Strengthening is a key component to focus on when trying to improve an athlete’s performance. However, before any kind of heavy lifting occurs, the athlete must understand the basic movements needed to perform their sport. This is known as biomechanics.Mechanics of the sport: Flexibility Technique/Core Work Appropriate Strengthening Program Adequate Rest GAINS Mechanics refers to the working…
Do you feel aches and stiffness when you wake up in the mornings, as if your entire body is being weighed down? It is normal to feel this way every now and then – perhaps you had a tough workout at the gym the day before, or perhaps you spent a large amount of the…
We will experience some episode of pain at one point or another during our life. It’s common for a quick scan of the internet or visit to a doctor to reveal a vague diagnosis of tendonitis or bursitis as the primary cause of that pain. While these works may or may not reflect the correct…
All of us have most likely experienced shoulder pain at some point in our lives. Shoulder issues, like pain and weaknesses are some of the most common reasons people seek help from a physical therapist. The design of our shoulder, is a ball and socket joint, giving it a wide degree of movement. That’s why…
Having pain or stiffness in our knee can cause quite a few problems: Difficulty walking Pain going up or down the stairs Pain squatting Difficulty standing up from a chair Inability to kneel Most likely those with knee problems will also have trouble lifting, pushing or pulling objects. Stiffness in the knee can cause pain…
Here’s a riddle for you: What holds your body upright, is made up of a series of irregularly shaped bones, appears to be in a straight line but is also curved when you look at it from the side?The answer: YOUR SPINE!When the curves in your spine appear more exaggerated, it’s likely you’re looking at a…
Our bones change in their density all the time. Calcium is constantly being laid down and taken up by our bone cells on a daily basis. Bone growth is dependent on the amount of force and stress placed on the bones. This is why astronauts who are weightless lose a substantial amount of their bone…
Hip problems can make our daily activities such as walking, difficult and painful. The most common causes of hip pain are due to wear and tear, and overuse. This means that most hip problems are the result of repetitive movements we do on a daily basis. Because this joint is necessary for weight bearing activities…
Raise your hand if you’ve ever fallen asleep in an awkward position and had the unexpected pleasure of waking up to a “crick in your neck”. For years, I’ve used the phrase “crick in my neck,” and yet I never really knew what it referred to other than general neck discomfort. When most people complain…
Your rotator cuff is responsible for the rotation and movement of your entire shoulder joint and all of your arm. WHAT DOES A ROTATOR CUFF PROBLEM FEEL LIKE?If you have ever had pain, soreness, stiffness, pinching, cracking or popping in your shoulder or in your upper arm, you most likely have had a rotator cuff…
