"To Crunch or not to Crunch: An Evidence Based Examination of Spinal Flexion Exercises, Their Potential Risks, and Their Applicability to Program Design"- Contreras, Schoenfeld JSCR 8-11.
I probably have disagreed with every article these two guys published. Which is why its important never to throw the baby out with the bath water sort of speak. I have to admire this work, they really took on some sacred cows regarding spinal flexion exercise in general. They make a lot of great points...
"The studies in question attempted to mimic the loading patterns of occupational workers by subjecting spinal segments to thousands of continuous bending cycles, which is far beyond what is normally performed in the course of a normal exercise program".
They also note research by Battie & Videman which indicates much of disk injury to be related to genetic factors and not exercise.
They note that many of the en vitro spine studies involve porcine models (which have very different mechanics than the human spine), or human cadaveric spines with most of the supportive structures removed.
They conclude by saying that based on current research its premature to conclude that the human spine has a limited # of bending cycles...and variety in spinal loading is associated with a lower risk of spinal pathology. And you want to do a good warm up before doing spinal flexion exercises early in the morning, or after prolonged periods of sitting; or save them for later on in the day.
Great work guys.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Thursday, August 4, 2011
It's whats between the notes that counts!
I'll agree with that...but I'll follow that with a quote by anatomist Jaap Van Der Wall...
"typically researchers "dissect what they have in their mind and lose
the continuity of the tissue." He goes on to say, "Muscle spindles
and GTOs are mostly concentrated in areas of muscular tissue directly
intermediating distal and proximal regular dense collagenous
connective tissue structures. These mechanoreceptors occur often in
muscle/connective tissue transition."
Let's use the hamstring musculature as an example. We've known for a long time that strains occur NEAR, but not actually AT the musculotendinous junction. Recent MR imaging has also demonstrated tears at the epimysial boundries between muscles.
The anatomy of the hamstring muscles are complex, and even vary between individuals. They not only have osseous attachments, but also numerous fascial expansions that attach muscle to bone, AND to other muscles. They are innervated by 2 different nerve branches; the long head of the bicep femoris, semimenbranosus & the semitendinosus by the tibial, the short head by the peroneal. Some anatomists consider the adductor magnus muscle a 5th hamstring muscle, as it shares a common nerve and thick fascial expansions.
When we attempt to understand the function of the hamstrings, like music, we need to understand what's going on proximal to distal, but also in between. Not only in the sagittal plane, but in the frontal, and especially in the transverse. The plane that a muscle is the most powerful in is not always the most important. What the opposite side of the body is doing during a particular task; and whether it's setting the hamstrings up for success. Now we have MR images documenting morphological improvements in an individual muscle from specific exercises. Yes that's useful in indicating the degree of healing, but not the whole picture:
"Movement is not an isolated event that occurs in one plane of motion. Rather it is a complex event that involves synergists, stabilizers, neutralizers and antagonists all working together to produce efficient triplanar movement"- Vern Gambetta.
The current trend of prescribing exercise by muscle architecture is subjective, and can be misleading. Rehab the athlete, not the injury...and let them leave you a little more athletic then when they came in. And never feel like you have to squeeze any muscle injury or prevention program into a traditional weight room exercise just because its there.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Yoga & Rotator Cuff Rehab
Thank you Tracy Fober PT (www.ironmaven.blogspot.com) for the heads up on this article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/02/health/02brody.html?_r=2&src=me&ref=health
This variation of a traditional Yoga posture was found to be more effective than traditional physical therapy in treating rotator cuff tears. I don't think there is anything magic about the technique. It is very similar to the wall slides I have described previously in this blog. The concept of shortening lever arms, unloading the shoulder by way of the hand resting on a wall, and changing the limbs orientation to gravity gets the shoulder back into its envelope of function & helps normalize muscle recruitment patterns. I'll often add lower extremity drivers to the hand motion to enhance the exercise. I tried linking some of my old posts on the topic but the search command doesn't seem to work very well.
Sorry by the way about my lack of posting, they will probably be scarce for the next few weeks as we get the fall sports rolling here at EHS.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/02/health/02brody.html?_r=2&src=me&ref=health
This variation of a traditional Yoga posture was found to be more effective than traditional physical therapy in treating rotator cuff tears. I don't think there is anything magic about the technique. It is very similar to the wall slides I have described previously in this blog. The concept of shortening lever arms, unloading the shoulder by way of the hand resting on a wall, and changing the limbs orientation to gravity gets the shoulder back into its envelope of function & helps normalize muscle recruitment patterns. I'll often add lower extremity drivers to the hand motion to enhance the exercise. I tried linking some of my old posts on the topic but the search command doesn't seem to work very well.
Sorry by the way about my lack of posting, they will probably be scarce for the next few weeks as we get the fall sports rolling here at EHS.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
Video of Dr. Luigi Stecco performing Fascial Manipulation
For those who want a look at the Fascial Manipulation technique...he doesn't begin actually performing the technique till about 9m into the video. In FM, you treat AWAY from the injury site, which is a bit different from other myofasical techniques.
http://youtu.be/dPgzwNEbcMU
http://youtu.be/dPgzwNEbcMU
Sunday, July 17, 2011
2nd Annual ATSNJ Concussion Summit
Some great points made by Dr. Robert Cantu,
...you will not know the true severity of a concussion until the athlete returns to their baseline.
...concussions are not created equal. One may be too many, while three may not necessarily prevent an athlete from future competition.
...the football helmet will never be the end all in concussion prevention.
...the most sever concussions involve blows directly to the head.
Neuropsychologist Reuben Echemndia presented research indicating post concussion neurocognitive testing (Impact et al) is beneficial even in the absence of baseline testing.
At the roundtable discussion I asked the possibility, based on the research by Sandra Black and David Viano, of neck strengthening playing a role in concussion prevention. The consensus was, at least from a theoretical standpoint, yes. But what kind??
...you will not know the true severity of a concussion until the athlete returns to their baseline.
...concussions are not created equal. One may be too many, while three may not necessarily prevent an athlete from future competition.
...the football helmet will never be the end all in concussion prevention.
...the most sever concussions involve blows directly to the head.
Neuropsychologist Reuben Echemndia presented research indicating post concussion neurocognitive testing (Impact et al) is beneficial even in the absence of baseline testing.
At the roundtable discussion I asked the possibility, based on the research by Sandra Black and David Viano, of neck strengthening playing a role in concussion prevention. The consensus was, at least from a theoretical standpoint, yes. But what kind??
Friday, July 15, 2011
Makes ya go hummmm...
"Motor Neuron Pool Excitability of the Lower Leg Muscles After Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain"- Klykken et al, JAT 6-11.
I'm really impressed at the quality of the research in the Journal of Athletic Training in the last decade or so. This was a good one. The researchers took 10 athletes with recently sprained ankles, placed them in a relaxed prone position, then measured the motor neuron pool excitability of the soleus, anterior tib, & peroneus longus. The soleus was facilitated, the anterior tibialis inhibited, & no difference in the peroneus longus.
The authors go on to explain the reasons for the results. Included was the possibility the CNS was re-organizing to compensate for the loss of posterior talar glide, ie loss of dorsiflexion in the ankle. In running & gait, remember the soleus is a knee extensor. So in this scenario it is helping to limit the degree of knee excursion to control the degree of ankle dorsiflexion at the ankle joint.
A thought: What if this loss of dorsiflexion is not restored? Could the facilitated soleus persist? Could the articular complications resulting from an unresolved ankle sprain(s) be a culprit in chronic calf cramping in middle age runners?
I'm really impressed at the quality of the research in the Journal of Athletic Training in the last decade or so. This was a good one. The researchers took 10 athletes with recently sprained ankles, placed them in a relaxed prone position, then measured the motor neuron pool excitability of the soleus, anterior tib, & peroneus longus. The soleus was facilitated, the anterior tibialis inhibited, & no difference in the peroneus longus.
The authors go on to explain the reasons for the results. Included was the possibility the CNS was re-organizing to compensate for the loss of posterior talar glide, ie loss of dorsiflexion in the ankle. In running & gait, remember the soleus is a knee extensor. So in this scenario it is helping to limit the degree of knee excursion to control the degree of ankle dorsiflexion at the ankle joint.
A thought: What if this loss of dorsiflexion is not restored? Could the facilitated soleus persist? Could the articular complications resulting from an unresolved ankle sprain(s) be a culprit in chronic calf cramping in middle age runners?
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Everything is Everything
...an old Donny Hathaway song, and the topic of today's blog post.
"Can Balance Training Promote Balance & Strength in Prepubertal Children?"- Granacher et al, JSCR 6-11.
"Is There an Association Between Variables of Postural Control & Strength in Adolescents?"- Granacher et all, JSCR 6-11.
No & No.
These are two studies that measured balance as the ability to control pertubation- that incuded tests for static as well as dynamic. The first test had 6&7 year olds trying to keep still on air cushions & wobble boards for 45 minutes 3x per week for 4 weeks. Funny, but predictable if you were ever an elementary school teacher, the testors had problems with the subjects "attentional focus". Another words, as soon as the teacher had their back turned, the students were off task. The protocol failed to produce impovements in "postural sway"- the traditional method balance is measured.
