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Click on this 3 minute
movie link for an overview of the Lamb Program For Stretching
Dr. Blair Lamb, MD recommends
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Tips On Stretching - How To Maximize The Benefits of the
Lamb Program For You
Navigating Through the Lamb Program
The Lamb Program stretching and rehabilitation system is an exercise program
based upon stretching and elongation of skeletal muscle of the spine and limbs
following sets of specific protocols for most pain conditions and sports.
Historically, I created the first Lamb Program for myself when I suffered a
series of complex pain syndromes back in 1992. My story will be presented in an
upcoming series of newsletters. Nevertheless, I used a combination of dry
needling and what I ultimately called the Lamb Program ™ of Resistance
Stretching ™.
My full history is lengthy, but suffice to say, I suffered a number of syndromes
including sciatica, carpal tunnel, migraines, TMJ, multiple disk herniation and
FMS. Although it was difficult, I used my original 18 stretching exercises to
stretch my spine and limbs over literally 2-3 hours per day.
However, I had difficulties. Many times, I had aching from the stretching and
soreness of my joints. I frequently over-stretched in areas, and paid for it for
days later. I used high-level muscle and skeletal anatomy to develop the program
for each particular pain disorder.
I quickly developed exaggerated range of motion of my spine and limbs. One by
one I was able to recover from each problem. In my case, the last problems to
improve were TMJ and upper back spinal pain. By mid 1994, was able to gradually
rid myself of all my pain syndromes. By July 1994, I was jogging 5-6 miles 2-3
times per week; something I had not been able to do since I was 16.
Over the next few years, I created a second version, and ultimately a third that
was expanded into four progressive levels, and was reverse engineered for most
pain conditions such that specific exercises of the spine and limbs would be
applied to each specific condition. This allows for an individual to have a
specialized program for themselves for pain, sports, weight loss, and seniors
and general fitness.
Levels 2, 3 and 4 incorporate my Resistance Stretching ™, and my 3-Dimensional
stretching programs. Most people who are pain free can begin with a level 1
program and easily progress through to level 2 or even 3 over a three to nine
month window, depending what their fitness level consists of, and there age,
previous pain problems.
However, an individual who has an existing pain disorder should always begin
with level 1, and even though these stretches are relatively simple, slow and
gentle, those in pain can expect to hurt at times in areas. The worst segments
of their body will generally be more likely to hurt.
However, persistence is the key. If a particular exercise seems to be
aggravating, put it aside, and perform the exercises that you can. In most
cases, the stretches that you can perform allow for other areas to improve, and
the omitted stretches can be added later either weeks or even months later. As a
general rule, the most important exercises often hurt the most as they stretch
the most affected areas; but this must be balanced with a feasible stretching
protocol for every individual
The protocols I have created are based upon a “neuropathic regimen” whereby it
is assumed that the pain disorder involves the muscles of the limb and spinal
segments that supply that particular section of the limb. They include
stretching for the deep spinal intrinsics which are now known to be the cause of
most spinal disease, entrapped nerves and referred pain. It is for these reasons
I call the program NEUROPATHIC STRETCHING.
Key points to consider in stretching and
rehabilitation:
- Always gently stretch-it is not therapeutic to force a stretch or bounce a
stretch. I fact this causes muscle swelling and will increase local pain
- The best stretch artisans use time and exhaling to accomplish their goal
- Stretching should not be overtly painful; if so, you are forcing the
stretch too far. The key is a painless SUBMAXIMAL stretch that is held in
position allows for the muscle to slowly giveaway or break free, rather than
ripping the muscle apart
- The progressive levels are techniques to allow for a gentle, faster
elongation process, but should be introduced gradually
- If a particular stretch in a series seems to aggravate, put that stretch
aside for a few weeks or even months, and allow the rest of the series to
accommodate those muscles not being directly stretched
- The spinal stretches will generally be the most difficult to perform
- If you are having difficulty with many stretches, then you are likely
being too aggressive with the exercises and/or have a fairly diffuse pain
disorder that is easily aggravated. An experienced therapist in stretching and
severe pain disorders will often be required to help guide you
- If you can stretch a muscle longer by a mere 1 mm per day, over the course
of one year, that is 365 mm or more than 1 foot elongation of all the muscles.
This amounts to a large increase in range of motion, decreased joint
compression of the spine and limbs, increased muscle strength and pain
reduction. In reality, muscle usually stretch faster than 1 mm per day, but it
is the point of ”baby steps.”
- Make sure you have been properly investigated. Help your doctors by
writing organized lists with brief key points of your pain disorder(s). Try
not to over-elaborate with every little detail, as this will often overwhelm
your doctor/therapist.
- The addition of medications and supplements can make a significant
improvement with a stretching program.
- The addition of laser, shock wave, micro-current can also help
- Be calm, anxiety, sleep disorders, agitation, excessive worrying greatly
aggravate pain disorders. Relaxation training can be very helpful. I have
created a relaxation CD/DVD that can help many sleep and relax, and is
available through the stretch-doctor website or inquire through
www.drlamb.com
- Don’t give up easily. These pain disorders are complicated and have
frustrated the best doctors including myself.
- Educate yourself about your condition to the best of your ability. The
Internet is an amazing tool that can offer many opinions about many medical
disorders. The information can be a helpful guide and inform an individual
about new and emerging technologies for their pain or illness. But be careful
about what you read, and ask your doctor for his/her opinion about the
information, and if they agree. Ultimately you should be working with your
trusted doctor and therapist, and their opinions should take precedence over
any information you read on the Internet.
Be Long and Strong…Can anybody tell me why I have used this catch phrase since
1993?
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