NAT Global Campus

💡 Did You Know? IT Band Syndrome Might Be More Than Just a Tight Band! 💡 That nagging pain on the outside of your knee? It’s a hallmark of Iliotibial Band (ITB) Syndrome, a common overuse injury for runners, cyclists, and hikers. But here’s the thing—your IT band isn’t the whole story. 🔥 Trigger points in the muscles around your IT band could be the hidden culprits! 🔥 Tight spots in the tensor fasciae latae (TFL), gluteus maximus, hamstrings and quads can cause referred pain along the IT band, making it feel tighter than it actually is. These trigger points not only contribute to pain but also make your IT band work overtime, increasing irritation and inflammation. 💡 What Can You Do? Release trigger points with foam rolling or massage tools, targeting the TFL and glutes. Stretch and strengthen your hips and glutes to improve alignment and reduce strain on the IT band. Seek professional help—trigger point therapy and manual techniques can provide relief and long-term solutions. 💪 Your IT band might be the “star,” but the supporting muscles often hold the key to recovery. Address those trigger points, and you might be one step closer to pain-free movement! #TriggerPointTherapy #ITBandSyndrome #ManualTherapy #AthleticTraining #FoamRolling #RecoveryTips #RunnersKnee #PainRelief

💥 Tibialis Anterior Trigger Points: The Sneaky Cause of Shin Pain 💥 Did you know that the tibialis anterior, the muscle running along the front of your shin, can develop trigger points that mimic shin splints? 😮 These pesky points can cause pain along the shin and even into the top of the foot, making walking, running, or even standing a real challenge. ✨ What causes tibialis anterior trigger points? ✔️ Overuse from running, hiking, or repetitive activities. ✔️ Wearing unsupportive footwear (hello, flip-flops!). ✔️ Sudden increases in exercise intensity or volume. ✨ How to address them? ✅ Self-massage: Use your thumbs or a massage tool to gently press along the muscle, focusing on tender spots. ✅ Stretch it out: Point and flex your foot slowly to lengthen the muscle. ✅ Strengthen smartly: Incorporate ankle mobility and strengthening exercises to prevent recurrence. 🔗 Trigger points in this muscle are treatable and manageable with the right approach! If you or your clients are dealing with stubborn shin pain, addressing these trigger points might just be the solution. 💬 Got questions about the tibialis anterior or other trigger points? Drop them below, and let’s keep the conversation going! 👇 #TriggerPointTherapy #TibialisAnterior #ShinPain #MassageTherapy #SelfCareTips #natglobalcampus #nielasher

The glutes (maximus, medius, and minimus) are powerhouse muscles that help us walk, climb, squat, and stabilize our pelvis. But when trigger points develop here, they can refer pain to surprising places, like your lower back, hips, or even down your leg. Ever felt like you had "sciatica" only to find out it wasn’t a nerve issue but a tight glute? That’s trigger point magic (or mischief) at work! 😅 Trigger points in the glutes often come from things like prolonged sitting, poor posture, or overuse during activities like running or lifting. The good news? Releasing them can make a huge difference in your mobility and comfort. Techniques like ischemic compression, gentle stretching, or targeted strengthening can help, and foam rolling is a fantastic at-home tool to keep these muscles happy. Next time you’re feeling a mysterious ache in your back, hips, or legs, don’t forget to give your glutes some love! 💛 They work hard for you, and a little attention can go a long way. #triggerpoints #continuingeducation #lowbackpain #naturaltherapies #nielasher #natglobal

What is the FELT Effect? Have you ever experienced a moment where an emotion felt so strong that it seemed to settle physically in your body? That’s the essence of the FELT Effect—a concept in somatic therapy that highlights how emotions and physical sensations are deeply intertwined. The FELT Effect suggests that when we acknowledge and explore the sensations tied to our emotions (like tightness in the chest when anxious or warmth in the belly when joyful), we create space for deeper healing and connection. By "feeling" emotions through the body rather than suppressing or intellectualizing them, we allow our mind and body to work together to process, release, and restore balance. This mind-body awareness is at the heart of somatic therapy, showing us that listening to our body isn’t just a wellness buzzword—it’s a powerful tool for emotional and physical health. Next time you notice a physical reaction to an emotion, pause. What is your body telling you? That’s the FELT Effect in action. 💡 For more real insights into the mind-body connection and expert discussions on health and wellness, check out the Treatment Room Secrets Podcast. Available on our website, YouTube, Spotify, and all major platforms. Visit www.nielasher.com/podcast to listen and subscribe! 🎧

🚨 Understanding Trigger Points in the Oblique Muscles 🚨 The oblique muscles—your internal and external obliques—are crucial for core stability, side bending, and rotational movements. But did you know they can develop trigger points that refer pain to unexpected areas? 🔍 What Are Trigger Points? Trigger points are hyperirritable spots in muscle fibers. When they form in the obliques, they can cause: ✔️ Referred pain to the abdomen, groin, or lower back. ✔️ Discomfort during movements like twisting, coughing, or sneezing. ✔️ Misdiagnosed symptoms resembling organ or nerve issues. 🤔 What Causes Trigger Points Here? Overuse during sports or daily activities involving rotation (think tennis, golf, or heavy lifting). Poor posture or prolonged sitting. Sudden twisting motions or abdominal strain. 💡 How to Address Them: 1️⃣ Manual Therapy: Gentle ischemic compression on trigger points can release tension. 2️⃣ Stretching: Side stretches and rotations can help maintain flexibility. 3️⃣ Strengthening: Core exercises build resilience against future issues. 4️⃣ Self-Care: Use a small ball or your hands to apply pressure to tight spots. If oblique pain or referred discomfort is holding you back, assessing and treating these hidden trigger points can make a world of difference! 🌟 💬 Let’s Chat! Have you experienced abdominal pain or discomfort you think might be linked to your obliques? Share your experience below! ⬇️ #TriggerPoints #ObliqueMuscles #CoreHealth #ManualTherapy #TriggerPointRelease