In the 2nd study, the researchers tested a group of 16 year olds on their horizontal leg press performance, a counter movement vertical jump, & the ability to keep still on a stationary/moving surface balance testing device. No correlation between static & "dynamic" balance, and muscle strength.
Both studies began with stating the importance of adequate balance in preventing injurious falls in the respective age groups. The problem, as I see it, is the definition of balance. That concept of "stillness". Very different than what goes on the athletic field, or real life for that matter. The eyes looking one way, legs moving the opposite, with the arms maybe moving in another.
The other problem is the idea of trying to isolate balance. Good balance is more than just the vestibular system. It requires a certain degree of single leg power, core strength, agility, and even flexibility. I don't believe its possible to effectively train it independent of other neuromotor skills. Did those elementary school kids really have attentional focus deficits? Or did they want to do REALbalance training- skipping, hopping, jumping, stopping & just plain having fun.
"Can Balance Training Promote Balance & Strength in Prepubertal Children?"- Granacher et al, JSCR 6-11.
"Is There an Association Between Variables of Postural Control & Strength in Adolescents?"- Granacher et all, JSCR 6-11.
No & No.
These are two studies that measured balance as the ability to control pertubation- that incuded tests for static as well as dynamic. The first test had 6&7 year olds trying to keep still on air cushions & wobble boards for 45 minutes 3x per week for 4 weeks. Funny, but predictable if you were ever an elementary school teacher, the testors had problems with the subjects "attentional focus". Another words, as soon as the teacher had their back turned, the students were off task. The protocol failed to produce impovements in "postural sway"- the traditional method balance is measured.
In the 2nd study, the researchers tested a group of 16 year olds on their horizontal leg press performance, a counter movement vertical jump, & the ability to keep still on a stationary/moving surface balance testing device. No correlation between static & "dynamic" balance, and muscle strength.
Both studies began with stating the importance of adequate balance in preventing injurious falls in the respective age groups. The problem, as I see it, is the definition of balance. That concept of "stillness". Very different than what goes on the athletic field, or real life for that matter. The eyes looking one way, legs moving the opposite, with the arms maybe moving in another.
The other problem is the idea of trying to isolate balance. Good balance is more than just the vestibular system. It requires a certain degree of single leg power, core strength, agility, and even flexibility. I don't believe its possible to effectively train it independent of other neuromotor skills. Did those elementary school kids really have attentional focus deficits? Or did they want to do REALbalance training- skipping, hopping, jumping, stopping & just plain having fun.
Monday, June 27, 2011
GAIN 2011, Rice University- Houston TX USA
I apologize for the lack of posting, I've been decompressing a bit.
It comes every year right at the end of my school year when I'm wiped & need uplifting. And it didn't disappoint. It is a jam packed schedule beginning at 6am "movement madness" sessions with the faculty- no passive learning here. Just short breaks for meals, and we're on the go till 9pm for 6 full days! Diving into function with the likes of Blatherwick, Gambetta, Fober, Giles, Radcliffe, Ryan, Winkler...Carl Valle getting us up to speed with technology...with Greg Thompson giving us the latest updates on motor learning & control. EVERYTHING from the individual exercises to year round performance planning. What a ride!!
But GAIN is only as good as it's "delegates". That is, the people who are hand picked by Vern to attend every year so NOTHING gets watered down. I mean come on, how many times have we paid good money to attend stuff that winds up looking like high school biology?
EVERYONE there had something to bring to the table. Performance coaches, Sport Scientists & physiotherapists from college & professional sports, high school ATCs & physical educators, physiotherapists from European Rugby...phew! Just imagine what it was like to have to get up in front of them & present!
Please consider joining us in '12.
It comes every year right at the end of my school year when I'm wiped & need uplifting. And it didn't disappoint. It is a jam packed schedule beginning at 6am "movement madness" sessions with the faculty- no passive learning here. Just short breaks for meals, and we're on the go till 9pm for 6 full days! Diving into function with the likes of Blatherwick, Gambetta, Fober, Giles, Radcliffe, Ryan, Winkler...Carl Valle getting us up to speed with technology...with Greg Thompson giving us the latest updates on motor learning & control. EVERYTHING from the individual exercises to year round performance planning. What a ride!!
But GAIN is only as good as it's "delegates". That is, the people who are hand picked by Vern to attend every year so NOTHING gets watered down. I mean come on, how many times have we paid good money to attend stuff that winds up looking like high school biology?
EVERYONE there had something to bring to the table. Performance coaches, Sport Scientists & physiotherapists from college & professional sports, high school ATCs & physical educators, physiotherapists from European Rugby...phew! Just imagine what it was like to have to get up in front of them & present!
Please consider joining us in '12.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Off to GAIN '11!
Sorry I haven't been posting. I've been preparing for my presentations at the GAIN APPRENTORSHIP 2011
http://www.gambetta.com/Merchant5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=gambetta&Category_Code=Aprentorship
at Rice U in Houston next week. I'll be doing Return to Play, Functional Anatomy, as well as assisting Kelvin Giles with his PCA presentation.
http://movementdynamics.com/products/view/physical-competence-assessment-manual%202011
In addition, I'll be running the AM workout sessions on functional balance progressions & functional flexibility. It is a very cool experience...really diving into function. As usual I'll be over my head, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Think about joining us in '12.
http://www.gambetta.com/Merchant5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=gambetta&Category_Code=Aprentorship
at Rice U in Houston next week. I'll be doing Return to Play, Functional Anatomy, as well as assisting Kelvin Giles with his PCA presentation.
http://movementdynamics.com/products/view/physical-competence-assessment-manual%202011
In addition, I'll be running the AM workout sessions on functional balance progressions & functional flexibility. It is a very cool experience...really diving into function. As usual I'll be over my head, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Think about joining us in '12.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
In the end, it all comes down to Physical Competency
"The Effects of Exercise for the Prevention of Overuse Anterior Knee Pain : A Randomized Controlled Trial"- Coppack et all, AJSM 6-11.
Pretty simple, 4 PRE's & 4 static stretches caused a 75% reduction in anterior knee pain among military recruits. Some of the exercises were "functional", & some were not. What I found interesting was 3 of Kelvin Giles' PCA assessments (although not referred to by name) were used as exercises. As budgets tighten & P.E. programs begin to disappear we see the decline of physical competency & literacy. You cannot have a decent athletic development program without it. Depending on the task at hand, it could be a knee injury, a shoulder, back etc. Let's not get so nit picky with our assessments that we lose site of the big picture. Do they have the right stuff or don't they? And if they don't, weave it in to their return to play repertoire. Believe me, the greatest gift you can give an injured athlete is to let them leave you a little more athletic then when they came in.
Pretty simple, 4 PRE's & 4 static stretches caused a 75% reduction in anterior knee pain among military recruits. Some of the exercises were "functional", & some were not. What I found interesting was 3 of Kelvin Giles' PCA assessments (although not referred to by name) were used as exercises. As budgets tighten & P.E. programs begin to disappear we see the decline of physical competency & literacy. You cannot have a decent athletic development program without it. Depending on the task at hand, it could be a knee injury, a shoulder, back etc. Let's not get so nit picky with our assessments that we lose site of the big picture. Do they have the right stuff or don't they? And if they don't, weave it in to their return to play repertoire. Believe me, the greatest gift you can give an injured athlete is to let them leave you a little more athletic then when they came in.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Memorial Day 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Integrated Isolation...Right Subscapularis On Ground Function.
"Subscapularis Strain from Swinging a Baseball Bat in an Adolescent with Closed Physis"- Higgins et al, Sports Health 6-11.The top picture represents a "traditional" exercise for the subscapularis. Sounds practical, right? I mean the subscapularis IS an internal rotator of the shoulder, no? Not as simple as you think. Especially in batting, yes the shoulder is going through external rotation, which is loading this muscle. The conundrum is the muscle originates anteriorly on the scapula...which is moving on the rib cage...which is also moving in the same direction, but at different speeds. BTW, just like my previous post, the injury occurs no where near end range.
Here's an exercise that simulates the function of the subscapularis in batting. Begin in the traditional pushup position. As you begin the descent, sneak your right leg under the left, enough so that you feel the pelvis rotate, without it touching the ground. Return to the starting position and repeat. The bottom picture represents a "tweaked down" version of the same exercise, that might be used earlier in the rehabilitation process.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
You can get with this...or you can get with that!
A nationally renowned spine specialist criticized one of my blog posts because I had an athlete doing the exercise in this post: http://joestrainingroom.blogspot.com/2010/05/hips-in-hips-out.html
Described me as, " a strict follower of Gary Gray who goes overboard especially when he gets his hands on a med ball &s; working the spine in full flexion under load."
First of all, while it is true I have been heavily influenced by G2 & Dave Tiberio, I'm also influenced by Vern Gambetta, Warren Hammer and others. But I would hate to think anyone thinks of me a wannabe clone. I'm not even sure what qualifies that as "A Gary Gray exercise". And are we not supposed to do capoeira (pictured) because the spine is in full flexion under load? Or is that OK because they are upside down, or not holding a medicine ball? I understand the theory about soft tissue creep, the stress on the intervertebral disks etc. But Stuart McGill himself, in his book (Low Back Disorders p.105) described a vertebral subluxation (documented under fluoroscope) occurring while a guy was doing a deadlift- with his spine in good posture; not even close to end range!
