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Epidural steroid injections for lumbar spinal stenosis?

Esther
May, 2013
A four-year study involving 276 spine patients ages 53 to 75 published in the journal Spine suggests that we should--at the very least--take a deep breath and think twice before choosing epidural steroid injections to relieve the pain of lumbar spinal stenosis, not only because this oft-used treatment may not work, but also because it may cause more harm than good. Better yet and instead it might make sense to simply get in the habit of breathing deeply, which naturally lengthens the spine and helps relieve unhealthy stress on the vertebrae... But more about Gokhale Method solutions in just a bit! Read more
Tags: 
epidural
steroid
injection
lumbar
stenosis
imagery
deep breathing
breathing
breath
massage
inner corset
stretchlying
compression
nerve pain
mental imaging

Pregnancy and Lower Back Pain

The lumbar spine is the region of the spine between the rib cage and the pelvis
Esther Gokhale
May, 2013
I'm reaching out to pregnant women today, because I've been reflecting on a clinical study that captures the scope of the problem of lower back (lumbar) pain in expectant mothers and because I have all too vivid memories of how lower back and sciatic pain affected me when I was nine-months pregnant with my first child. This crippling pain continued for a year, at which point I had back surgery that provided only temporary relief. This painful chapter in my life is what started me on my path to understanding the causes and treatments for back pain. Read more
Tags: 
pregnancy
lumbar spine
extra weight
center of gravity
hip-hinge
inner corset
stacksit
stretchsit
glidewalk

Water Workout

The butterfly stroke provides an intense workout for the "rib anchor" muscles.
Esther Gokhale
July, 2014
One of the many benefits of having excellent posture is the ability to enjoy an active lifestyle without injury. Conversely, an active lifestyle can help cultivate good posture. While you are still honing your posture, water is a perfect medium to train in since your buoyancy will reduce impact on your joints. In this forgiving medium, you can safely increase your muscle strength, stamina and flexibility while exploring the nuances of natural posture. You can reset movement patterns and connect the dots that make up the Gokhale Method while enjoying the soothing effect of the water on your body and mind. No matter which stroke you choose, you will have occasion to summon up and strengthen your deep abdominal muscles. These muscles are especially important for the health and safety of your spine. Read more
Tags: 
swimming
rib anchor
active lifestyle
water
swim
inner corset
J-Spine
Glidewalking

Holiday Health (Posture Tips)

Notice how the baby's knees are bent in a wide stance to allow his pelvis to settle comfortably between his legs.
Esther Gokhale
October, 2014
The holidays are upon us and ‘tis the season for cooking, cleaning and entertaining. You may find yourself especially reliant upon your body as you enjoy the added festivities. We want to help keep you safe and healthy with some seasonal posture tips! Shoulder positioning Whether you are baking dozens of cookies or wrapping bundles of presents, your shoulders may feel uncomfortable if neglected. Firstly, assess your surroundings. Whatever your task, ensure that it is within comfortable reach. Read more
Blog Category: 
shoulder roll
Tags: 
shoulder roll
shoulder health
shoulder positioning
shoulder tension
Hip Hinging
Hip-hinging
inner corset
bending

Six Tips for Springtime Gardening

Esther Gokhale
April, 2015
Spring brings renewal. All around us the earth is alive with the sounds and smells of new life. As the weather grows more inviting, your yard and garden may be calling. For many people, gardening and outdoor work are favorite pastimes, yet the fear of back pain can be inhibiting. Let the Gokhale Method help you to thrive alongside your plants! When planting flowers and digging in the dirt, use hip hinging to save your knees and lower back. Maintain your spinal shape as you bend from the hips. Take a wider stance to reach the ground more easily. When you feel your hamstrings pulling, bend your knees to keep from tucking. Check to see that your knees track over your feet and that your shoulders remain back for good blood flow to your arms and hands. Try resting one elbow or forearm on your thigh as the other hand performs your gardening tasks to reduce the demand on the muscles in your back. Read more
Tags: 
anteverted pelvis
Gardening
b squat
hiphinging
hip-hinge
inner corset
Glidewalking

