your flexibility, strength, and coordination… The sticks are flexible tools used to create leverage, stability, and body awareness to increase functional range of motion and muscle activation.” Simply put - it’s a new way to condition and challenge the body so you move better!
Click HERE to get your own set of Stick Mobility directly! ( … and use the discount code “drjoejaime” at checkout)
DISCOUNT CODE: drjoejaime
DISCOUNT CODE: drjoejaime
Getting Areas Your Normal Foam Roller Can't Get To!!
Foam rollers and massage balls are great to help loosen up your tight muscles and tissues, but sometimes you just can't get into the area great enough, or the spot you want to attack is just too hard to get to. Looking for a solution where the foam roller falls short?Enter the Doc N' Roll - the first ever standing foam roller! Reconsider those hard to reach places as fair game now! Address your achy soft tissues and stiff muscles in a different way! Your imagination will be the limiting factor in reaching the areas you want to treat, not the foam rollers accessibility to the area you want to treat!This unit is easily transported and lighter than a one year-old baby! It's another pretty penny, but a great tool to have if you're serious about taking care of yourself. If you want to save yourself from the floor gymnastics you'll be doing during your normal foam roll session, then it may be time to invest in the Doc N' Roll!
Click HERE to get your own Doc N Roll directly from Amazon!
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Why Get a Doc N Roll?!
Check out 10 Reasons Why You Should Invest In One!!
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