Fortunately for me, another one of my influences is the great orthopedist Dr. Stephen Levin (on the right of this page is a link to his website). Here is his take on this topic:
"Never believe a ''spine specialist', particularly if they are surgeons. If this 'specialist' is a surgeon, he does more harm in one day than you will have done in your lifetime. It is nonsense to consider the spine as 'weak' or 'strong' based on posture. A person instantly knows when their posture is appropriate for a task at the moment they begin to institute the task. Think of lifting a box of an unknown weight. Weightlifters start a 'clean and jerk' from a crouch because it is the strongest position. As soon as there is an attempt to lift, the body recognizes the load, and the posture adjusts. Weightlifters start a 'clean and jerk' from a crouch because it is the strongest position. Nowadays, I rarely think of any muscle, or muscle group performing a particular task. I think in closed chain activities, with all muscle involved, all the time. It is impossible to contract only one muscle, you must always involve all muscles".
You can get with that- but Se baila asÃ, se goza más.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Phil Donley weighs in on Long Tossing
Thanks to my buddy & ATSNJ president Eric Nussbaum for getting Phil Donley's
(http://joestrainingroom.blogspot.com/2010/02/phil-donley-real-deal.html) response to my recent long toss post( http://joestrainingroom.blogspot.com/2011/05/long-toss-for-pitchers-is-questioned.html)...
"I am on the long toss side, also weighted balls. Just need to introduce them in the proper sequencing of the total program. It is amazing how many professional pitchers find a place to long toss,over 250ft) when they are out of sight of those organizations that limit pitchers to 120 ft. there is a time and place for all sorts of overload training."
Well said.
(http://joestrainingroom.blogspot.com/2010/02/phil-donley-real-deal.html) response to my recent long toss post( http://joestrainingroom.blogspot.com/2011/05/long-toss-for-pitchers-is-questioned.html)...
"I am on the long toss side, also weighted balls. Just need to introduce them in the proper sequencing of the total program. It is amazing how many professional pitchers find a place to long toss,over 250ft) when they are out of sight of those organizations that limit pitchers to 120 ft. there is a time and place for all sorts of overload training."
Well said.
Integrated Isolation, R TFL, Trail leg in Gait
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
New Joe P. Ankle Rehab E-book
"Functional, Integrated Rehabilitation of the Sprained Ankle: A Practitioners Manual"
After I signed a contract with a publisher, I figured I was good to go. But one obsticle after an other forced it to be abandoned. But I'm sticking to my promise of keeping it under $20. Its available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble for 9.99 as a Kindle & EPub respectively. I resisted doing this for a while becaues of the risk of it being labled as what we used to call a "vanity press". But, Dan Cipriani P.T., PHD, associate biomechanics professor at Chapman University, did the technical review for the book which gives it ligitimacy. I had Ray Fowler (http://www.rayfowler.org/digital-services/) do the e-book coversion, and he really did a great job. In my opinion, it is better than a hard copy because its easily searchable and navigated. It definately does not look like your typical e-book, with lines disappearing and what not.
If you don't have a Kindle or Nook, no problem! The book can be easily read on any PC or Mac by downloading the free software below:
Download Kindle Reader for PC:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/kindle/pc/download/ref=amb_link_151449822_1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=0GA1PY8MZHJ175E8QP1W&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_p=1289134842&pf_rd_i=1000426311
Download Kindle Reader for Mac:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/kindle/mac/download
Download Epub Reader for Mac or PC:
http://www.adobe.com/products/digitaleditions/
To purchase my book:
Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Functional-Integrated-Rehabilitation-Practitioners-ebook/dp/B0051BOA1S/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1305724069&sr=1-1
Barnes and Noble:
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Functional-Integrated-Rehabilitation-of-the-Sprained-Ankle-A-Practitioners-Manual/Joseph-Przytula/e/2940012415851/?itm=1&USRI=ankle+sprain
Both sites give allow you to add your comments of your opinion on the book; and I encourage you to do so. There are not many books on the topic. The best selling one is written by a personal trainer.
After I signed a contract with a publisher, I figured I was good to go. But one obsticle after an other forced it to be abandoned. But I'm sticking to my promise of keeping it under $20. Its available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble for 9.99 as a Kindle & EPub respectively. I resisted doing this for a while becaues of the risk of it being labled as what we used to call a "vanity press". But, Dan Cipriani P.T., PHD, associate biomechanics professor at Chapman University, did the technical review for the book which gives it ligitimacy. I had Ray Fowler (http://www.rayfowler.org/digital-services/) do the e-book coversion, and he really did a great job. In my opinion, it is better than a hard copy because its easily searchable and navigated. It definately does not look like your typical e-book, with lines disappearing and what not.
If you don't have a Kindle or Nook, no problem! The book can be easily read on any PC or Mac by downloading the free software below:
Download Kindle Reader for PC:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/kindle/pc/download/ref=amb_link_151449822_1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=0GA1PY8MZHJ175E8QP1W&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_p=1289134842&pf_rd_i=1000426311
Download Kindle Reader for Mac:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/kindle/mac/download
Download Epub Reader for Mac or PC:
http://www.adobe.com/products/digitaleditions/
To purchase my book:
Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Functional-Integrated-Rehabilitation-Practitioners-ebook/dp/B0051BOA1S/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1305724069&sr=1-1
Barnes and Noble:
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Functional-Integrated-Rehabilitation-of-the-Sprained-Ankle-A-Practitioners-Manual/Joseph-Przytula/e/2940012415851/?itm=1&USRI=ankle+sprain
Both sites give allow you to add your comments of your opinion on the book; and I encourage you to do so. There are not many books on the topic. The best selling one is written by a personal trainer.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Flexion/Rotation Test for C0-C1 ROM
With the C-spine in axial extension (aka retraction, posterior chin glide), the athlete's chin is passively flexed, then rotated. Normal ROM would be between 30-35 degrees. At that point you'll feel an abrupt change in the quality of movement. That's where the motion reaches C2. If you look at the athlete's eye brows you can see there is a restriction. This is fairly common in combative & collision sports.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
"Bailing Out", better known as compensation
According to Fryette's laws of spinal motion, if motion is lost in one plane, it will steal it from the other two planes. Here I'm affording the thoracic spine increasing degrees of rotation by way of positioning the lower extremity. In throwing, the eyes are a powerful and important driver of motion, so its important for them to focus on the target. Take a look at the position of the head in relation to the shoulders. The increasing degrees of thoracic spine rotation require greater degrees of cervical counter rotation as so the eyes can remain on the target. The cervical spine is compensating into left side bending. What do you think? Where do I go from here?
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Long toss for pitchers is questioned.
"Biomechanical Comparison of Baseball Pitching and Long-Toss: Implications for Training and Rehabilitation", Flesig et al JOSPT 5-11.
Basically the authors are saying that you get to a point where kinematics are changed too much to have any transfer value to pitching. That point is well taken. What I'm wondering though is if it will be beneficial in producing the soft tissue adaptations to the shoulder & elbow that might carry over to the sport. And, will adding in a little long toss a few times a week be enough to interfere with the motor learning process of pitching. Is long toss something we need to throw out all together?
Remember Frans Bosch's definition of strength training; "coordination training with resistance", which states, "an ideal form of training should be able to provide a greater workload than an athlete's current stress handling capacity can deal with, while also complying with the criteria that must be met for an optimum transfer of training. However, overload and specificity are not mutually compatible. If one wants to include a large overload in training, then one must always deviate from some of the characteristics of goal or competition oriented forms of training" (Bosch '05).
Does (long distance) long toss meet this criteria...provided it is done in the right context?
Basically the authors are saying that you get to a point where kinematics are changed too much to have any transfer value to pitching. That point is well taken. What I'm wondering though is if it will be beneficial in producing the soft tissue adaptations to the shoulder & elbow that might carry over to the sport. And, will adding in a little long toss a few times a week be enough to interfere with the motor learning process of pitching. Is long toss something we need to throw out all together?
Remember Frans Bosch's definition of strength training; "coordination training with resistance", which states, "an ideal form of training should be able to provide a greater workload than an athlete's current stress handling capacity can deal with, while also complying with the criteria that must be met for an optimum transfer of training. However, overload and specificity are not mutually compatible. If one wants to include a large overload in training, then one must always deviate from some of the characteristics of goal or competition oriented forms of training" (Bosch '05).
Does (long distance) long toss meet this criteria...provided it is done in the right context?
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
"Fascilitation"?
From the May '11 JOSPT: Effects of Kinesio Tape Compared With Nonelastic Sports Tape and the Untaped Ankle During a Sudden Inversion Perturbation in Male Athletes, Briem et al.
" Kinesio Tape had no significant effect on mean or maximum muscle activity compared to the no-tape condition. Neither stability level nor taping condition had a significant effect on the amount of time from perturbation to maximum activity of the fibularis longus muscle"
Fascia practitioners are crazy about this stuff, but I don't know.
