It seems that lately we've been seeing a lot more shoulders. The most intersting observation is that they seemed to be mostly related to scapular dysfunction as the problem where as their point of pain is just a symptom. How many protocols develop and emphasize the scapula in rehab either post operatively or not?
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
plyometrics
If you have been in fitness long enough you have heard of a plyometric or a plyo for short. A plyo is a method used to gain muscle strength. It utilizes the stretch-contract property of the muscle to produce greater force. Such activities include jumping, bounding, hopping among others. However I have recently asked the questions:
1. Is a plyometric basedon the range of motion? In other words, is an activity a plyo if only 5 degrees of joint flexion os achieved prior to the contraction?
2. Does the strength of the contraction matter? In other words, after the stretch, does the muscle have to fully contract in order for a plyometric effect to occur?
3. Does the movement have to be voluntary? In other words, what if the stretch and/or the contraction is a reflex?
Just some things to consider when attempting to come up with strengthening techniques for someone who may not have full ROM.
1. Is a plyometric basedon the range of motion? In other words, is an activity a plyo if only 5 degrees of joint flexion os achieved prior to the contraction?
2. Does the strength of the contraction matter? In other words, after the stretch, does the muscle have to fully contract in order for a plyometric effect to occur?
3. Does the movement have to be voluntary? In other words, what if the stretch and/or the contraction is a reflex?
Just some things to consider when attempting to come up with strengthening techniques for someone who may not have full ROM.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Functional Hip Stretch
Lately it seems that I have had several hip/back issues to deal with. And in each case teh remedy has been a functional hips stretch.
Have the individual stand on the effected leg and with the other foot have them perform a toe tap in the transverse plane allowing the hip to "open and close". Think of them standing on the fact of a clock with there right leg let's say. The right foot will be placed with the toes facing 12. With the other leg they will see how far they can reach, for example, can they reach from 2 and then pivot backwards and toe touch the 6? Do not hold at either position for any length of time. This is a very effective way to lengthen the external rotators (ERs) and teh internal rotaors (IRs) of the hips while weightbearing and against gravity.
Try it and see what you think.
Have the individual stand on the effected leg and with the other foot have them perform a toe tap in the transverse plane allowing the hip to "open and close". Think of them standing on the fact of a clock with there right leg let's say. The right foot will be placed with the toes facing 12. With the other leg they will see how far they can reach, for example, can they reach from 2 and then pivot backwards and toe touch the 6? Do not hold at either position for any length of time. This is a very effective way to lengthen the external rotators (ERs) and teh internal rotaors (IRs) of the hips while weightbearing and against gravity.
Try it and see what you think.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