Posture and Weight Loss

Esther Gokhale
December, 2015
Over the years, GMF course alumni have often reported that they lost weight. Occurring too frequently to be coincidence, these testimonials have spurred me to thinking about the weight loss – posture connection. Here are some possible mechanisms: 1. After restoring their primal posture, students are out of pain, feel better, and indulge in the natural human impulse to move and go back to an active life.  Read more
Tags: 
weight management
weight loss
Glidewalking
inner corset
samba
plank

Stretch It Out

Esther Gokhale
January, 2016
Lengthening the spine is an important component of the Gokhale Method and the best way to begin a posture transformation. Creating space between the vertebrae decompresses the discs and promotes healthy nerve function. Allowing your spine to be in gentle traction often throughout the day is an excellent way of creating a healthy baseline. We can do this by sitting, standing and sleeping with good posture. In addition to these Gokhale Method basics, sometimes your back muscles crave an even deeper stretch. Below I’ve outlined three additional ways you can stretch your spine that are safe and therapeutic. Read more
Tags: 
Quadratus Lumborum
stretchsitting
stretchlying
yoga
modified baby pose
inner corset
jazz shear

Put Your Baggage to Work

Esther Gokhale
February, 2016

When the weather is cold, we bundle up in gloves, scarves, hats, and sweaters. But these aren't the only extra burdens we carry. From Kleenex and chapstick in our purses, to holiday shopping bags, skis, and umbrellas, being prepared for the season means taking on extra weight. If carried incorrectly, extra loads contribute to neck and shoulder tension, fatigue in the arms, and back pain. If carried well, winter loads provide a welcome exercise opportunity at a time when exercise is harder to come by.

The following tips can help you reap benefits, rather than back pain, from carrying a purse and other bags.

1) Let the weight of the purse pull your shoulder gently downward. Don't tense your shoulder upward against the weight of the purse. This gently stretches your trapezius muscle, instead of tightening it, and gives your muscles a rest.

2) Carry your purse closer to your spine than your belly button. ... Read more

Tags: 
baggage
purses
head carrying
inner corset
Burkina Faso

How to Not Sway Your Back in the Shower

This backbend is more dramatic than the average shower backbend, but his form is impeccable (see the even groove on the midline of his back)
May, 2016
As your mother always said, practice makes perfect. Luckily, every day you are presented with countless opportunities to perfect your posture while sitting, walking, sleeping and...showering. Yes, that’s right. You can, and should, be aware of your posture even while performing the most mundane of tasks. So before your next shower, take a few meditative minutes to enjoy the healing properties of warm water...and then pause before you grab your shampoo bottle. Why? Because the half-minute you spend lathering your hair is probably the most vulnerable shower-time for your back. Read more
Tags: 
rib anchor
sway back
swayback
sway
healthy shower
inner corset

Abigayil Tamara's Experience with the Gokhale Method

Abigayil Tamara
May, 2017

We set a high bar for our six-lesson Gokhale Method Foundations course. We expect our students will 

  1. Sit, stand, walk, lie, and bend in new (old!) and better ways
  2. Experience significantly less pain and more function
  3. Expect more from their body and life. 
  4. Use the word “life-transforming” somewhere in their evaluation forms.

Even with this high bar, a student sometimes surprises us with the extent or speed of their progress over the course. Abigayil Tamara is one such student - here is her story. 

My Experience With the Gokhale Method
~Abigayil Tamara, MA, MSW

I looked into the Gokhale Method after someone in a grocery store told me how much it had helped his mother. 

My back issues began over 34 years ago, in 1983. I was... Read more

Tags: 
epidural injections
surgery
laminectomy
walker
Physical Therapy
Physiatrist
brace
inner corset
stretchlying
stacksitting
stretchsitting
neck curvature
shoulder placement
hiphinging