When muscles are in balance the human body moves efficiently, requiring less energy and preventing unnecessary stress on the muscles, nerves, ligaments and joints.
For every muscle and its action there is another muscle providing the opposite action. For example, the biceps muscle on the front of the upper arm flexes the elbow. The triceps on the back of the arm extends the elbow.
Muscles can become weak, tight or overactive due to various stresses at work, sport or from injury. Once this imbalance occurs then extra demands are placed on the surrounding muscles, ligaments, nerves and joints. This in turn can cause overloading in other areas of the body, causing stress and eventually pain and injury far from the original site.
An example of this is weakness in some of the muscles around the hips which in turn causes stress on tissues at the knees and ankles. This can lead to knee pain, ankle pain, shin pain, foot pain and achilles tendon injuries, due to the overloading of these tissues. This is prevalent in runners where the tissue isconstantly overloaded and the repetitive nature of running eventually causes breakdown of the tissue.
Muscle Balance Assessment.
Our Physiotherapists complete a comprehensive analysis of your musculoskeletal system and then provide a written report outlining clearly which muscles are weak and which muscles are tight. Recommendations regarding follow-up strengthening and stretching regimes are outlined.
To correct any imbalances you will be given a regime of strengthening exercises, utilising our MedX exercise machines which will target specific weak muscles and a programme of exercises and stretches that can be performed at home.
Patients have found this regime extremely beneficial as their individual needs are addressed so they can return to their chosen activities with confidence and a well-balanced body.
To book your Muscle Balance Assessment call Functional Physio on 623 0787
