Is your calf your second heart?
Have you ever heard of the soleus muscle?
It’s a crucial part of your lower leg that plays a significant role in your health. It's actually part of your calf muscle and contributes to the formation of the calcanious tendon or better known as the Achilles tendon.
Did You Know...
The soleus is known as your body’s “secondary heart.” Here's why...
While your heart pumps blood throughout your body, the soleus muscle helps push 20-30% of the blood back up to the heart from the lower leg.
So when you’re on the move, whether walking or standing, the soleus muscle is actively working to keep your blood flowing smoothly.
That means, when you sit for long periods, like at your desk or on the couch, this muscle doesn’t get much exercise. This lack of movement over time compounds and can lead to issues like swelling, fatigue, and even varicose veins.
The Dedicated Athlete
Consider Mark, a dedicated runner who was struggling with painful calf strains and varicose veins. When Mark came to see me, these issues were affecting his performance and causing him discomfort. Despite his efforts to stay active, he couldn’t find the relief he needed which worried him.
I developed a special treatment plan for Mark over 8 weeks, that combined moist heat, deep tissue massage, with deep stretching.
This unique approach helped relieve his muscle tension by softening what was dense, which improved his circulation, and address the varicose veins to a degree. Mark’s progress was remarkable.
He experienced less pain, better circulation, and over that time, regained his peak performance!
A Sedentary Lifestyle Vs. Cardiovascular Health
In today’s world, our lifestyles have become increasingly sedentary. With the rise of desk jobs, extended screen time, and the convenience of modern transportation, many of us spend the majority of our day sitting.
This shift towards inactivity has significant consequences for our cardiovascular health, affecting everything from blood circulation to heart function.
When we sit for prolonged periods, our leg muscles, including the soleus muscle, remain inactive. This inactivity reduces the muscle’s ability to help pump blood back to the heart, leading to sluggish circulation.
Over time, this can result in a buildup of blood in the legs, swelling, varicose veins, and the possibility of an increased risk of blood clots.
Let’s look at the story of human history...
It is said that before the advent of modern conveniences, daily life required much more physical activity. People walked long distances, performed manual labor, and engaged in activities that kept them on their feet for most of the day.
Even simple tasks like fetching water or farming required significant movement, which naturally kept the cardiovascular system in better shape.
In contrast, we often prioritize convenience over movement. We drive instead of walk, sit instead of stand, and use machines to do work that once required our physical effort.
What do you think?
Any Solutions...?
To keep your soleus muscle in good shape, you could incorporate simple movements into your daily routine 6 -10 times a day.
Exercises like reverse calf raises or gentle calf stretches on a sidewalk curb, can help you maintain healthy blood flow daily and support your overall health.
Have you heard of a vibration plate?
If you find it difficult to fit regular exercise into your routine, a vibration plate will provide a form of passive exercise.
It’s not a substitute for a more active exercise, but it can be a helpful supplement, particularly for maintaining muscle tone and supporting joint health.
It's also a great idea for the elderly.
Here's why...
Active and prolonged exercise for most elderly folk is not always possible. The subtle to vigorous vibrations of this machine will activate their leg muscles. This in turn will counteract some of the negative effects from prolonged sitting and being immobile.
Even people dealing with muscle tension from a sports injury or chronic issues like sciatica, a vibration plate can help complement their physical therapy and current chiropractic care.
Taking care of the lower leg muscles isn’t just about avoiding discomfort; it’s about supporting your entire circulatory system to boosting your vitality for longevity.
What if you experience symptoms like fatigue or varicose veins?
How often do you find yourself sitting for long periods, and have you noticed any discomfort in your legs?
Have you ever felt unsure about how to address circulation-related issues?
If you’re ready to take proactive steps toward better health, consider booking a session with me today. 👇🏻
In our session, we’ll craft a personalized plan that includes moist heat, deep tissue massage, and deep stretching to enhance your circulation and help you feel your best.
In Touch,
John Caruso
Body Soul Remedy
(941) 281.8928
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