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 […]
Read MoreVladimir 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 […]
Read MoreI 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 […]
Read MoreStrength 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 […]
Read MoreIn 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 […]
Read MoreIn 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 […]
Read MoreMost 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 […]
Read MoreValgus 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, […]
Read MoreDespite the etiology of a dysfunctional piriformis, pain and muscle tenderness is a condition often associated with this deep hip muscle. If a muscle has trigger points, it will exhibit aberrant motor function, restricted range, pain and fatigue (Celik & Yeldan, 2011). Considering this information, proceeding directly to strength training and movement re-education might not […]
Read MoreThe low back is a region often exposed to angles, loads, and sub-optimal movement patterns that lead to disc degeneration and pain. In previous posts, I shared the steps that I take to slowly rebuild my client’s movement patterns (i.e., teaching a deadlift to lift objects) followed by stabilization and endurance exercises to build capacity […]
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