" Kinesio Tape had no significant effect on mean or maximum muscle activity compared to the no-tape condition. Neither stability level nor taping condition had a significant effect on the amount of time from perturbation to maximum activity of the fibularis longus muscle"
Fascia practitioners are crazy about this stuff, but I don't know.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Don't nitpick.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Postural Fascism
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Take a look and let me know what you think
Thanks to Vern on the heads up on this. It is a free kinematic analysis tool. This could be very useful. The only problem is, the way I understand, you would first need to build a calibration structure. And, that structure would need to be placed where you plan to do the filming. So, it would be best for those who have a dedicated area put aside for this purpose. What do you think of the idea of building a portable one that you could take apart and put back together? Would it be worth the effort? Otherwise, I wouldn't even have the room to store something like that. Oh, one annoying thing. You have to convert your video into .avi before you can download it. Weird but do-able.
http://video4coach.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13&Itemid=4
http://video4coach.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13&Itemid=4
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
What is pathological and what is adaptive?
Two studies in the 4-11 edition of the AJSM provoke this question:
"High Prevalence of Pelvic and Hip Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Asymptomatic Collegiate and Professional Hockey Players"- Silvis et al.
"Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Throwing Elbow in the Uninjured, High School–Aged Baseball Pitcher"-Hurd et al.
In a previous post I spoke of this issue regarding the finding of osteophytes in athletic knees. Some researchers felt this was a pathological change, others felt is was a strategic reinforcement that the body does. The same was discovered in the elbows of healthy high school pitchers and the hips of healthy collegiate and professional hockey players. What was really interesting was the presence of asymptomatic adductor–abdominal rectus enthesopathy in hockey players. The body self organizing?
"High Prevalence of Pelvic and Hip Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Asymptomatic Collegiate and Professional Hockey Players"- Silvis et al.
"Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Throwing Elbow in the Uninjured, High School–Aged Baseball Pitcher"-Hurd et al.
In a previous post I spoke of this issue regarding the finding of osteophytes in athletic knees. Some researchers felt this was a pathological change, others felt is was a strategic reinforcement that the body does. The same was discovered in the elbows of healthy high school pitchers and the hips of healthy collegiate and professional hockey players. What was really interesting was the presence of asymptomatic adductor–abdominal rectus enthesopathy in hockey players. The body self organizing?
Thursday, April 14, 2011
PBS Frontline: Football High
This edition prominently features one of Joe's Training Room frequent contributors-BJ Maack, president of the Arkansas Athletic Trainers Association.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/football-high/
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/football-high/
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Enhancing play low with pelvic drivers.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
A great research journal that bridges the gap...
"Human Movement Science". This month's edition is a little off topic as far as A.T., but do a journal search on "knee" or "ankle". Outstanding.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/01679457
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/01679457
Monday, April 11, 2011
Ramblings on the "Isolate before Integrate" Philosophy
"Effects of muscle strengthening on vertical jump height: a simulation study." Bobbert et al, MSSE '94.
In this study, isolation training caused a 20% increase in knee extensor force, BUT caused a 9cm DECREASE in vertical jump height.
Orchard, J., Walt, S., McIntosh, A. and Garlick, D. (2002) Muscle activity during the drop punt kick. In: Science and Football IV. Eds: Sprinks, W., Reilly, T. and Murphy, A. London: Taylor and Francis. 32-43.
Australian footballers have been having a real tough go of it with hamstring strains. But its a lot more than a strength/flexibility thing. This study shows they (hamstrings) are not particularly active in the follow through of a kick, as you would think. They seem to have more of a timing sort of purpose.
I don't mean to beat this topic to death, just saying how tough it is to rock a rhyme thats right on time.
In this study, isolation training caused a 20% increase in knee extensor force, BUT caused a 9cm DECREASE in vertical jump height.
Orchard, J., Walt, S., McIntosh, A. and Garlick, D. (2002) Muscle activity during the drop punt kick. In: Science and Football IV. Eds: Sprinks, W., Reilly, T. and Murphy, A. London: Taylor and Francis. 32-43.
Australian footballers have been having a real tough go of it with hamstring strains. But its a lot more than a strength/flexibility thing. This study shows they (hamstrings) are not particularly active in the follow through of a kick, as you would think. They seem to have more of a timing sort of purpose.
I don't mean to beat this topic to death, just saying how tough it is to rock a rhyme thats right on time.
Friday, April 8, 2011
...but, compared to what?
I was just reading a research article on the use of electrical stimulation to enhance vertical jump height. There was a lot of this stuff back in the 80s. There were two control groups, one that did no training, and another that practiced jumping without the electrical stimulation. The electrical stimulation showed an advantage over both groups over a 6 week training period. But what if they compared it to a group that went though a functional leg strength progression. One that included progressive loading. Would it still show an advantage? And would that technique be practical in the context of a team setting? Don't just read the abstracts, they can be misleading.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Getting back inside the envelope
This athlete is returning to softball from a sprained right knee. I didn't like the way her single leg hop looked- too much valgus. I could get that knee back into the envelope of function by removing the exercise or doing mini jumps on two feet. What I chose was to continue single leg training, but modify the same exercise. The athlete is doing the single leg hop up a 30 degree incline, with no more knee valgus. Handicap ramps typically found around schools are perfect for this purpose.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Do your work at the edge of the envelope of function
The lower extremity exercises I'm choosing are lateral lunges, right stagger squats, and right/left posterior lunges with a bilateral upper extremity reach anterior to knee height. No need to be concerned with "proper firing patterns" here, the body is self selecting according to the task. Because the exercises I chose are within the envelope of function, there is no need to be concerned with compensatory movement patterns. Those who choose an isolated, open chain approach are a lot smarter than me. Remember in function, an individual muscle may have to work isometrically, concentrically, and eccentrically all at the same time. Not only at each particular joint, but in each individual plane at that joint. My hats off to them.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Neuromuscular exercise for Patellofemoral Stress Syndrome- Bosch Overhead Reach Drill
The boys like to watch the pelvis wiggle, but the knees don't like it very much. Upon foot contact in running/jumping, the pelvis goes too deep into the frontal plane, presenting in contralateral rotation. Ideally, the ilia should be at least level, or optimally the fee pelvis a bit higher. When the ipsilateral ilium is higher, it contributes to excessive knee abduction/internal rotation at ground contact.
This is one of the exercises I use to enhance pelvic stiffness in athletes presenting with patellofemoral stress syndrome. I do it a bit different than Frans does. BTW, Frans does not use this as a rehabilitation exercise, he uses it as a neuromuscular drill to enhance sprint mechanics. I'll have the athlete take a big step forward onto the affected leg, punch the non weight bearing ilium and hand to the ceiling, then step backwards with that same leg and return to the starting position for 3 sets of 10 reps. I begin with the athlete holding a crutch overhead, then build up to a weighted bar.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Sahrmann vs. Lederman
I listened to a recent webcast from Dr. Shirley Sahrmann in which she says a if you can't recruit a specific muscle under a controlled condition, there is little chance it will be beneficial in an integrated manner. If you read her "movement impairment syndromes" book, a lot of open chain strengthening done on-table with alot of grooving movement patterns to get that muscle working in the real world sort of speak.
Dr. Eyal Lederman, on page 10 of his "Neuromuscular Rehabilitation in Manual & Physical Therapies" he says, "There are several misconceptions about motor control which are likely to make rehabilitation unnecessarily long and complex. They all originate from the principle of "isolate in order to integrate". The muscle is NEVER the goal of the movement. Focusing on tensing, clenching, bracing, or holding specific muscles during movement turns them into the goal of the movement. Muscles work in complex synergies- they never work alone. All muscles are equally important, even muscles that are silent. Muscles which are slow or at low EMG activity are part of the whole control pattern."
Sahrmann's approach is very much, "isolate to integrate".
In her excellent text, "Diagnosis & Treatment of Movement Impairment Syndromes", for the most part she uses very isolated corrective muscle work. On page 32 she says, "the desired muscle action should be practiced under the specific conditions in which it is to be used."
Comments?
Dr. Eyal Lederman, on page 10 of his "Neuromuscular Rehabilitation in Manual & Physical Therapies" he says, "There are several misconceptions about motor control which are likely to make rehabilitation unnecessarily long and complex. They all originate from the principle of "isolate in order to integrate". The muscle is NEVER the goal of the movement. Focusing on tensing, clenching, bracing, or holding specific muscles during movement turns them into the goal of the movement. Muscles work in complex synergies- they never work alone. All muscles are equally important, even muscles that are silent. Muscles which are slow or at low EMG activity are part of the whole control pattern."
Sahrmann's approach is very much, "isolate to integrate".
In her excellent text, "Diagnosis & Treatment of Movement Impairment Syndromes", for the most part she uses very isolated corrective muscle work. On page 32 she says, "the desired muscle action should be practiced under the specific conditions in which it is to be used."
Comments?
Friday, March 25, 2011
3 weeks out, from 1 to 5
Not a single ROM exercise. I focused in where the PCA led me. Its interesting how symptoms resolve before the the SICK scapula totally corrects.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
PFSS Rehab
Hip hikes, stagger squats with double arm reaches at ankle height, and lateral mini band walks. Here I'm unloading the quads a bit to minimize patellofemoral compression. Focusing on the pelvic engine.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
On ground function carryover to upright
Monday, March 21, 2011
It has nothing to do with lactic acid
"Unraveling the neurophysiology of muscle fatigue", Enoka et al; JEK 3-11.
