Fitting Remarks: Graston Technique and Active Release Technique (A.R.T.) at Uptown Natural Care Center

If you have been reading the blog for awhile, you know that I have struggled (like so many other runners) with IT band issues in the past.

I foam roll regularly, and I have really tried to strengthen my butt and core (with barre classes, yoga, plank challenges!). I try to do the right things to stay on top of this issue, but sometimes it still flares up. I am starting to think it will plague me for life!

Fortunately, I have found an awesome clinic that has helped me work through this issue- the Uptown Natural Care Center!

I was referred to the Uptown Natural Care Center by several Calhoun Beach Running Club members who had gone there to see Dr. Jenna Boren. Jenna Boren is an elite runner, and a great doctor. Unfortunately, she moved to the West Coast last year. (Before she left, she did do a fun interview with the Right Fits- read it HERE!)

I was sad to see Jenna go, but her replacement, Dr. Tyler Crabtree  <– follow him @Mpls_Chiro, is also great! I have had a few appointments with him this year for A.R.T. and Graston on my IT band, and I really think it helps a lot.

What is Graston Technique? I’m not a doctor, so I’ll share the information straight from the source:

Graston Techniqueis a trademarked therapeutic method for diagnosing and treating disorders of the skeletal muscles and related connective tissue. The method employs a collection of six stainless steel tools of particular shape and size, which are used by practitioners to palpate patients’ bodies in order to detect and resolve adhesions in the muscles and tendons.

So, that’s the technical explanation…MY explanation? The doctor uses a crazy metal tool that is kinda painful to work out all the bad stuff! It feels like a really focused massage, but it works.

What is A.R.T.- or Active Release Technique?  Again, here’s the experts‘ definition.

“ART is a patented, state of the art soft tissue system/movement based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves.”

MY explanation? Paying a doctor to stretch you out really well!

Dr. Tyler Crabtree at the Uptown Natural Care Center performs both of these techniques. If you’re experiencing IT band pain, or any other running injuries, make an appointment with him. He might even be able to squeeze you in before work, at the end of your workday, or even on Saturday mornings- pretty convenient!  I pay for the appointments out of pocket, but they are very affordable ($45). 

Dr. Crabtree worked out my IT band yesterday with both A.R.T. and Graston. This morning, my long run was 18 miles, and I survived the run without any serious pain (just a little bit of pain)- thanks to Uptown Natural Care Center of course!

**This post was NOT sponsored. Opinions are completely my own! I highly recommend the Uptown Natural Care Center for running related injuries.

I’m actually hoping I don’t have to visit Dr. Crabtree too often. I plan to keep working my core (with this month’s sit-up challenge!), lots of yoga and stretching, and of course, time with this my friend the trigger point foam roller. I also am taking more non-running and rest days this training season as well, to ensure my body fully recovers after each run. Fingers crossed that my plan works!