This is the story of Mary P. who has been unsuccessfully trying to run a marathon for the last past 5 years. Each time Mary would register for several different marathons she would begin a training regime. She would begin slowly increasing her running mileage, slowly according to a plan. She would make sure not to over train. Each time while training mid-way through the schedule Mary would develop terrible cramping in her calves. The cramping would occur while she was doing her training runs. The cramping was so severe that she would have to stop her runs and was not able to resume her training for several days. Many times the cramping became very painful after the run and would persist while walking during the day.

Mary tried many ways to treat the cramping from ice to analgesic rubs to stretching. She went to her orthopedist who recommended physical therapy where she received electric stimulation and massage therapy. After that treatment she went for a course of acupuncture. All there treatments gave Mary some sort of relief. She again begins her training only to have the cramping begin. Each time she reach a point where she was not able to complete her training to be adequately prepared to be able to complete the marathon she registered for.

Last July she came to our office having heard from a friend and patient about Active Release Technique and Graston Technique. Mary was placed on a treatment program of frequent visit where we used Active Release Technique (ART) and Graston on her calves, ankles and hamstrings. The technique’s successfully allowed scar tissue and adhesions in her muscles and fascia be broken up and allow proper healing to take place. We also worked on Mary’s running form and functional movement patterns. Mary had build up a large area of scar tissue and lack of proper muscle movement in her calves.

We are happy to say Mary successfully completed the Rock n’Roll Marathon in Las Vegas this past December, she was thrilled… Congratulations Mary!