The authors don't have all the answers, but basically fatigue is the brain's way of protecting the body from injury.
The authors don't have all the answers, but basically fatigue is the brain's way of protecting the body from injury.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Hodge's new Pain & Motor Control Theory
He's not ready to give up his abdominal hollowing and multifidus exercises yet, but I think its a bold step for him pointing more to what we talk about it this blog. A few excerpts:
"One example is work in low back pain that has investigated temporal and spatial aspects of activation of the deep abdominal muscle, transversus abdominis, in trials of motor rehabilitation. The implication is not that this change constitutes the entirety of the adaptation, but that it is a common component that can be used as a ‘‘marker’’ of adaptation."
"each individual develops a protective strategy (from injury) that is unique based on experience, anthropometrics, posture, task, etc."
"it would seem reasonable to conclude that it is necessary find the right balance between restoration of control to some baseline and the maintenance or retention of elements of the adaptation in order to meet the demands of function."
There are VERY popular fee based sports medicine websites out there that flop from one idea to the other with no rhyme or reason looking for the latest panacea. I would like to think I've stayed pretty consistent here with my approach, and not because of stubborness...I hope.
"One example is work in low back pain that has investigated temporal and spatial aspects of activation of the deep abdominal muscle, transversus abdominis, in trials of motor rehabilitation. The implication is not that this change constitutes the entirety of the adaptation, but that it is a common component that can be used as a ‘‘marker’’ of adaptation."
"each individual develops a protective strategy (from injury) that is unique based on experience, anthropometrics, posture, task, etc."
"it would seem reasonable to conclude that it is necessary find the right balance between restoration of control to some baseline and the maintenance or retention of elements of the adaptation in order to meet the demands of function."
There are VERY popular fee based sports medicine websites out there that flop from one idea to the other with no rhyme or reason looking for the latest panacea. I would like to think I've stayed pretty consistent here with my approach, and not because of stubborness...I hope.
The body is self organizing-get used to it- part deux
If this doesn't stop all the BS I don't know what will.
http://aol.sportingnews.com/sport/story/2011-03-20/one-legged-wrestler-anthony-robles-wins-collegiate-championship
http://aol.sportingnews.com/sport/story/2011-03-20/one-legged-wrestler-anthony-robles-wins-collegiate-championship
Books/Journals vs. the Web
Thanks Vern for this-Seth Godin sums it up just perfectly:
"Books, used properly, immerse us in a single idea. Books bring a voice into our head, create a different brain chemistry, open doors to a more powerful lever, a learning that can yes, change us. Dozens (perhaps hundreds) of times in my life, a book has changed my mind. So have some powerful lectures or direct engagements with teachers or mentors. These are the moments of true change, times when we are entrained with the message, when we feel the learning happening in real time. Yes, tweet. Yes, stay in sync. Yes, absorb the lessons that come from many inputs, over time. The quiet enjoyment that books (and great teachers) bring, the uncomfortable place they bring us when we’re open enough to let them in and to be honest with ourselves… this is precious."
"Books, used properly, immerse us in a single idea. Books bring a voice into our head, create a different brain chemistry, open doors to a more powerful lever, a learning that can yes, change us. Dozens (perhaps hundreds) of times in my life, a book has changed my mind. So have some powerful lectures or direct engagements with teachers or mentors. These are the moments of true change, times when we are entrained with the message, when we feel the learning happening in real time. Yes, tweet. Yes, stay in sync. Yes, absorb the lessons that come from many inputs, over time. The quiet enjoyment that books (and great teachers) bring, the uncomfortable place they bring us when we’re open enough to let them in and to be honest with ourselves… this is precious."
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
The "N" Word
"Neuromuscular Training Improves Knee Kinematics, in Particular in Valgus Aligned Adolescent Team Handball Players of Both Sexes- Barendrecht et al, JSCR 3-11."
I am guilty of using it. No I'm not speaking of the term that you hear rappers use. I talking about the word, "neuromuscular". It has become as ambiguous as the word "core". Nordic hamstring curls are considered neuromuscular in this study. The authors achieved their goals of improving knee valgus on a drop jump test...but the control group was "usual handball training", whatever that was. Was it no strength training at all? It wasn't clear. And that's the problem with these ACL prevention protocols- they always compare to no intervention at all.
Is this the way the A.T. would do it? Would we take athletes which we had no idea of their conditioning history and have them bounding? Triple jumping? ...As part of a 10 week ACL prevention protocol? I doubt it because we know what would happen. Patellar tendinosis, patellafemoral syndrome up the wazoo. If not in 10 weeks, soon after. Since we spend years, and not weeks with our athletes (as opposed to other practitioners) we know there is no such thing as a quick fix. We think LTAD= long term athletic development= functional leg progressions. Rather than a 2X per week, it would be interwoven seamlessly into the daily warmup and conditioning modules. No P90X, no "Instanity workout"- no guru, no method, no teacher.
I am guilty of using it. No I'm not speaking of the term that you hear rappers use. I talking about the word, "neuromuscular". It has become as ambiguous as the word "core". Nordic hamstring curls are considered neuromuscular in this study. The authors achieved their goals of improving knee valgus on a drop jump test...but the control group was "usual handball training", whatever that was. Was it no strength training at all? It wasn't clear. And that's the problem with these ACL prevention protocols- they always compare to no intervention at all.
Is this the way the A.T. would do it? Would we take athletes which we had no idea of their conditioning history and have them bounding? Triple jumping? ...As part of a 10 week ACL prevention protocol? I doubt it because we know what would happen. Patellar tendinosis, patellafemoral syndrome up the wazoo. If not in 10 weeks, soon after. Since we spend years, and not weeks with our athletes (as opposed to other practitioners) we know there is no such thing as a quick fix. We think LTAD= long term athletic development= functional leg progressions. Rather than a 2X per week, it would be interwoven seamlessly into the daily warmup and conditioning modules. No P90X, no "Instanity workout"- no guru, no method, no teacher.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Wisdom from Brian Green
"10 years years from now we might find out that leaving it alone is the best treatment".
Absolutely Brian, and you have Dr. Lederman to back you up! Page 170 of "Neuromuscular Rehabilitation in Manual & Physical Therapies,( 2010)":
"The injury response is a positive healty response and not a motor dysfunction or pathology. Acute musculoskeletal injuries should be left alone- the body knows best. The patient should be encouraged to keep active".
That sounds a lot like when I speak of "training around the injury", or "training at the periphery of function", no? That does NOT mean throw out all your manual therapies, but it does mean keep it puroposeful and functional and keep the athlete actively involved whenever possible (e.g. FMR, Mulligans). That was the basis of my (now defunct) ankle rehab book. But a simple example- let's say an athlete sprained their ankle and dorsiflexion is painful. But you want to preserve function. You ask them to squat and they lean to the contralateral side because it hurts. Simply move the involved foot forward and have them stagger squat, as it requires less dorsiflexion.
Absolutely Brian, and you have Dr. Lederman to back you up! Page 170 of "Neuromuscular Rehabilitation in Manual & Physical Therapies,( 2010)":
"The injury response is a positive healty response and not a motor dysfunction or pathology. Acute musculoskeletal injuries should be left alone- the body knows best. The patient should be encouraged to keep active".
That sounds a lot like when I speak of "training around the injury", or "training at the periphery of function", no? That does NOT mean throw out all your manual therapies, but it does mean keep it puroposeful and functional and keep the athlete actively involved whenever possible (e.g. FMR, Mulligans). That was the basis of my (now defunct) ankle rehab book. But a simple example- let's say an athlete sprained their ankle and dorsiflexion is painful. But you want to preserve function. You ask them to squat and they lean to the contralateral side because it hurts. Simply move the involved foot forward and have them stagger squat, as it requires less dorsiflexion.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Joe's A.T. room gets legitimized
Thank you Paul Grace A.T.C., NATA hall of famer for your kudos!:
"I think you've got something going on that is worth reading and helping get people talking about athletic training".
"I think you've got something going on that is worth reading and helping get people talking about athletic training".
Go to resources for the functional ATC
Shame on me if I make this stuff seem more complex than it is, because its not my intention. Please call me out on it when I do, so thank you for your comment SLS. I want to keep things simple, inexpensive, and EFFECTIVE as possible for the high school ATC. After I punish myself in the time out corner for 5 minutes.
1. Pedagogical resources (Free). These guys have marketing in mind, but after you read you'll see what I mean:
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/
http://bobsutton.typepad.com/
2. Books:
about $20 bucks a piece:
A. Athletic Development: the Art & Science of Functional Sports Conditioning- Gambetta
This is the scaffolding for your rehab programs.
B. Functional Training for Athletes at all levels- Radcliffe.
Provides a great menu to plug into the scaffolding.
Now a little more expensive:
Books:
1. Physical Education for Children: Building the Foundation- Gabbard, LeBlanc, Lowy
I would have placed this book at #1, but its out of print and can only be purchased from re-sellers for top $. The authors never intended it for rehab purposes, but it is one of my favorites.
2. Functional soft tissue examination and treatment by manual methods, 3rd edition- Hammer. Expensive, about $150. But, an extremely valuable resource that should be in every A.T. room.
DVD: Ankle Sprain, Chain Reaction Rehab- FVD 2.10, Gary Gray.
