By Dr Pol Miranda, DC
A regular exercise program is an important part of staying healthy. But HOW you move during exercise can be even more important than the exercise itself. Many musculoskeletal problems from low back and hip pain to shoulder and neck pain are often a result of faulty body mechanics during exercise. For example, ankle and foot pain may be caused by an externally rotated hip while jogging. Unless the externally rotated hip is addressed (or you stop jogging), the ankle and foot pain will not resolve.
Kinesiology, the study of movement of the human body, applies biomechanics, anatomy and physiology, psychology and neuroscience to better understand how and why we move the way we do. This knowledge can then be applied to correct abnormal movement, movement that often leads to chronic and at times debilitating musculoskeletal pain.
The above-mentioned hip condition causing ankle and foot pain can also cause a cascade of other musculoskeletal problems. The external rotation of the hip not only affects the foot and ankle but then places excess pressure on the medial knee and creates torsion of the lumbar spine as well. Addressing the hip rotation by strengthening gluteal muscles and stretching the low back and hip flexors creates balance and proper movement of the hips while jogging.
The same principle can be applied to posture. Paraspinal muscles that extend along each side of the spine are postural muscles which hold us erect. If we excessively slouch forward, those muscles eventually adapt to the posture and result in a forward head carriage, rounded shoulders and mid-back. In effect, those muscles will become tight and weaken over time causing chronic pain.
Understanding how the body moves and adopting proper biomechanics during exercise as well as in everyday life can reduce musculoskeletal pain and improve overall well-being.
Dr. Pol Miranda, DC graduated from Los Angeles Chiropractic College in 2011. He has been practicing bodywork for over 20 years. Please visit somerspointchiro.com or call the office at 609-653-8300 to book an appointment today.
