Avalon Wellness & Performance

09/02/2026

That post-training feeling ✨ Moving your body naturally releases feel-good hormones like endorphins, helping reduce stress, clear your mind, and reset your entire system. Sometimes movement really is the best medicine. 💪

09/02/2026

Same body. Same squat. One little wedge—and a BIG difference. 👀

In the first squat, I’m barefoot without a wedge. Watch where my pelvis and low back land as I reach the bottom.

Then I elevate my heels, which reduces the amount of ankle dorsiflexion required. Suddenly, I can sit deeper while keeping my torso, pelvis, and low back in a much stronger position.

Finally, I add load while wearing lifting shoes, which provide a similar heel elevation and allow me to squat more efficiently under weight.

A heel wedge can be a valuable tool—but it also reveals how much ankle mobility influences your squat. If your ankles cannot move forward adequately over your feet, your body has to find that motion somewhere else.

The goal isn’t to force everyone into the same-looking squat. It’s to understand what your body needs to squat comfortably, efficiently, and safely—especially before adding load.

How does your squat change when you elevate your heels?

09/01/2026

08/31/2026

Just sharing a win 🤗🎉🙌

After YEARS of training, but lacking consistency I finally did a 20 kg military press at 40 years old 😅

Training and lifting for longevity is the goal and it’s fun to make gains 🥰

Happy Monday!

08/26/2026

TONGUE-GUIDED JAW GLIDE 👅

This simple exercise encourages smooth, controlled movement of the jaw.

Place your tongue gently on the roof of your mouth, just behind your upper front teeth. Keeping it there, slowly open and close your mouth within a comfortable, pain-free range.

The tongue acts as a guide, helping you slow the movement down and become more aware of how your jaw tracks.

Move gently—never force your mouth farther than it comfortably wants to go. Stop if the exercise increases pain, locking, or other symptoms.

Try 5–8 slow repetitions and notice: Does your jaw move evenly, or does it shift to one side?

08/20/2026

Your jaw doesn’t always need a deeper stretch—sometimes it needs a gentler approach. ✨

This mandible release uses light, steady contact to encourage the jaw to soften and decompress. Move slowly, breathe deeply, and allow the tissues to release without forcing the movement.

Try it when your jaw feels tight, tired, or tense from clenching. It should feel gentle and comfortable—never sharp or painful.

Save this tutorial for your next jaw-care reset!

08/17/2026

Does your jaw click, feel tight or become uncomfortable when you chew or yawn? You’re not alone.

TMJ dysfunction is commonly discussed—but often misunderstood. One important distinction is that the TMJ is the jaw joint, while TMD describes a group of conditions affecting the joint, chewing muscles and surrounding structures.

Symptoms can differ from person to person. They may include jaw or facial pain, difficulty chewing, limited movement, locking, headaches, or painful clicking and popping.

A whole-person osteopathic assessment can explore how the jaw, head, neck, breathing mechanics and surrounding tissues are functioning together. When appropriate, gentle manual therapy may form one part of an individualized, multidisciplinary care plan.

Save this carousel for later or share it with someone who frequently experiences jaw tension.

Have you noticed clicking, tightness or discomfort in your jaw?

This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical or dental advice.

Source: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

08/13/2026

Could calming your nervous system help your digestion?

One client noticed easier bowel movements after adding box breathing morning and night. Individual experiences vary.

08/12/2026

Let’s talk about p**p, baby. 💩👶

This little one arrived in my office at just 10 days old. After a gentle assessment and age-appropriate treatment, his parents reported a very welcome development later that day: one BIG p**p.

Was the timing memorable? Absolutely. Can one story prove cause and effect? No—but it was wonderful to hear that he seemed more comfortable and continued doing well.

A baby’s birth story doesn’t end at delivery. Feeding, sleeping, movement, comfort, and diaper patterns can all offer clues about how they’re adjusting.

Changes in a newborn’s stooling—or persistent or unusual fussiness—should always be discussed promptly with their pediatric healthcare provider. Pediatric manual therapy is complementary care, not a replacement for medical assessment.

Have you ever celebrated a p**p after becoming a parent? Be honest. 😂

Shared with permission; identifying details have been removed.