Proprioception and Balance
Proprioception describes the body's process of contracting muscles to control posture, joint positions and balance.
Proprioception exercises specifically improves muscles coordination and trains the body to be more efficient.
The exercises emphasize muscles working together to produce the most amount of muscle coordination and with the least amount effort. People loose normal proprioception and muscle coordination through a sedentary life style, injury or compensating for other injuries.
For example, think of proprioception and muscle coordination like a row boat. If every person paddling worked together the boat will be able to turn quicker and have more control than a boat without organization that paddles out of synch.
Many injuries can be caused by muscle imbalances and poor coordination. An "uncoordinated muscle" causes other muscles to work harder and produce more strain in other areas of the body. For example, Iliotibial Band injuries can be caused by weaknesses in the hip or feet creating excessive stress on the knee. Over time, the stress overwhelms the Iliotibial band, creating an injury.
Specific proprioceptive exercises will coordinate muscles and prevent further injuries. This involves identifying the weak muscles and increasing their strength, endurance and coordination step-by-step. The process also involves relaxing and stretching overworked compensating muscles.
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 Dr. Carson Robertson is in private practice at
Alpha Chiropractic. His clinic services the
chiropractic, massage therapy, and physiotherapy
needs of the Chandler, Ahwatukee, and Gilbert area.
He has a special interest in athletics, running, and
soft tissue injuries. Carson Robertson DC can be
reached at (480) 812-1800. |
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