By Dan Hellman
Global Postural Stretching (GPS) is an indispensable technique when it comes to conditioning the body or recovering from injury. Like ELDOA, its osteopathic cousin, it makes a major difference in the life and movement of anyone I treat—whether they are athletes or average people looking to be fit or correct a physical impairment.
I assemble unique therapy or conditioning programs for my patients and clients by drawing from the different methodologies I have learned. Each person’s body is different, and each person deserves a program that responds very specifically to their goals and to the condition of their body. But whatever I design for a client, it almost always includes GPS.
Anyone involved in rehabilitation or conditioning of the human body should know GPS. That is why I am offering a course in Global Postural Stretching (GPS) March 21-23 in Fort Lauderdale.
What is Global Postural Stretching?
Global Postural Stretching is a technique designed by world renowned osteopath Guy VOYER. No matter what methods you use for preseason conditioning, training, re-education or rehabilitation, it is necessary to place the body part being targeted into a global posture. This allows you to rediscover the efficiency and fluidity of a movement. The GPS method is the perfect link between the joint, the muscles and all the fascia or connective tissue. GPS must be performed with strict methodology and adapted to each individual and their ability.
What is the difference between Global Postural Stretching and Myofascial Stretching?
There is a clear difference between Myofascial Stretching (MFS) and Global Postural Stretching. The goal of MFS is to put the specific fascial chain of a muscle under tension. Take, for example, the hamstrings: Since there are three hamstrings, there are three different myofascial stretches. This is based on fiber direction, fascia and biomechanics.
On the other hand, GPS is “global”: There is a GPS for the anterior hip and all the quadriceps combined, and you can even segment out the superior or inferior portion of the hip capsule. There are even GPS for the viscera of the body.
GPS for the Viscera?
Yes, there are GPS for the viscera of the body. Eugen Sandow stated back in the late 1800s, “You can’t have healthy muscles without first having healthy organs and glands.” It was a profound and accurate statement that has stood the test of time. We can live without arms and legs, but we sure can’t live without a liver, pancreas or kidneys. And, of course, we know that the entire body is connected through one fascial chain–all muscles, organs, glands, nerves and bones. During the GPS course you will learn how to stretch the fascial chambers of vital viscera of the body. This is critical because structure dictates function in osteopathy. If you have good structure, your chance of having good function increases exponentially.
All my golfing athletes use GPS—without exception.
Recently, I was honored to be named again to the Golf Digest list of the 50 Best Golf Fitness Trainers in the United States, and I’m very grateful. This is a group of professionals I am proud to be associated with. But nothing in life is free, and this distinction represents a lot of hard work that went into learning and mastering new and effective ways to treat the human body, especially GPS. In fact, every single one of my golfing athletes uses specific GPS in their programs. There are no exceptions. GPS is my second-favorite tool in my toolbox, right behind the ELDOA method. Together, they are a powerful forced for rehabilitation and conditioning.
This course is now better than ever.
Anyone taking the GPS course will learn more than 90 specific GPS techniques. The course begins at noon on Saturday, March 21 and ends on Monday March 23 at 4:00 pm. We will hold it in the facilities of H3, one of only 3 authorized VOYER Soma Training facilities in the US. Space will be limited. Click here to get more information or enroll. If you have any questions, please email me at info@h3bydan.com.
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