The Graston Technique

One of the newest techniques out right now to help heal injuries is called the Graston Technique. This is a soft-tissue manual therapy that helps break up scar tissue around affected area(s). Clinicians and patients see results in Achilles Tendonitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Adhesive Capsulitis, and Plantar Fasciitis to name a few.  Currently, Graston is being used by 18 NFL teams, 16 NBA teams, and 16 MLB teams.



They are a standardized set of six stainless steel instruments. Each is shaped differently and used for a certain body part and is determined by the clinicians need. It helps break up the scar tissue around surgical scars because the scar tissue builds rapidly. In order to keep optimal range of motion, the tissue is broken down using one or more tools. Although the Graston technique is a type of therapy, therapist suggest continuing active range of motion types of exercises to keep the muscles and joints in motion.

 

Mental Training

In spite of some coaches still believing it does not make a difference, sport psychologists have rapidly become prominent in various teams across all sports.

Recently, the South African cricket team hired a sport psychologist to manage their habit of choking in every major tournament for the past decade. On an individual level, there is the example of Alex Rodriguez who was able to not only come out of his bad patch, but also address and work through childhood issues. The improvement in his form was surprisingly immediate. Even in e-sports, which some are yet to acknowledge as a competitive sport, sport psychologists are being implemented.

Having never made it to the finals before, Team Astralis (center) won their first e-sports ESL Major Championship after hiring a sports psychologist (right).

Still, there are some who are averse to sport psychology because of the degrading connotation it carries. In such cases, the simple act of integrating psychologists in teams and labeling sessions as "mental training" can remove the stigma from sport psychology.

Mystery Sports

Mystery Sports

Welcome to Mystery Sports, your gateway to all sports you never knew existed! Here we will be highlighting some of the most fun, or most bizarre unknown sports out there. Let us begin the illumination of Mystery Sports!

-          Balloon Soccer (or Bubble Soccer it is also known as) is a name that immediately sparks wonder:

This sport is not at all that complicated, the only visible difference is that everyone wears a bubble suit that makes contact with other players hilarious. Not only is it fun to watch, but is fun to play as well, and it is completely safe! Like combing Soccer with pillow fights.

More information at: http://bubbleball.us/bubble-soccer/

-          Do you like Chess? Do you like Boxing? How about both in one!? Introducing the sport that is held in interest, Chess Boxing:

This sport plays just like it sounds, combing both games of Chess and Boxing. Fighters who partake in this sport enter alternating rounds of Boxing and Chess. The end of the game occurs when a checkmate is made, and to answer the question before it is asked, a knockout is an instant checkmate. So those who tend to fall under in the Boxing match can still beat his opponent with strategy in Chess.

-          Poohsticks, yes Poohsticks, is just as strange as it sounds. However, it may be strange, but it is a legitimate sport:

Poohsticks, inspired by Winnie-the-Pooh, is a simple sport that is often play on a bridge over a river. Participants then take colored sticks and drop them into the river to see whose stick is faster. Yes, that is how this sport is played, and yes, this is a real sport. Odd, isn’t it? However, regardless of how odd it is, this is one of those sport unheard of by many.

These are just three examples of the many sports out there that are fun, creative, and downright strange, but it goes to show that the sports world is much larger than we previously thought. We hope you enjoyed the revelation of such a topic under the spotlight of Sportslight.

Is Functional Training Strength Training?

Fro decades, strength training has been found hand-in-hand with sports, and for good reason; strong athletes make good athletes. However, there has been a trend of functional training formed due to other professions (Physical Therapists, Chiropractors, etc.) trying to keep their hand in the pie. As a result, coaches have listened to these "higher authority" figures and have lost sight of what raw strength and power can do for an athlete with true potential. After all, strength can only be produced by force, and if the athletes are too busy trying to balance on a ball with one foot while curling a weight with the opposite arm and blowing a kazoo to "initiate the diaphragm," how can you possibly raise their capacity of force production (i.e. Strength)? Therefore, lets keep athletes strong and healthy by using productive squats, dead lifts, and presses while leaving "functional training" to the self proclaimed professionals.

Fun Facts About Houston's Professional Athletes

A comprehensive list of our favorite athletes and little known facts about them.  Enjoy....




J.J. Watt, DE Houston Texans

• Watt started his college career at Central Michigan.

Watt was recruited out of high school as a tight end.  His first year at Central Michigan yielded little production, so he asked Bert Bielema if he could walk on at Wisconsin and the rest is history.

• His favorite sport is hockey.

Go figure, a guy from Wisconsin likes hockey.  Watt actually competed in the sport until age 13 before having to give it up due to financial constraints.

George Springer, OF Houston Astros

• Goooaaaallll!!

Springer played soccer during high school in Connecticut.  This is a background he shares with none other than Astros legend Jeff Bagwell.

• All in the family

Attending UConn runs in the family.  Springer, his father, and his mother, all graduated from UConn.

James Harden, SG Houston Rockets

• Breathe, dawg, breathe!

Asthma.  Harden has battled asthma all his life, which makes his domination on the court that much more awe-inspiring.

• Not the original James Harden.

He is a Junior.  James Harden is actually James Harden, Jr.  He dropped the Jr. from his name due to a complicated relationship with his father.