Dr. Andrew Mercer
2-2605 Howard Windsor, ON, Canada

Superspeed Sunday In my training session today with @beaton25 we got baseline measurements and started overspeed training with @superspeedgolf . Swinging on your non-dominant side is part of the protocol, and I thought I looked hilarious so here's an example ... Why does the protocol involve hitting the non dominant side? Since golf is a one sided sport you can develop muscle imbalances between each side. By Swinging on the opposite side you can develop stability, improved muscle activation, and improve energy transfer in the swing! Right after the first day of the protocol I had approx a 5% improvement in my swing speed. Over the next 6 weeks I'll try to hone in on ensuring that improvement sticks.

Shout out Saturday! . I wanted to congratulate my awesome patient @karisalive on crushing ladies younger than her at the UFE Halloween Mayhem in the Fitness and Fitness model divisions! . She came a few months ago with nerve pain and was unable to flex.... . After some convincing from @thebarbellat she decided to see what we could do from a treatment perspective. . With the help of her team she got shredded and was able to out flex the competition! . I could not be more proud of her for her accomplishments and inspiring me to compete next year! . You're truly an inspiration Kari! See more

Happy birthday to my beautiful wife! Thanks for putting up with me for all these years! Here's to the next 100 years!... I love you

Thoracic mobility Stiff upper back? Grab a stick and a foam roller and give the following a try! ... Exercises for working on your thoracic mobility: Windmills Thoracic extension over foam roller Thoracic extension in chair Thread the needle Prayer extension Kneeling thoracic rotation Perform 10-15 reps for each one and hold each for 1-3 seconds at the end with a deep breath through your diaphragm. What are your go-to exercises for thoracic mobility? Comment below!

DJ was a stud this weekend. DJ is a freak and makes it look easy but a lot may get overlooked in this video. He shows a great example of solid core stability, pelvis/ torso disassociation and proper sequencing to allow him to hit s. Starting soon I will be partnering up with other medical/golf professionals aiming to provide the latest scientific biomechanical evaluation/specific 1 on 1 coaching, personalized rehab/ training, and treatment catered to each indivi...dual golfer at any level. Feel your best, swing your best, play your best. Stay tuned

In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.... We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

Lumbar disc herniation series Part 3 . As discussed in the previous post, treatment needs to incorporate movement assessment and appropriate exercise prescription for use outside of the office as homework. Research also supports the use of:... Manual therapy techniques such as mobilizations, manipulations, assisted stretching, and soft tissue techniques. Instrument assisted techniques Education including activity/ exercise modification and positions of relief Acupuncture/dry needling Nerve flossing/ glides Traction/ spinal decompression Scroll for an overview of examples of the treatments above! - - - As always, don’t rely on Instagram to treat yourself and consult your healthcare practitioner for an in-depth and personalized assessment.

Lumbar disc herniation series Part Treatment will begin with a thorough history and assessment of your movement of NOT ONLY your lower back, but ALSO your core and lower body (hips, knees, ankles, etc.)! This assessment is crucial to find any other dysfunction in your movements that may need to be addressed with your therapy/ exercise prescription ... Positions of relief is essential when dealing with a lumbar disc herniation. That is what movements or postures cause relief of symptoms. Typically it includes extension based posture. Another concept which is important to know is "centralization". It is the process of your leg symptoms (numbness, pain, etc) slowly going away and having your pain become localized (centralized) to your lower back. This is GOOD! It means your injury is healing and there is DECREASED pressure on your nerves going down your leg. Scroll for some exercises to which can help with a lumbar disc herniation Stay tuned for treatment options that can help with lumbar disc herniations - - - As always, don’t rely on Instagram to treat yourself and consult your healthcare practitioner for an in-depth and personalized assessment.

Lumbar disc herniation series part 1 Lumbar disc herniations (LDH) can be scary given the severity of symptoms that CAN be associated with them. Don't worry though they're very treatable and will typically recover with time and conservative care. Research shows a variety of symptoms that can be associated with a LDH including low back pain and sciatica (leg pain/numbness). This typically depends on factors such as severity and level of the injury. Some disc herniations... are also found on imaging with NO symptoms! The most important thing is to keep moving! Most disc herniations typically will have positions or directions they prefer. Typically with a LDH extension (bending back) provides this relief! Keep in mind these symptoms overlap with other conditions which illustrates the importance of a proper diagnosis from a health professional. Stay tuned for exercises and examples of treatment which can help with LDH. As always do not rely on Instagram to treat yourself and consult your Healthcare Practitioner for an in-depth and personalized assessment. Feel free to ask questions below or click the link in the bio to book in for an in-depth assessment!

Lateral Hip Pain Series - Part 3/3 Many patients who come to see me with lateral hip pain tell me that either a former healthcare professional or Dr Google told them to just do some stretches of their hip. To that I say - NO! ... Why not? Like we’ve mentioned, for a gluteal tendinopathy we need to properly load the tendon. With stretches such as the popular IT Band Stretch, we’re placing the tendon into an adducted (leg coming in toward midline) position, which actually puts compression through the tendon and can make your condition worse! Avoid other similar movements that bring your leg inward, like sitting with crossed legs or sleeping on your side without a pillow between your knees. Simply limiting activities that cause additional irritation can help settle down the tendon and get you on the way to healing . Ask me any questions below Click the link in bio to book in As always, don’t rely on Instagram to treat yourself and consult your healthcare practitioner for an in-depth and personalized assessment!