It is selling for $80 on Perform Better, but you might be able to find it cheaper. You'll see Gary's functional approach in action and get an idea what it looks like.
...and think about joining us at the Gambetta Athletic Improvement Network (GAIN). Yeah its expensive, but once your in your in.
http://www.thegainnetwork.com/Merchant2/4.12/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=Gain&Category_Code=Apprentorship
**************************************************************************************
Remember, SLS and others, that functional training=purposeful training. Otherwise you are just wasting the precious little time that you have to work with your athletes. Did I articulate myself better here? Let me know.
1. Pedagogical resources (Free). These guys have marketing in mind, but after you read you'll see what I mean:
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/
http://bobsutton.typepad.com/
2. Books:
about $20 bucks a piece:
A. Athletic Development: the Art & Science of Functional Sports Conditioning- Gambetta
This is the scaffolding for your rehab programs.
B. Functional Training for Athletes at all levels- Radcliffe.
Provides a great menu to plug into the scaffolding.
Now a little more expensive:
Books:
1. Physical Education for Children: Building the Foundation- Gabbard, LeBlanc, Lowy
I would have placed this book at #1, but its out of print and can only be purchased from re-sellers for top $. The authors never intended it for rehab purposes, but it is one of my favorites.
2. Functional soft tissue examination and treatment by manual methods, 3rd edition- Hammer. Expensive, about $150. But, an extremely valuable resource that should be in every A.T. room.
DVD: Ankle Sprain, Chain Reaction Rehab- FVD 2.10, Gary Gray.
It is selling for $80 on Perform Better, but you might be able to find it cheaper. You'll see Gary's functional approach in action and get an idea what it looks like.
...and think about joining us at the Gambetta Athletic Improvement Network (GAIN). Yeah its expensive, but once your in your in.
http://www.thegainnetwork.com/Merchant2/4.12/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=Gain&Category_Code=Apprentorship
**************************************************************************************
Remember, SLS and others, that functional training=purposeful training. Otherwise you are just wasting the precious little time that you have to work with your athletes. Did I articulate myself better here? Let me know.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Great question from JM
"Joe, what are your thoughts on this recent shift focused on the respirtory/neurological system by regulating breathing? System integration makes sense rehabbing the athlete and not just an injury. Keep up your great thought provoking posts! We are all thankful."
****************************************************************************
Excellent question JM that lets me get up on my soapbox & bore with my pontification. The local hip hop stations all seem to have the "old school" at noon where they play music from the 80s. Most just change the station. So you can too but it goes like this...
Back in the day, A.T. education was unique, because we all graduated with a dual A.T./P.E./Health certification. There was no such thing as an A.T. degree. Because of that, those of us coming out of that era had a strong base in motor control/learning. That was something that separated us from other professions like the physical therapy and chiropractic. This whole "functional" movement evolved from US, not the before metioned. They just re-named what we did (e.g. plyometics became "stretch cycle shortening training"). Somewhere around the time actual A.T. degree programs were created, we lost that background in pedagogy, motor control, and movement education. We seemed to borrow from physical therapy, causing the lines between the two professions to blur, leading to unnecessary conflict between the two.
In the last 5 years, the plethora of information supporting complex systems & motor control theory have exploded! And, they are pointing to the "old school" way WE used to do it. Yet we are mindlessly led from one marketing innovation to another rather than taking the lead.
So finally, to answer your question...to us old schoolers this breathing movement is not "system integration" at all. In function, you can do the same task a thousand times, breathing differently each time, using different muscle firing patterns each time... and be doing it absolutely correct. If a breathing pattern does appear aberrant, that particular task is simply outside the athlete's envelope of function. Modify it until you get the results you desire. The catch 22 is, you would have no idea how to do that without a strong background in pedagogy, motor learning/control, and movement education. Running out and getting some personal trainer certification won't fix it.
****************************************************************************
Excellent question JM that lets me get up on my soapbox & bore with my pontification. The local hip hop stations all seem to have the "old school" at noon where they play music from the 80s. Most just change the station. So you can too but it goes like this...
Back in the day, A.T. education was unique, because we all graduated with a dual A.T./P.E./Health certification. There was no such thing as an A.T. degree. Because of that, those of us coming out of that era had a strong base in motor control/learning. That was something that separated us from other professions like the physical therapy and chiropractic. This whole "functional" movement evolved from US, not the before metioned. They just re-named what we did (e.g. plyometics became "stretch cycle shortening training"). Somewhere around the time actual A.T. degree programs were created, we lost that background in pedagogy, motor control, and movement education. We seemed to borrow from physical therapy, causing the lines between the two professions to blur, leading to unnecessary conflict between the two.
In the last 5 years, the plethora of information supporting complex systems & motor control theory have exploded! And, they are pointing to the "old school" way WE used to do it. Yet we are mindlessly led from one marketing innovation to another rather than taking the lead.
So finally, to answer your question...to us old schoolers this breathing movement is not "system integration" at all. In function, you can do the same task a thousand times, breathing differently each time, using different muscle firing patterns each time... and be doing it absolutely correct. If a breathing pattern does appear aberrant, that particular task is simply outside the athlete's envelope of function. Modify it until you get the results you desire. The catch 22 is, you would have no idea how to do that without a strong background in pedagogy, motor learning/control, and movement education. Running out and getting some personal trainer certification won't fix it.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Brilliant!!!
Does anyone know who Jason Silvernail D.P.T. is?
http://www.somasimple.com/forums/showthread.php?p=95314&posted=1#post95314
http://www.somasimple.com/forums/showpost.php?p=96406&postcount=7
http://www.somasimple.com/forums/showthread.php?p=95314&posted=1#post95314
http://www.somasimple.com/forums/showpost.php?p=96406&postcount=7
Training Stages (Gambetta, Giles)
1. Fundamentals (age 6-9) focus on physical literacy, gross motor skills
2. Learn to Train (age8-12) learn overall sport skills
3. Train to Train (age 11-16) consolidate sport skills + tactics with physical abilities
4. Train to Compete (age 15-23) sport specialization, increase training intensity
5. Train to Win (age 18+) focused, dedicated, competitive
If you really want to reduce ACL injuries, "Tommy John" surgeries et al follow these guidelines. Quick fix protocols later on only have limited success.
2. Learn to Train (age8-12) learn overall sport skills
3. Train to Train (age 11-16) consolidate sport skills + tactics with physical abilities
4. Train to Compete (age 15-23) sport specialization, increase training intensity
5. Train to Win (age 18+) focused, dedicated, competitive
If you really want to reduce ACL injuries, "Tommy John" surgeries et al follow these guidelines. Quick fix protocols later on only have limited success.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Youth + the right kind of remedial work
Monday, March 7, 2011
Exercise is GOOD for your knees!
These Australian researchers see knee osteophytes as a protective mechanism, not part of the degenerative process:
http://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/Fulltext/2011/03000/What_Is_the_Effect_of_Physical_Activity_on_the.8.aspx
http://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/Fulltext/2011/03000/What_Is_the_Effect_of_Physical_Activity_on_the.8.aspx
Friday, March 4, 2011
The human body is self organizing-get used to it.
"Individuals With Low Back Pain Breathe Differently Than Healthy Individuals During a Lifting Task"- Hagins et al JOSPT 3-11.
This teaching proper breathing stuff has taken on a life of its own. These authors demonstrate breathing patterns could be a subconscious stabilizing strategy.
This teaching proper breathing stuff has taken on a life of its own. These authors demonstrate breathing patterns could be a subconscious stabilizing strategy.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Using the PCA to save time
This athlete is a pitcher who came to me complaining of posterior shoulder pain during the early acceleration phase of his delivery. Evaluation revealed a forwardly rotated scapula, a tender coracoid process, and GIRD. I used the gauge to This scapular malposition is usually associated with weak same side lower trapezius muscles and a tight pec. minor; the GIRD a tight posterior shoulder capsule.
The tests I used were:
1. Shoulder Liftoff
2. Shoulder IR (note: NOT an official PCA test)
3. Standing shoulder ER
4. Thomas Test 1.
The whole process only took me less than 5 minutes and gave me good information. The shoulder liftoff was expected- the athlete scored a "1", which would be consistent with weak lower traps. This is problematic, indicating this athlete cannot really get "hip to shoulder". What I didn't expect was the good performance on the standing shoulder ER, meaning the pec. minor was probably not a culprit. The Thomas Test 1 revealed a slightly tight same side iliopsoas (this would grade a "3", which normally isn't bad, but in throwers your really want a "5", meaning the thigh should drop below the table) which could theoretically prevent a good low trap load via poor torso extension. The internal rotation shoulder test will provide the athlete with a visible indication of their progress. This would grade a "1", which is undesirable for a thrower. This score indicates the possibility of shoulder & elbow injuries as per Donnelly.
My next step was to confirm my suspicions further by inspecting some of the myofascial centers of coordination about the scapula. Interesting the pec minor myofascial cc was indeed negative.
http://www.amazon.com/Fascial-Manipulation-Practical-Luigi-Stecco/dp/8829919780
I'll only get to see this athlete a half of his lunch period 5 days a week. But with the help of a streamlined remedial program he should have a great season.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Good article from the NY Times on Tendinosis
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/01/health/01brody.html?_r=1&src=me&ref=health
Interesting the thing that gave the author his greatest pain relief was his change in swimming mechanics. Frans Bosch believes if you fix mechanics, the body will fix itself. Much of GAIN is spent in this realm.
