Did you Know you have 'Dice' in your Ankles? - By Paula Esson

Author: Paula Esson - Tutor at the College of Bowen Studies, and owner of paulaessonclinic.com

Did you Know you have 'Dice' in your Ankles? 

 

 

Roman soldiers used the talus bones of horses as dice when playing games. The talus bone is important; it acts as a gyroscope for the body. How your talus is positioned in your foot can determine how you move as a whole. It has no muscle or tendon attachments. Really unusually, only ligaments attach the talus to the lower limb and the foot.

 

Ever Sprained your Ankle?

We all know that feeling of slipping off a kerb, or "rolling your ankle" on an uneven surface, not to mention sports injuries. The ligaments that really get stretched and unhappy are the anterior talofibular and posterior talofibular ligaments. Both of these can pull the talus out of position by as little 2° or as much as 8°, rotating the talus bone inwards and giving you flat feet!

The thing is, it's not usual to have your ankle re-aligned after spraining. Instead people will often opt for a bit of ice and elevation. Can you imagine the millions of sprained ankles walking around the planet that are in desperate need of some tender loving care?

Tip #1 - The Bowen Technique Ankle Re-Alignment

Just three quick moves and a trained, controlled alignment through the ankle joint can erase your problems and help everything above it too. 

Did you know that when you pull your talofibular ligament - it affects:

• How you move your neck

• Your hamstrings

• The keystone of the back - the sacrum.

By putting in some new neuro-signalling and input - you can re-establish a normal pattern and a stronger ankle, which may prevent reinjury. That's the power of Bowen!

Tip #2 - (Weirdly) Apple Cider Vinegar

Rest, ice and elevation has been the mantra for swelling and pain since, well, forever. For the last 30 years from a Sport Science perspective. The natural inflammation and blood supply needs to be kept in the area so it can supply a soup of chemical helpers to repair the micro tearing of ligaments and local tissue. In my opinion ACV Gel has been a game changer in injury recovery.

The wonderful Judith Watson, for the first time EVER in the world. created a sporty gel to apply to sprained ankles - with lovely results. No more stinky feet in the quest for recovery!

You can buy your ACV Gel here and become one of the unique " in the know" people. Useful for most bruising and sprains / strains. "Jack and Jill (who Went up the Hill)" trusted this too!

VISIT SHOP - and use code THERAPIST for 10% off

Tip #3 - Try this Taping Method

Try this taping method to get back into sport quicker! It involves only one piece of tape and is created with true intuition and knowledge of anatomy. It's quick to apply, and fully supports how your talus mobilises and assists "pronation / supanation" of the foot. I'm proud of this one!

As a Sports Scientist, I'm always working to find solutions that you can go "Ta-Da" with, and wow your friends and family. This is one of my flagships for rehab. Pass the torch with this one. To know what it is... and change your clinic, pop me a message on www.paulaessonclinic.com

Tip #4 - Know what is Happening

The talus is literally holding the entire weight of your body and translating forces all the way to the base of your skull through 33 bones of the foot alone. To recognise the signs of a long term ankle problem, try a quick body scan.

 

Do you have:

• Pain on the outside of your knee?

• Pain on the inside of your knee?

• A groin that feels tight and uncomfortable?

• The whole of your lower back feeling tight and sore?

• Your neck - especially when you try to rotate, feels difficult?

• Your ankle feeling like its's not holding you properly, and you don't quite trust it?

These are just a few of the areas that can be affecting your daily life and sport.

Tip #5 - Look to Understand 

Knowing your feet and looking after your ankles, is one of my my top 3 treatment tips - especially when there are global experiences in the body. Doctor Ida Rolf always said " Where you think it is, it isn't!". I say - it may be the ankle, throw your dart there! 91% of adults over the aged of 40 have had an ankle roll of some kind. It's a logical starting point.

Intrigued?

I have been delivering the "Sports 1" CPD course for therapists, all over the world for over 22 years, with the College of Bowen Studies. Why not join me on:

Sports 1 : 16th - 17th November 2024.

Book Via the CBS Website, or click here!

Expand your world and knowledge with the College of Bowen Studies. The highly experienced teaching team literally " walk the walk" in their careers, and would love to transfer their knowledge and experience to you!

Paula Esson is a highly experienced Therapist and Bowen Tutor, holds a BSc Hons in Sports Science, and has bases in Ireland, Glasgow and Iceland.