This week I am delighted to say I am working at my clinic in Lucan for 3 years, and fortunately my business has gone from strength to strength. I would like to thank you for your continued support throughout the past 3 years. Thankfully I do not have to see you all very often, (which is a good sign) but I am grateful for your support and any referrals you have passed my way.Thanks also to the members of the local clubs I work with, who have support for over 3 years; Lucan Harriers, Lucan Sarsfields GAA, North Kildare Rugby Club and Nass Tri Club.I am told once you get over the 3 year hump, it is plane sailing from here; and ….. if you can make a business successful in a recession it will be flying on the other side….to be honest I am happy to continue to take it year by year and hope for another great 3 years.Thank you again for your ongoing support.

Ankle Dorsiflexion
Earlier in the month I wrote a blog on the importance of dorsiflexion and how if you are not able to dorsiflex at the ankle it can impact how you walk and run, among other things. When you walk you are required to dorsiflex during the gait cycle to enable you to bring your foot back in front of you, if you can not dorsiflex sufficiently you may have to hike your hip so as your foot can clear the ground and avoid falling over!!! An alternative to hiking the hip is the body looks to pronate the ankle joint, over pronation can result in repetitive knee, hip or back pain, to name a few.A quick test you can do to check if you have any muscle or ankle joint restriction is as follows:

Stand facing a wall with your foot about 3″ from the wall.
Keeping your foot flat on the ground bring your knee as close to the wall as possible, trying to touch your knee off the wall, make sure your foot stays flat on the ground, hips level and your heel is not off the ground.
Compare this with both feet.
If you can not touch your knee off the wall you may have a restriction in your ankle joint or tight calf muscles.
In an ideal situation you should be able to get your knee out over your foot about 3 – 4″
Dorsiflexion Test Video

Click on to the link below to learn more and see an ankle mobility exercise you can use to help ensure you maintain good ankle range of motion.