Interesting the thing that gave the author his greatest pain relief was his change in swimming mechanics. Frans Bosch believes if you fix mechanics, the body will fix itself. Much of GAIN is spent in this realm.
"If they give you ruled paper, write the other way"-Juan Ramon Jiminez
The epigraph on the first page of one of my favorite books of all time, Farenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury.
How does it pertain to athletic training?
Never be afraid to question what you have learned...even if it is coming out of a prestigious university. As the health care dollar shrinks, marketing becomes more intense & protocols which have very little merit are presented as the next best thing. You can be fooled into thinking you are falling behind if you don't jump on the bandwagon. Remember that's just part of the marketing strategy. Do your research-and don't just read the abstracts and make up your own mind.
I heard others refer to this blog site as "outside the box" thinking. Its really not at all. It's about the high school A.Ts lack of time and needing to get the most bang for your buck. Getting it right the first time so the athlete isn't returning time and time again for that chronic ankle soreness or concussion. Or better yet, preventing it in the first place.
How does it pertain to athletic training?
Never be afraid to question what you have learned...even if it is coming out of a prestigious university. As the health care dollar shrinks, marketing becomes more intense & protocols which have very little merit are presented as the next best thing. You can be fooled into thinking you are falling behind if you don't jump on the bandwagon. Remember that's just part of the marketing strategy. Do your research-and don't just read the abstracts and make up your own mind.
I heard others refer to this blog site as "outside the box" thinking. Its really not at all. It's about the high school A.Ts lack of time and needing to get the most bang for your buck. Getting it right the first time so the athlete isn't returning time and time again for that chronic ankle soreness or concussion. Or better yet, preventing it in the first place.
Monday, February 28, 2011
ATSNJ Pubalgia workshop 2-27-11
The talk started off with Dr. Andrew Boyarski, a general sugeon from New Brunswick, NJ. I really enjoyed this one:
http://www.rwjuh.edu/physicians/physician_profile.aspx?physicianid=147
Dr. Boyarski is skeptical of the US trend of using mesh to do these repairs, especially in young athletes. He put it quite simply, that this technique destroys the continuity of the fascia and may promote nerve entrapments. He described what he calls the normal "scissor down" effect of the fascia on the inguinal canal, which protects the area from injury.
He says although MRIs are beneficial in the differential diagnosis, they are too uni-dimensional to be of benefit in the diagnosis of an athletic hernia. He prefers diagnostic ultrasound for this purpose. He simply asks the athlete to cough, and looks for the "scissor down" effect on the ultrasound. (Note: on the A.T. side of the evaluation, he says with a little practice this effect is palpable externally. He says adductor tenderness varies, and is not a good indicator).
He chooses to a version of the repair technique he learned from Dr. Ulrike Muschaweck, an orthopedist from Germany. The surgery is done with a local anasthetic. He asks the athlete to cough while he is staring directly at the canal to be sure the "scissor down" effect has been restored. In this technique, the floor of the canal is reinforced with sutures and the athlete is usually back to competition in 6 weeks. He was quick to emphasise the importance of the therapist on the prevention and rehabilitation side of the equation by way of a good "core" strengthening program.
Next up was orthopedist Charles Gatt
http://www.rwjuh.edu/physicians/physician_profile.aspx?physicianid=1668
Dr. Gatt spoke of evaluation & treatment of pelvis/hip injuries in general. Again the topic of diagnostic ultrasound came up. He uses a portable one to guide cortisone injections in the inflammatory phase, especially in hamstring injuries. He cites research from Bergfeld to support this (readers take a look at this and let me know what you think) :
http://ajsm.highwire.org/content/28/3/297.abstract
I asked him about FAI, as to whether he felt it was a nature or nurture thing. He agreed with most researchers, that its the latter.
Russel Steves, PT, ATC spoke on the rehabilitation of athletic hernia:
http://uhs.princeton.edu/staff/detail.php?NetID=rgsteves
Those with Dr. Boyarski's repair are up and doing light walking immediately, doing light stretching and exercise weeks 3 & 4, and are segueing back to competition the 5th & 6th! While most of he protocol was pretty traditional, it was interesting he proposed the possibility of a functional protocol as being effective also. He spoke of the need of the "muscles to be powerful in a lengthened position". Sounds like Dr. Tiberio's "transformational zone" concept, no? He also mentioned ART and Graston by name as being beneficial.
Finally Jennifer Lister A.T.C. spoke on using a Pilates based approach to pelvis/groin injury rehabilitation and prevention:
http://uhs.princeton.edu/staff/detail.php?NetID=jlister
http://www.rwjuh.edu/physicians/physician_profile.aspx?physicianid=147
Dr. Boyarski is skeptical of the US trend of using mesh to do these repairs, especially in young athletes. He put it quite simply, that this technique destroys the continuity of the fascia and may promote nerve entrapments. He described what he calls the normal "scissor down" effect of the fascia on the inguinal canal, which protects the area from injury.
He says although MRIs are beneficial in the differential diagnosis, they are too uni-dimensional to be of benefit in the diagnosis of an athletic hernia. He prefers diagnostic ultrasound for this purpose. He simply asks the athlete to cough, and looks for the "scissor down" effect on the ultrasound. (Note: on the A.T. side of the evaluation, he says with a little practice this effect is palpable externally. He says adductor tenderness varies, and is not a good indicator).
He chooses to a version of the repair technique he learned from Dr. Ulrike Muschaweck, an orthopedist from Germany. The surgery is done with a local anasthetic. He asks the athlete to cough while he is staring directly at the canal to be sure the "scissor down" effect has been restored. In this technique, the floor of the canal is reinforced with sutures and the athlete is usually back to competition in 6 weeks. He was quick to emphasise the importance of the therapist on the prevention and rehabilitation side of the equation by way of a good "core" strengthening program.
Next up was orthopedist Charles Gatt
http://www.rwjuh.edu/physicians/physician_profile.aspx?physicianid=1668
Dr. Gatt spoke of evaluation & treatment of pelvis/hip injuries in general. Again the topic of diagnostic ultrasound came up. He uses a portable one to guide cortisone injections in the inflammatory phase, especially in hamstring injuries. He cites research from Bergfeld to support this (readers take a look at this and let me know what you think) :
http://ajsm.highwire.org/content/28/3/297.abstract
I asked him about FAI, as to whether he felt it was a nature or nurture thing. He agreed with most researchers, that its the latter.
Russel Steves, PT, ATC spoke on the rehabilitation of athletic hernia:
http://uhs.princeton.edu/staff/detail.php?NetID=rgsteves
Those with Dr. Boyarski's repair are up and doing light walking immediately, doing light stretching and exercise weeks 3 & 4, and are segueing back to competition the 5th & 6th! While most of he protocol was pretty traditional, it was interesting he proposed the possibility of a functional protocol as being effective also. He spoke of the need of the "muscles to be powerful in a lengthened position". Sounds like Dr. Tiberio's "transformational zone" concept, no? He also mentioned ART and Graston by name as being beneficial.
Finally Jennifer Lister A.T.C. spoke on using a Pilates based approach to pelvis/groin injury rehabilitation and prevention:
http://uhs.princeton.edu/staff/detail.php?NetID=jlister
Friday, February 25, 2011
The Inflence of Children's Shoes on Gait and Running
This is a great article that is free and you may want to save to your hard drive:
http://www.jfootankleres.com/content/pdf/1757-1146-4-3.pdf
Take a look and let me know what you think.
http://www.jfootankleres.com/content/pdf/1757-1146-4-3.pdf
Take a look and let me know what you think.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Good Quote from Winston Churchill
"Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential."
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
The barbell...what a great tool!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Your Thoughts
A rotational plank with light force applied downward to the head by a partner. It's from the neck strengthening video I just did for the ATSNJ. Of course it's just not about coming up with dopey looking exercises, but I think this could have some value. It could be done on a field with no special equipment.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Websites
Colleagues contact me all the time and ask me what they think about this or that website. Don't have an opinion. I'm not really a website kind of guy. It's like a hunter aiming for where the rabbits already been. I read a few blogs by people who inspire me like Vern and Tracy. My blog is a reflexion of me. The TR is my lab, and I use whats in my toolbox to enhance athletic development from my end as an A.T. I never profess to have all the answers. Things arise that I don't have answers for, and I look to the journals not for answers, but to see if there are others who are seeing the same that I am, and what their approach is.
I will say this- the functional approach does not work with everyone. Those who seem to be the most resistant are those with an external locas of control and don't believe the power to heal is already inside them.
I will say this- the functional approach does not work with everyone. Those who seem to be the most resistant are those with an external locas of control and don't believe the power to heal is already inside them.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
On the Shoulders of Giants!
Spent the weekend with Dr.'s Antonio Stecco & Warren Hammer studying the myofascial system. The Steccos take a more global, integrated approach to treating the fasica system than I have been exposed to in the past. I'll be hooking up with them again next month after I spend some time on the application side of it with my athletes. The Steccos are the only fascial practitioners who do their own research, and aren't afraid to stick their neck out in the professional journals. His father Luigi and his sister Carla's many works can be found in a Medline search. Carla has the first anatomical book on the myofascial system (not illustrations) due out this fall.
