Latitude Blog
What is Dry Needling?
By: Chris Gumbs Published on: 23/07/2025Dry needling is the insertion of an acupuncture needle, a monofilament non-medicated stainless steel needle, into the soft tissues of the body, typically into a myofascial trigger point. Common needle widths are between .16 mm to .30 mm, much thinner than the needles used for typical medical injections. A trigger point is a taut, hyperirritable band found within a muscle which can cause a characteristic pattern of pain locally or at a distance from the trigger point. Weakness, abnormal recruitment of muscles, a loss of range of motion, headaches, disturbed sleep, and even tinnitus are also characteristic of trigger points. When stimulated by the insertion of a needle it will cause a muscle twitch, accompanied by a strong sensory and autonomic response. The sensory component can manifest itself as a variety of sensations (i.e. burning, aching, tingling) and can even reproduce the same pain a client regularly complains about. The autonomic component will sometimes cause sweating or even goosebumps. Following the twitch, the muscle will reflexively relax significantly.
Butt in an ashtray, foot in a coffin?
By: Chris Gumbs Published on: 16/07/2025You’ve probably heard that sitting is the new smoking, but is standing necessarily better? I think it’s important to realize that a standing desk on it’s own won’t solve all of your problems.
The best shoe (sandal) of ALL TIME!
By: Chris Gumbs Published on: 09/07/2025OK folks, these are so much more than just sandals, they’re the best shoes of ALL TIME! Sandals are typically thought of as fashion or casual wear in the western world. These, however, are all-around go anywhere, do anything footwear. “But do they stay on your feet?” Yes, incredibly well. No matter the activity, a correctly fitted #huarache style shoe (traditional shoes of the #Tarahumara) will stay firmly attached without your foot needing to do extra work to hold it on.
Social Media, Peer Groups, and Downstream Health
By: Chris Gumbs Published on: 02/07/2025What is the connection between one’s social network, levels of physical activity, and ultimately their overall health? A 2010 study of peer groups found that hanging out with healthy friends could be the best way keep fit (1). I enjoy working out, but I know not everyone does. For myself and others, it’s usually more enjoyable with company. These days we have more options than ever to connect with others to stay fit, and people are often first making those connections online. From Meetup to Facebook and Instagram, there’s something for everyone. However, as a whole in the US we are not getting healthier. More than a third of Americans are obese, and life expectancy in the US continues to decline.
