Miscellaneous Toolbox

Activ8 System for Tennis Elbow: Click HERE
Activ8 System for Heel Spur / Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis and heel spurs are quite common and can be a source of excrutiating pain and discomfort.  Although there are many interventions available (Ionteferesis, manual massage, Ultrasound, etc...), the chronic nature of the condition would always present itself and the symptoms would return...often worse than was previously experienced.

The Activ8 System implements elastic tape supportive techniques that also facilitate interstitial fluid flow, as well as an innovative manual technique designed to facilitate 2 important rehabilitative objectives:  1) Promote the healthy strengthening and remodelling of the connective tissue structure through the process of mechanotransduction, 2) Facilitate the movement of stagnant interstitial fluid to promote proper drainage and nutrition to the injured tissues.  Both of these are significant contributors to returning the foot to a healthy homeostatic level and therefore restore it's mechanical competence.  As per the image above, the foot is kept at a neutral position.  With the foot in a neutral position, secure the distal strips towards the metatarsal end with no stretch (max.25%).

 Secure the mid-portion of the tape onto the heel with 60-75% stretch. Lay down and secure all of the tape in between the strips and the heel.

Secure the distal end of the tape near the proximal end of the calf with 50-60% stretch.

Be sure to activate the glue at both ends of the application.

Securing the proximal end, lay down the portion of the tape along the length of the calf and onto the achilles tendon and posterior heel. Glue activation should also be implemented here.

Starting from the lateral side of the foot, secure one end of the second strip to the top of the lateral foot (with no stretch). Using 75% stretch, extend the tape across the transverse arch. The last inch of the tape should be laid down with no stretch.

Completed application

 Completed application (inferior view)

Using the TFVES technique, start gradual loading (pressure) at the origin of the plantar fascia (distal calcaneous) using the fingers.

Slowly roll the cylinder (while maintaining even pressure) along the plantar fascia.

Continue the roll through the entire longitudinal arch of the foot. Release pressure slightly and return to the starting position and repeat the movement. Total implementation time should be approximately 10-20 minutes, depending on tolerance and acuteness of injury.

        

STATIC STABILITY TRAINING

3-Point Stance
This is an example of a brand of core stability exercise that is not only effective, but can easily be incorporated into the home.  The 3-Point Stance belongs to the family of static stability exercises that are implemented in the Activ8 System.

There are 4 different types of static stability exercises:
 4-point, 3-point, 2-point, and 1-point.


They each are in reference to the number of contact points there are with either the ground or platform.  The 3-Point Stance: Single Leg Lift has a moderate level of difficulty, with the 4-point stance being an easier exercise and the 2-point stance a more difficult maneover.  

Step 1

1.  Establish your position and establish a controllable 4-point position.  The manner in which you get onto the ball is secondary, however before any movement is to begin you must first take the time necessary to ensure a completely controllable position.

Step 2

2. Slowly begin to shift your weight onto one knee.  Once equilibrium has once again been established on one knee, slowly lift the opposite knee off of the ball.  It is important to remember that quality of movement is the key objective.  Speed and frequency are secondary.

Step 3

3. Gradually extend the leg until it is in line with the rest of the body.  Hold this position for 3-5 seconds in a controlled manner, then slowly return the knee to the starting position.

Alternate the legs one after the other and repeat until quality of movement reduces.