Every ATC should have a copy of Dr. Hammer's text, "Functional Soft-Tissue Examination and Treatment by Manual Methods, Third Edition". Very detailed, and well illustrated. It is expensive ($155), but it's the low budget, high tech stuff that works:
http://www.jblearning.com/catalog/9780763752873/
Friday, February 11, 2011
Resisted running- Where does it fit (or does it)?
"THE LONGITUDINAL EFFECTS OF RESISTED SPRINT TRAINING USING WEIGHTED SLEDS vS. WEIGHTED VESTS"- JSCR, 12-10.
Granted it was a small study-only 20 participants, and they were lacrosse-not track athletes, and the study only lasted 7 weeks.
The results showed sprint training with a weighted vest or sled pulls did not improve performance in the short sprints. Our old track coach, the great Dave Costello claimed all resisted running, including parachute running, had limited value. He would use it sparingly- only on his regional/national caliber sprinters. He said while it looked like running, the mechanics were different and had little carry over.
Not to say it doesn't have a benefit. If you play a sport like football or Rugby where people are hanging on you or pushing you I could see it being purposeful. Would you use it to compliment shot put, discus, javelin, hammer throw?
Granted it was a small study-only 20 participants, and they were lacrosse-not track athletes, and the study only lasted 7 weeks.
The results showed sprint training with a weighted vest or sled pulls did not improve performance in the short sprints. Our old track coach, the great Dave Costello claimed all resisted running, including parachute running, had limited value. He would use it sparingly- only on his regional/national caliber sprinters. He said while it looked like running, the mechanics were different and had little carry over.
Not to say it doesn't have a benefit. If you play a sport like football or Rugby where people are hanging on you or pushing you I could see it being purposeful. Would you use it to compliment shot put, discus, javelin, hammer throw?
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Everybody wants a "System"
"Effects of Pilates Based Exercises on Pain & Disability in Individuals with Persistent Non Specific Low Back Pain: A systematic review with meta analysis" Lim et al, JOSPT 2-11.
I'm glad to see this. There are P.T. practices popping up all over that use Pilates exclusively as a panacea. Nothing against Pilates, but it's one of those, "If all you have is a hammer, everything is a nail" things. The conclusion was, " Existing evidence does not establish superiority of Pilates-based exercise to other forms of exercise to reduce pain and disability for patients with persistent nonspecific low back pain."
Don't feel bad if you don't have thousands of $ of equipment in your A.T. room. You can still get it done. Successful athletic training is A.T. directed, but athlete- not equipment- centered.
I'm glad to see this. There are P.T. practices popping up all over that use Pilates exclusively as a panacea. Nothing against Pilates, but it's one of those, "If all you have is a hammer, everything is a nail" things. The conclusion was, " Existing evidence does not establish superiority of Pilates-based exercise to other forms of exercise to reduce pain and disability for patients with persistent nonspecific low back pain."
Don't feel bad if you don't have thousands of $ of equipment in your A.T. room. You can still get it done. Successful athletic training is A.T. directed, but athlete- not equipment- centered.
Fascial Stretch Therapy Certification? Fascial Fitness Certification?
Ay carumba.
Don't get confused, stay the course on the functional path.
Doing some course work with the Steccos and Warren Hammer this weekend and I'll report back.
http://www.fasciacongress.org/other-events/Stecco%20Workshop%20Full%20Text.pdf
Don't get confused, stay the course on the functional path.
Doing some course work with the Steccos and Warren Hammer this weekend and I'll report back.
http://www.fasciacongress.org/other-events/Stecco%20Workshop%20Full%20Text.pdf
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
"Posterior Chain" Weakness? Think again.
"Muscle strength and flexibility characteristics of people displaying excessive medial knee displacement"- Bell et al ', Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation '07.
Pretty cool. The authors took subjects who's knees exhibited medial knee displacement during a squat. They then gave them heel lifts to see if it corrected. If it did, they studied their lower extremity strength and compared it to those who did not display medial knee displacement. They had GREATER hip extension and external rotation strength than those with normal squat kinematics! They went on to make recommendations for ankle strength/ROM.
So much for "training the glutes and hamstrings to fire better". Just teach them to squat and land better period- don't try to 2nd guess the body as to what muscle is firing how much and when. And it always amazes me how quickly adolescents adapt with a minimal amount of intervention. Just take the time.
Pretty cool. The authors took subjects who's knees exhibited medial knee displacement during a squat. They then gave them heel lifts to see if it corrected. If it did, they studied their lower extremity strength and compared it to those who did not display medial knee displacement. They had GREATER hip extension and external rotation strength than those with normal squat kinematics! They went on to make recommendations for ankle strength/ROM.
So much for "training the glutes and hamstrings to fire better". Just teach them to squat and land better period- don't try to 2nd guess the body as to what muscle is firing how much and when. And it always amazes me how quickly adolescents adapt with a minimal amount of intervention. Just take the time.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
The Gastocnemius is an upside down hamstring- more evidence.
Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion and Landing Biomechanics- Fong et al, JAT Jan '11.
On page 8 speaks of the importance of the gastroc in force attentuation at the knee during landing. Greater dorsiflexion was associated with smaller ground reaction forces.
On page 8 speaks of the importance of the gastroc in force attentuation at the knee during landing. Greater dorsiflexion was associated with smaller ground reaction forces.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Synesthesia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synesthesia
Numbers have specific colors! Musical notes float through space in specific patterns! No it's not a psychedelic drug experience. This is how synesthesiasts perceive the world. Watched the PBS Nova program on the brain last night which had a segment on this neurologic condition. It's not just limited to music & math, and research is already going on as to how it may be beneficial to non synesthesiasts in learning.
There has to be athletes that experience this on the playing field.
Numbers have specific colors! Musical notes float through space in specific patterns! No it's not a psychedelic drug experience. This is how synesthesiasts perceive the world. Watched the PBS Nova program on the brain last night which had a segment on this neurologic condition. It's not just limited to music & math, and research is already going on as to how it may be beneficial to non synesthesiasts in learning.
There has to be athletes that experience this on the playing field.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
We can do better.
"Countrywide Campaign to Prevent Soccer Injuries in Swiss Amateur Players"- Junge et all, AJSM '1-11.
In the U.S. we have the "Santa Monica program". In Europe you have "The "11".
In Switzerland, football (soccer) teams performing ‘‘The 11’’ had an 11.5% lower incidence of match injuries and a 25.3% lower incidence of training injuries than other teams; noncontact injuries in particular were prevented by the program. In the U.S., the Santa Monica protocol ACL prevention program dropped female collegiate soccer injury rates an overall 41%, and non contact injuries 70%. The program is free online at:
http://www.aclprevent.com/pepprogram.htm
http://www.aclprevent.com/pep_replacement.htm
While I admire the effort, and the results, both are really not programs but exercises slapped together. Why isn't a good lower extremity performance & prevention program weaved seamlessly into the athletic development model, if there is a model at all?!
If we have already identified the problem, then why wait till the high school or club years? Why not begin in elementary school?
http://joestrainingroom.blogspot.com/2009/07/from-spark-into-bonfire.html
Never forget sports medicine is a discipline that has always been driven by the field practitioners.
http://joestrainingroom.blogspot.com/2009/02/kitchen-chemistry.html
In the U.S. we have the "Santa Monica program". In Europe you have "The "11".
In Switzerland, football (soccer) teams performing ‘‘The 11’’ had an 11.5% lower incidence of match injuries and a 25.3% lower incidence of training injuries than other teams; noncontact injuries in particular were prevented by the program. In the U.S., the Santa Monica protocol ACL prevention program dropped female collegiate soccer injury rates an overall 41%, and non contact injuries 70%. The program is free online at:
http://www.aclprevent.com/pepprogram.htm
http://www.aclprevent.com/pep_replacement.htm
While I admire the effort, and the results, both are really not programs but exercises slapped together. Why isn't a good lower extremity performance & prevention program weaved seamlessly into the athletic development model, if there is a model at all?!
If we have already identified the problem, then why wait till the high school or club years? Why not begin in elementary school?
http://joestrainingroom.blogspot.com/2009/07/from-spark-into-bonfire.html
Never forget sports medicine is a discipline that has always been driven by the field practitioners.
http://joestrainingroom.blogspot.com/2009/02/kitchen-chemistry.html
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Can the human body handle this?
When I was a kid the NFL regular season was 11 games. Now 18 games, plus another 11 if you make it to the super bowl? Thanks to my buddy Lou Argondizza for bringing this to my attention:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=110128/PainkillersCurrentUse
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=110128/PainkillersCurrentUse
Working at the periphery of the envelope of function
He needs to move from a four point stance to a stand up position. The transfer from kneel to standup right now is outside his envelope- the knee perturbates in the process. So I have his R knee elevated to reduce the depth of the stand up. I keep folding the mat and have him single leg stand up until the perturbation resolves.
By the way, the single leg stand up is a great remedial tool to improve the single leg squat. By moving the knee of the trail leg ahead of the forward leg heel, it reduces the ability of the trail leg to assist in the movement.
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