🚨 Understanding Trigger Points in the Oblique Muscles 🚨 The oblique muscles—your internal and external obliques—are crucial for core stability, side bending, and rotational movements. But did you know they can develop trigger points that refer pain to unexpected areas? 🔍 What Are Trigger Points? Trigger points are hyperirritable spots in muscle fibers. When they form in the obliques, they can cause: ✔️ Referred pain to the abdomen, groin, or lower back. ✔️ Discomfort during movements like twisting, coughing, or sneezing. ✔️ Misdiagnosed symptoms resembling organ or nerve issues. 🤔 What Causes Trigger Points Here? Overuse during sports or daily activities involving rotation (think tennis, golf, or heavy lifting). Poor posture or prolonged sitting. Sudden twisting motions or abdominal strain. 💡 How to Address Them: 1️⃣ Manual Therapy: Gentle ischemic compression on trigger points can release tension. 2️⃣ Stretching: Side stretches and rotations can help maintain flexibility. 3️⃣ Strengthening: Core exercises build resilience against future issues. 4️⃣ Self-Care: Use a small ball or your hands to apply pressure to tight spots. If oblique pain or referred discomfort is holding you back, assessing and treating these hidden trigger points can make a world of difference! 🌟 💬 Let’s Chat! Have you experienced abdominal pain or discomfort you think might be linked to your obliques? Share your experience below! ⬇️ #TriggerPoints #ObliqueMuscles #CoreHealth #ManualTherapy #TriggerPointRelease

The demand for prenatal massage is on the rise, with more pregnant women seeking its benefits. The American Pregnancy Association highlights that prenatal massage can reduce anxiety, ease muscle aches, and improve labor outcomes—key reasons why expectant mothers are turning to skilled therapists for support. This trend is reflected in the growing massage therapy industry. According to Grand View Research, the global massage therapy market was valued at $18.25 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow by 7.2% annually through 2030. The American Massage Therapy Association's 2023 report further reveals that 10% of consumers sought massage for pregnancy-related reasons, underscoring a specific and growing demand for prenatal bodywork. For massage and manual therapists, this growth presents a valuable opportunity to expand their practice. While pregnancy requires tailored techniques to address unique physiological and emotional needs, developing these skills doesn’t mean starting from scratch. The NAT online certification course, "Prenatal Bodywork," is specifically designed for therapists looking to meet this demand. Presented by Jennie Bingham, an experienced doula, author and massage therapist, the 4 hour course offers comprehensive video instruction, a fully illustrated manual, and step-by-step techniques to confidently support pregnant clients. Additionally, the course is widely accredited for CEU/CPD, making it an ideal choice for therapists who want to expand their expertise while fulfilling their continuing education requirements. With subtitles available in English, French, German, and Spanish, the course is accessible to professionals worldwide. If you’re ready to enhance your skills and meet the needs of this growing client base, this highly rated course is a practical, focused option designed to integrate seamlessly into your practice.

💡 Did You Know? IT Band Syndrome Might Be More Than Just a Tight Band! 💡 That nagging pain on the outside of your knee? It’s a hallmark of Iliotibial Band (ITB) Syndrome, a common overuse injury for runners, cyclists, and hikers. But here’s the thing—your IT band isn’t the whole story. 🔥 Trigger points in the muscles around your IT band could be the hidden culprits! 🔥 Tight spots in the tensor fasciae latae (TFL), gluteus maximus, hamstrings and quads can cause referred pain along the IT band, making it feel tighter than it actually is. These trigger points not only contribute to pain but also make your IT band work overtime, increasing irritation and inflammation. 💡 What Can You Do? Release trigger points with foam rolling or massage tools, targeting the TFL and glutes. Stretch and strengthen your hips and glutes to improve alignment and reduce strain on the IT band. Seek professional help—trigger point therapy and manual techniques can provide relief and long-term solutions. 💪 Your IT band might be the “star,” but the supporting muscles often hold the key to recovery. Address those trigger points, and you might be one step closer to pain-free movement! #TriggerPointTherapy #ITBandSyndrome #ManualTherapy #AthleticTraining #FoamRolling #RecoveryTips #RunnersKnee #PainRelief

Did you know that trigger points in your calf muscles, specifically the gastrocnemius, can cause pain that feels like it's coming from somewhere completely different? This powerhouse muscle, responsible for helping you walk, run, and even stand on your toes, often hides trigger points that refer pain to surprising areas. Common Symptoms: - Pain in the back of the knee (feeling like it’s “inside” the joint) - Heel pain, mimicking plantar fasciitis - Cramping or tightness in the calf, especially after prolonged activity What Can You Do? Gentle massage or ischemic compression can help release these points. Stretching exercises for the calf can improve flexibility and reduce recurrence. A tennis ball or foam roller works wonders for self-care. Understanding and addressing these trigger points can help relieve pain and improve mobility. Don’t let your calves keep you guessing—target those hidden troublemakers and move pain-free! #TriggerPoints #Gastrocnemius #CalfPain #MyofascialRelease #ManualTherapy #MoveBetterLiveBetter