Topic: Body Symmetry
Date: November 3rd, 2014
Source:
Cronin, Keith J. "Physical Therapy for the Injured Athlete: Why Body Symmetry Is So Important." MomsTeam. Moms Team, n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2014. http://www.momsteam.com/team-experts/physical-therapy-injured-athlete-body-symmetry
Analysis:
Body symmetry is very important for the proper function of the human body. There are many common body imbalances that can act as major precursors to an injury. The article “Physical Therapy for the Injured Athlete: Why Body Symmetry Is So Important” written by Keith Cronin explains how minor common injuries create major problems if not treated in the early stages. After reading the article, I learned how improper shoulder rotation and hip alignment are the most common minor injuries and how they progress into massive problems.
Irregular shoulder rotation is very common for athletes that constantly perform the typical throwing-overhead motion. According to Cronin’s article, these “motions are very common for pitchers” and volleyball players. The overhead motion causes the posterior (back) muscles to tighten and the anterior (front) muscles loosen. This unbalanced scenario is what can lead to injuries. Since the anterior muscles are more loose than the posterior muscle the imbalance always allows the possibility of over stretching or re injury. The rotator cuff and labrum typically have the biggest effect from overstretching in the rotational movements of the shoulder. This is why trainers always tell athletes to stretch both the front and the back of their shoulder before and after competition. Equal stretching prevents tendons and muscles from becoming too tight in athletic competition.
Hip alignment is arguably the most important thing to have to maintain in a healthy human body. When hips are not aligned properly, it leads to pain and injuries in the “lower back, hip, knee, and ankle.” The hips effect everything in the human body. They affect the alignment of your spine which affects all the other joints in the body. Even a minor shift of the hips, (forward, backward or shifted to the side) can potentially cause a series of orthopedic problems.
After reading this article, I now better understand how physical therapists work to help their clients. Pre-therapy prevention exercises are as important as treating injuries that have already occurred. I have concluded that physical therapy is the perfect job for me because I really enjoy learning about the inner workings of the human body and meeting new people . I am very excited to go through physical therapy school and start this rewarding journey to help people.
