Through bad lifestyles, repetitive sports or general lack
of movement we have created chronic cases of bad posture
brought about by muscle imbalances. By imbalances we mean,
some of the muscles have become weak and lazy and are
allowing other muscles to do the extra work as we move
around- these become short and tight.
When there are muscle imbalances around joints such as the
spine, shoulder or knee, the tight muscles pull the joint
out of position as the weak ones are no longer able to
counterbalance the pull. The result? Pain and inflammation.
How do most people deal with their pain and inflammation?
They take anti-inflammatory tablets! This will not get that
stressed shoulder back into position, it may numb the pain
for a short while but you can guarantee it will be back. So
instead of taking a pill to numb the pain we should correct
this imbalance ourselves and bring the joints back to their
optimal alignment.
This can be done with a simple stretch and strengthening
programme designed to attack those short/tight and
long/weak muscles.
As you take yourself through the stretch checklist pay
particular attention to the muscles being stretched. How
tight do they feel?
a) Is it almost painful to move into the stretch? If the
answer is yes, you have found a short tight muscle that has
been working too hard. For each one that feels this way,
give it a tick and add to your stretch list. This may need
prolonged stretching over a number of weeks, hold the
stretch at the point you feel discomfort- not pain! Try
holding for up to 30 seconds x 2-3. Over time this should
start to become easier.
b) Can you feel tightness but its not too painful? Again if
the answer is yes add this to your list. However after a
few days stretching this may ease off with any tightness
disappearing. At this point, cross this stretch off your
list.
c) Are you feeling no stretch at all in that particular
muscle? If this is the case, cross this off your list, this
muscle is either at a normal length or has become long and
weak. In which case strengthening is necessary not
stretching!
Create your stretch programme by going through the list
right now! You will be halfway to creating a better posture
and better you! Just stretching alone may alleviate those
painful symptoms. Try this for the next few weeks and you
will be ready to take it to the strengthening phase. Thus
ensuring you remain in this position of ideal alignment
forever!
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David Osgathorp Owner, All About You Performance &
Wellbeing. Unit 3 Broadbent Close, Highgate, London, N6
5JW. Tel: 020 8348 9706, Mob: 07779 729122. If you would
like more information then pleas contact us via the
website: http://aayou.co.uk/default.aspx
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