Once there, you'll need the password "newyear" minus the quotes to access the download page.

When you reach the download page, click on the link to open your ebook.

Adobe Acrobat Reader will open the file, if you have Acrobat Reader installed on your machine.

If you wish to save the file for later viewing, right click on the link, and select Save Target As... from the pop up menu. Navigate to a place on your hard drive, and save the file.

I hope you enjoy the ebook.

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Interview:
This is a special edition of Tailored Fitness News. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Brad Weiss owner of Performance Health Center of Natick, MA. Besides being a chiropractic physician, Dr. Weiss is also Active Release Techniques (ART) certified. He also happens to be my chiropractor. We are going to learn what ART is and how it can help fitness enthusiasts reach their goals.

TF: Dr Weiss why don’t you tell us a bit about yourself?

BW: I am a chiropractic physician and have been practicing for about 21 years. Most of those in Vermont and for the past 3 years in Natick, Massachusetts. I have always had a strong emphasis in my practice for pain relief and enhancing performance. I have been ART certified for 5 years now. I am certified in all 4 levels, upper extremities, lower extremities, the spine, and in biomechanics.

TF: What is ART exactly and what can it do?

BW: ART is excellent at enhancing performance and relieving pain, whether it’s acute pain or chronic pain.

The basis behind ART is that adhesions and scar tissue develops in muscles, between muscles and along nerve pathways. If we can find and isolate that scar tissue and break it down we can relieve pain and we can help people feel and function better.

Whenever a soft issue (including muscle, ligaments, nerves) get injured the body’s response is to form adhesions, or scar tissue. When this happens the tissue can no longer move like it is supposed to. One looses either speed or accuracy in a movement, and eventually both. Then the body starts to recruit other muscles (or soft tissues) to do that motion. This sets up a downward spiral of function and more adhesions. The goal of ART is to uncover and break down these adhesions and restore proper function. Sometimes it is easy and only one muscle is involved and the response is quick and easy. Other times it is like an onion with many layers to go through before you find the primary adhesion.

TF: I know it’s worked for me. I have been getting ART treatments now for the past few weeks and the difference has been remarkable. I noticed a restriction in the range of motion in my neck and some chronic L4 L5 disk issues were acting up. After just a few treatments I felt entirely different. My range of motion had improved and the nagging aches and pains had either disappeared or significantly lessened.

BW: That’s great, you’ve responded really well to the treatments. I find that athletes and people in "good" shape tend to respond faster because they are more aware of their bodies. Some people just think they are healthy, but are not functioning to their potential.

I did a training session a few days ago to fitness trainers in a large health club in my community. None had received chiropractic care or ART. I offered to demonstrate ART on a few people. One trainer said he dislocated his right shoulder 5 years ago and ever since has pain when he raises (abducts) his arm. I did ART on a rotator cuff muscle which does this motion. The treatment lasted 20 seconds. When he tested his shoulder immediately afterwards he could raise it with minimal pain. Then there was a body builder who had "muscles on his muscles". He said he had no problems. I told him he might not have pain, but his posture was poor. His knuckles pointed forward while standing (like an ape), and I could see how tight his chest muscles (pectorals) were. I asked if I could perform ART on these muscles. I spent about 1 minute (30 seconds on a side). He got up and his hands were in a more neutral position, he could breath deeper, he felt more relaxed and could move his arms back easier. He was impressed. He thought he was healthy, and strong. He’s in good shape, but not in optimum shape.

Many people with chronic pain often say after treatment that they feel as if they had been driving around for with their emergency brake on for years and did not realize it.

TF: Is it unfair to say that traditional chiropractic couldn’t achieve the same thing?

BW: It’s not unfair but I think the benefits of the two combined are so much greater. Adding ART to chiropractic care is an incredible bonus.

I’ve worked with bodybuilders, tri-athletes, marathoners, and what I find is that usually athletes often get stuck. They can’t develop the muscles they want or improve their time. My job is to find the structural imbalances, improve function, and get them to where they want to be.

TF: How would someone know that they should get this technique done?

BW: Personally I think everyone should receive chiropractic care on a regular basis, just as one sees an MD, a dentist and an optometrist. Prevention is the key to a long, healthy and active life. Too many people take better care of their cars than their bodies. The body is mechanical and chiropractors are experts in body mechanics. I have done a study that shows that regular chiropractic care stops the progression of arthritis.

For pain relief, I advise people that unless there are visible blood or guts, chiropractic care is a great place to start. After consultation and examination, if I can help someone I tell them. If I cannot help them I tell them as well and refer to the appropriate provider.

TF: What’s a really dramatic example of the ART technique solving somebody’s problem?

BW: Last year I was a treating doctor at the Ironman in Lake Placid. The Ironman is an incredible event. It starts with a 2.4 mile swim, then a 114 mile bike ride and ends with a full marathon, all in one day.

The night before the race I saw someone limping severely. The athlete injured his calf 2 weeks prior and tried PT and other treatments without benefit. He hoped to start the race only because he had trained for almost a year, but doubted if he would even be able to finish the swim. I asked if he wanted me to look at his calf and he declined saying since the start was 15 hours away and what could I do. I told him he had nothing to lose and maybe something to gain. He consented. I spent about 5 minutes performing ART breaking down a huge knot in his calf. He got off the table and to everyone’s amazement was able to walk without pain or a limp. I then watched him run and noticed he was flexed over at the hip, putting stress on the calf (which probably caused the injury). I then did ART on his hip flexors (psoas) and re-checked his running gait. He noticed being straighter and more fluid. Much to his amazement, he started and finished the Ironman the next day.

TF: How would someone go about finding an ART practioner?

BW: There is a web site www.activerelease.com. Click on the link to “find a provider.” You can then search by zip code, city, or provider name. The provider’s list includes which certification the provider has completed. If you have an arm issue, for example, make sure you see a doctor who is upper extremity certified.

TF: How can someone get in touch with you to learn more about ART or schedule an appointment?

BW: My office is in Natick, Massachusetts. To make an appointment all you have to do is call my office at (508) 655-9008. If any of your readers have questions they can call (508) 655-9008 or e-mail drbradweiss@rcn.com. ______________________________________________________________
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