This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. For information on cookies and how you can disable them visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy. Got it, thanks!Human movement is an amazing orchestra of muscle contractions controlled by the central nervous system to create joint actions to accomplish specific tasks. The motor tasks can be as simple as raising a glass of water or as dynamic as an explosive golf swing. When you look at all the muscle and joint actions the body is capable of, there are countless movement patterns that can be created. In order to allow the body to have such a vast amount of movement possibilities, the 10 main joints (listed below) of the human movement system (HMS) have specific roles and responsibilities. Starting from the ground up the joints are:
When evaluating the HMS, these joints can be categorized as either a stability- or mobility-based joint. Mobility: The ability to move freely and easily. Stability: The ability of the body to maintain postural equilibrium and support joints during movement. When the joints are looked at individually, each joint can be classified by their main responsibility. Of course, every joint will have some overlap in roles, but each has a primary function. The stability joints are the foot, knee, lumbar spine, cervical spine and elbow. The mobility joints are the ankle, hip, thoracic spine, shoulder and wrist. A clear pattern emerges in that the kinetic chain is a series of joints stacked on top of each other in an alternating pattern of stability then mobility. This sequence creates the ideal platform for dynamic human movement. Unfortunately, a disruption in this pattern can occur, creating movement dysfunctions. The most common causes of this alternating pattern disruption include previous injury, chronic pattern overload, muscle imbalances or bony malalignments. When issues like this occur, it can affect the normal function of the joint. If the dysfunction is severe enough, the joint, or in many cases joints, will then begin to lose the ability to maintain their primary stability or mobility function. Quite often the joints that are stability-based become more mobile, and the joints that are mobility-based become more stable. When the joints within the kinetic chain lose their primary role due to dysfunction and change roles, human movement becomes compromised and the chance of injury increases significantly. Fitness professionals who understand how to properly assess human movement, understand the function of each joint, create programs that either restore or ensure human movement will not be compromised, are at an enormous advantage to help their clients move better.
by Beth Chiuchiarelli To get the most out of your strength training or rehabilitation programs we not only need to strengthen the muscles that move and support the joint but we also need to maintain normal range of motion of your joints. Joints have cartilage that provide articular surfaces for shock absorption so that bones are protected when there is a load placed on them. They have ligaments that provide passive support as well as a dense fibrous capsule made out of many collagen fibers that encase the joint and not only provides static support but also provide a type of torque (wind up action) of the joint to help provide a transfer of load to muscles during movement. Our joints are made to move over a millions of times in a lifetime and so if there is anything in a joint that is compromised and you feel pain or there is swelling. The damage has probably already occurred. Mobility of a joint is important to allow better efficiency of these joints so that their movements are not compromised and joints need to be strong so that they move better and in the right position. They need to be mobile enough to allow the muscles to do their job properly. If a joint is stiff there is less ability for the muscle to move the joint through its normal range of motion. The better the joint moves the better the effect the muscles will have. Unfortunately, when there is muscular weakness around a joint or you have an injury muscles become rigid and have poor contractile ability and the capsule can become thickened reducing its ability to provide the necessary movement the joint needs. This can cause the joint capsule as well as fascia and muscles to become stiff, this can reduce your ability to improve your strength and so you may notice that we usually prescribe some sort of treatment such as myofascial release in your sessions. What we also like to do is teach you how this can be done on your own. There are many pieces of equipment in the market today to help you complete self guided myofascial release to improve your joint mobility. We recommend foam rollers, spikey balls, even a rubber bouncy ball is fine. Currently we have been trialling the way we can use the heavy power bands to help with improved joint range of motion as well as the Lacrosse ball – which is the size of a tennis ball however made out of rubber. Once we have assessed your joints range of motion as well as its strengths/weaknesses we can prescribe a very specific exercise and mobility program for you. Inadequate flexibility will have a negative effect on the body in 3 significant ways:
Additional benefits of a regular stretching routine: The range of motion of a joint is often measured with devices such as a goniometer or inclinometer. These devices allow range of motion to be measured in degrees and then compared to accepted normal values. Flexibility can also be measured with functional tests. These tests allow the measurement of joint range of motion within the context of common patterns of movement. Using range of motion testing, areas of inflexibility can be identified and addressed.
Typical areas of assessment include hamstrings, lower back, iliotibial band (IT band) and hip. In order to realize the benefits of stretching, a regular stretching routine must be incorporated into your normal training program. Also, it is important to remember that gaining flexibility takes time and dedication. It may take several weeks of consistent, daily stretching to notice improvement. Stretch after each training session with stretches that will target the largest joints in your body. Stretching for a continuous amount of time (20+ minutes), not just after each training session several times per week, can also be very beneficial. Once these have been performed, move on to stretches that will more specifically address your areas of inflexibility. There are an unlimited number of stretches that can be performed to address all of the body’s joints, but there are specific guidelines that should be followed for all stretches:
A stretching routine should cover all the major muscle groups of the body as well as any specific muscle groups that are being utilized in a sport or activity. The movement of other areas of the body, other than the muscle group being stretched, should be minimized. Maintain a regular breathing pattern when stretching. Stretching will not head off delayed-onset muscle soreness - the kind that generally occurs the day after unaccustomed The debate as to when to perform a stretching routine is controversial. It is generally agreed upon that stretching at the end of an exercise session will greatly benefit you. Stretching before an exercise session though is generally not recommended unless it is preceded by a 5-minute cardiovascular warm-up. Warming up before stretching increases the blood flow and temperature of the muscles, ligaments and tendons, improving the elasticity and optimal functioning of the muscles and connective tissue. Stretching when muscles are cold could lead to a strain or pull. Begin each stretch slowly and gently – Stretch to the point of tightness and then just beyond. You should feel pulling or tightness, but not pain. Stay relaxed and do not bounce. Stretching is most often thought of as a way to loosen muscles, but it is also effective in increasing the mobility of all soft tissues that restrict flexibility. Stretching will not head off delayed-onset muscle soreness - the kind that generally occurs the day after unaccustomed strenuous exercise. 8 benefits of a regular stretching routine:
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