Skeletal
The order that I would take on improving UCS would be correction of breathing technique first, because it is simple, and it has the capacity for far reaching effects; proper deep breathing plays a key role in posture and spinal stabilization (Perri & Halford, 2004). The authors also noted that conditions like UCS and others…
Non-invasive interventions exist to treat excessive kyphotic curves of the thoracic vertebrae (Katzman, Wanek, Shepherd, & Sellmeyer, 2010). However, these interventions prove futile in other cases. What then, causes this apparent loss in efficacy? I would like to review two predominant forms of kyphosis, their differences and implications, as well as their effects upon program…
The back and knee joints are regions often susceptible to injury. The hip musculature, when working dysfunctionally, is associated with back pain (McGill, 2010). The hips are also implicated with poorly functioning and painful knees (Bolga, Malone, Umberger, & Uhl, 2008). The deadlift, when performed correctly, is an exercise that has been shown to recruit…
Vladimir Janda was a physician who, in the late 1970s, found trends in joint actions and muscle imbalances within the human body. Among these trends was a phenomenon he termed lower crossed syndrome (Page, Frank & Lardner, 2014). Janda observed that there were unique behaviors of muscles and joints, which created aberrant and unusual motions…
I think key elements in ACL post-rehab (after being cleared from the medical professional) would include exercise regressions/progressions and loading. Individuals are generally advised to engage in strength training approximately 6-8 months after surgery (Augustsson, 2013). I believe that regressions are an important component at such a point. If, for example, I wanted to work…
Strength training is an integral component to ACL rehab, as it enhances the stability of the joint, as well as resistance to fatigue. What is unclear, however, is when strength training (i.e., >80% 1 repetition maximum) can be implemented (Augustsson, 2013). Augustsson (2013) noted that physical therapists generally begin strength training 5-6 months post-surgery. As…
In my last 2 posts, I presented information on enhancing knee stability through improving motor control and strength of the hips. I also reviewed correlations between ankle stiffness and patellofemoral pain. In the following paragraphs, I would like to cover other complications of stiff ankles, and interventions used to improve ankle range of motion, as…
In my last post, I spoke about the need to incorporate single leg training to enhance the stability of the hip and knee musculature. In the following paragraphs, I would like to explore how distal joints and tissues may influence knee stability, as well as their implications on patellofemoral pain syndrome. Most injuries from extracurricular…
Most activities that individuals experience occur predominantly on one leg such as walking, climbing stairs, and changing direction (McCurdy, O’Kelley, Kutz, Langford, Ernest, & Torres, 2010). Considering this to be true, it would stand to reason exercise professionals acknowledge this when considering specificity of training. Pertinent questions should arise from this: if we are generally…
Valgus collapse, also known as genu valgum, can be defined as the excessive femoral adduction and internal rotation of the knees (Bliven, 2014). This condition can be seen during activities such as walking, squatting and jumping. Its etiology is thought to emanate from weak hip muscles, and is also associated with patellofemoral pain (Bolga, Malone,…