Do You Have A Mobility Or Stability Problem?
When people move poorly, it usually gets labelled a mobility issue. It’s thought that the solution is massage and stretching.
But then why do these solutions not work in many cases?
Much of the time poor movement comes down to lack of stability. Either the spine or a given joint isn’t getting the neuromuscular support it needs and an aberrant movement pattern is the result.
Example:
Person has chronic bilateral hamstring tightness. He wants to improve this so he stretches his hamstrings every day. This process is uncomfortable, makes him sweat, and makes little to no change in his range of motion or how tight he feels.
Why does this happen?
He lacks core stability. The muscles that stabilize the spine to the pelvis and ribcage are not functioning properly. Spinal stability is top priority for the body and it’s not getting it from the muscles responsible for this function. So the body starts using the hamstrings to stabilize the pelvis and spine.
The hamstrings now have double duty. They have to be involved in moving the body (their true job) and now stabilize the spine (not their job). The hamstrings are lousy stabilizers for the spine but the body doesn’t have any other choice other than collapsing (not a desired option).
The solution:
Restore stability of the spine. Learn how to recruit and sequence the muscle firing in the spinal stabilizers so the hamstrings can be relieved and go back to their movement duties. When this happens, voila, the hamstrings start to relax and move without tightness.
Have you ever had a coworker go on vacation and you had to do your job plus their job? And you’re not really good at what they do. It’s like that. The relief you get when they return because you can solely focus on your strengths and roles is what the hamstrings feel when you get the core stable again.
Take away:
Your hamstrings will not chill out until you earn your spinal stability.
Always remember, motion is lotion. We encourage you to Move Well, Live Well™.
Need help with nutrition or exercise? Contact us to book your free Functional Movement Screen and Personal Training Consultation. We’d be happy to help.