Introduction to biomechanics


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Muscle Imbalance And Chronic Injuries

Injuries can occur anywhere and at anytime,nature of performing both stretches and
but the most prevalent place of occurrence isexercises within the same program can be
in the workplace. The reason for such a highquite effective at eliminating the existing
rate of injury is that people spend 8-18condition without the addition of the soft
hours a day, 5-7 days a week performingtissue treatment and hydrotherapy. Word of
unidirectional (one-way) movement patterns,caution; there is a treatment sequence to
causing an imbalance in the musculoskeletaladdressing muscle imbalances if the best
system that results in the overuse and underresults are to be achieved. If random
use of certain muscle groups. If leftstretches and exercises are performed, an
unchecked, these injuries can be comeindividual may cause themselves more harm
chronic, resulting in pain and dysfunctionthan  good.
that  can  last  for  years.
A general rule when addressing a chronic
Usually, when one muscle group is overused,muscle imbalance is to execute the following
the opposing muscle group, acting as aprogram:
stabilizer, becomes underused. When this
imbalance establishes itself in the1. Heat Therapy* : Use heating-pad 5 Min. to
musculoskeletal system, the body does notwarm the affected joint and surrounding
function as designed. Instead of musclesmuscles, preparing them for upcoming
working together to perform a specifiedstretches and exercises. (Be sure that all
function, they work against each other,sides of the joint and surrounding muscles
causing the body to exert more energy toare  warmed-up.)
perform the same task that previously was
perceived  by  the  body  as  ?simple?.2. Soft-Tissue Treatment*: Soft tissue
treatment utilizing Effleurage and Trigger
When muscles become too short and tight, theyPoint Therapy to reduce muscle spasm and
lose their strength as they are in a chronicrelax the tight, restrictive overused muscles
semi-contracted state and cannot contractcan be very effective in correcting muscle
(shorten) efficiently due to beingimbalances. Utilizing Transverse Friction
pre-fatigued and the fact that they areMassage (TFM) on specifically weak, injured
already in a state where they are too shortmuscles and/or tendons to break down
for proper function. If a muscle is alreadyadhesions on the soft tissues can also be
in a shortened, semi-contracted state, itvery effective in reducing overall pain and
cannot contract, or shorten very far. And thedysfunction.) Performing basic massage to the
farther a muscle can contract (shorten) andtight muscles is the easiest way to address
move, the greater the strength and endurancethe  issue  without  getting  too  complex.)
the muscle will have. Chronically tight,
restrictive muscles just don?t function very3. Stretching Routine: Once the muscles are
well and they impinge structures around andwarmed up, stretching the tight, restrictive
beneath them such as nerves and bloodmuscle group is key to increasing their
vessels, causing disorders like Carpal Tunnellength and reducing their impingement of
Syndrome, Cubital Tunnel Syndrome and manysurrounding tissues as well as reducing their
other associated Repetitive Strain injuries.effect on the misalignment of the joint.
Short muscles also pull bones out of(Stretching the weak, underdeveloped muscles
alignment, which causes a joint imbalance,is not recommended as they are already too
often resulting in severe pain andlong and do not need to be lengthened
dysfunction.further.)
The same goes for underused muscles.4. Exercise Routine: Once the tight
Underdeveloped muscles are weak due to lackrestrictive muscles have been lengthened from
of direct stimulation. Weak muscles arethe stretches, it is time to exercise the
usually too long, unless they are in a stateopposing muscle group, the one that is weak
of spasm, which occurs as a protectiveand underdeveloped, in order to shorten and
response in order to keep from beingstrengthen the muscles in order to reduce the
overstretched. Weak underdeveloped musclestensile stresses imposed on them from the
cannot act as efficient stabilizers when theopposing tight muscle group. Exercising and
opposing muscle(s) are called into action,strengthening the weak underdeveloped muscles
which again causes a joint imbalance tonot only forces the opposing muscle group to
develop, as weak muscles cannot stabilizerelax and lengthen further, but it also helps
bones in their proper position / alignment.to maintain the length created in those
Weather a muscle is short and tight or longmuscles from the previous stretches. (Do not
and weak, the strength and length imbalanceperform stretches after the exercises as this
of the affected muscle(s) must be correctedmisaligns the joints and causes muscle
for the body to function optimally withoutrebounding. Always perform stretches first
pain, dysfunction and reduced mobility of thewhen addressing chronic muscle imbalances and
involved  muscles  /  joints.then  immediately  follow  with  exercises.)
Muscle imbalances are the cause of most5. Contrast Bath*: Utilizing a contrast bath
biomechanical disorders in the body. Fromat the end of the complete routine can be
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome to Thoracic Outlethelpful in reducing muscle spasm, remove
Syndrome, an existing muscle imbalance is attoxins from the muscles and increase
the root cause of the disorder in 90% of thecirculation and overall nutrient flow to the
cases. Too many modalities focus on theinjury, helping to aid an increase the speed
?band-aid principal?, allowing the muscleof recovery. Basic procedure is 3-minutes
imbalance go on for years with a little bitheat to 1-minute of cold. Repeat 3-times,
of relief here and there. Now is the time tofinishing  with  cold.
focus on the actual ?cause(s)? of these
disorders and eliminate them altogether. WithThis general treatment program for chronic
the appropriate exercise and stretch routine,repetitive strain injuries resulting from
most musculoskeletal disorders can bemuscle imbalances is very effective and often
eliminated  quickly  and  effectively.eliminates all of the symptoms previously
associated with the injury, quickly and
Correcting muscle imbalances is achievedeffectively. Always consult a physician
through a process consisting of a number ofbefore beginning any type of exercise or
stretches and exercises. Soft-tissuetreatment  program.
treatment and hot/cold therapy may be
utilized to help expedite the rate ofRemember, Your Health is in Your Hands!
recovery if it is so desired. Usually the



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