Paul St. John
Founder of the St. John Method of Neuromuscular Therapy
What Is The Center for Exercise Science and Performance?
The Center for Exercise Science and Performance was developed for the purpose of returning our patients to their daily activities or sports with a decreased chance of re-injury and an increased performance level. By having an on-site training facility, we are able to utilize a multi-disciplinary team approach to our patients’ wellbeing. It also allows the treatment team the ability to oversee all the stages of rehabilitation.
What makes a C.H.E.K Practitioner different than a personal trainer?
- Understands how to correctly perform a comprehensive, full-body assessment of key biological systems
- Performs effective screening of each individual, ruling out any red flags through careful examination of medical history, orthopedic assessment, and length/ tension assessment
- Prescribes specific corrective exercise for effective spinal or core stabilization
- Has advanced training in assessing the cervical, temporomandibular, and shoulder regions, and designs effective corrective exercise and stretching programs
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Stages of Rehabilitation
1. Eliminate muscle spasm 2. Restore functional range of motion 3. Restore biomechanical efficiency 4. Increase muscular strength and endurance 5. Functional training |
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I am a 60 year old female who just had a major hip replacement which was not the normal replacement. I had major damage so it was a rough surgery. I found Matthew Clockel and have worked with him for 3 months and I have to tell you, he has done wonders for me. I could barely walk when I met Matthew and he has been so dedicated to working with me that now I just walk with a minor limp. I just wanted to let you know how lucky you are to have somebody like Matthew working for you. The man knows what he is doing and really puts his all into working with his clients. I am very happy I worked with Matthew and will recommend him to anybody. Thank You, Linda Kay |
Featured Article
by Matthew Clockel
The next time you are at the gym take a look at the people walking on the treadmills. At first you may notice the various speeds at which people are running or walking; some may even be on an incline. Now take a closer look at where people’s hands are located as they move. What you will likely see is that close to half of the people are holding on to the rails at the side or the front of the treadmill. For most people, this position can actually be causing their body harm, and here is why.
Our bodies are designed to walk upright with a cross pattern movement (right leg goes forward as left arm goes forward). When you lean forward to hold onto the treadmill, you disrupt this pattern. Holding on while walking also misaligns your back, putting extra stress on the joints in your spine.
Along with the physical stresses applied to the body from this action, there is also a neurological disruption. Holding onto the treadmill while walking destimulates your neuro-muscular system. In other words, there is a neurological breakdown in the firing of the nerves regulating the normal walking pattern. This disruption of the nerves leads to a weakening of the muscles normally used in walking by not allowing them to work as hard. Even if you do a lot of walking off the treadmill, just a few sessions per week holding onto the treadmill can counteract the positive benefits of walking with a normal cross pattern.
Many seniors hold onto the treadmill, but being over 60 is all the more reason why you should not hold on. Seniors are more prone to the damage on posture and joints that holding on can create. Perhaps your gait is a bit stiff, but if you regularly walk without the assistance of a cane or walker, there’s no medical need for holding onto the treadmill. If you feel unstable walking without the rails, the speed setting of the treadmill is probably too fast. You will burn more calories and develop a smoother and more balanced gait pattern by walking slower and swinging your arms properly.
One purpose of exercise is to make your body more efficient. Holding onto the treadmill creates an unnatural movement for your body, since there is nothing to hold onto once you leave. Walking without the use of handrails will condition your body, burn more calories, and improve overall performance.
