This post was inspired by a discussion I had with Aaron about the StrongFirst snatch test. This test, which basically involves snatching a 24kg kettlebell 100 times within 5 minutes, is well known for it’s ability to leave even the most conditioned athletes gasping for air. Continue reading “Guest Post: Biomechanical vs. Anatomical Breathing”
We need to first clarify an important concept before we go into coaching and cueing:
If someone is performing a movement/exercise correctly, all you have to do is shut your mouth and smile.
If someone is performing a movement/exercise incorrectly, you should ask yourself two questions: Continue reading “Coaching & Cueing (Part 2 – The Categories)”
I was lucky enough to be invited to another one of Dan Park’s quality continuing education classes at Perfect Stride. This time it was for Functional Range Release (Upper Extremity) with Andreo Spina. I had been reading a lot about Spina’s work and was excited at the chance to learn about the FR/FRC techniques and principles. Continue reading “Andreo Spina’s Functional Range Release”
Be sure to check out Part I for my thoughts on Crossfit and Mistake #1. Continue reading “An Open Letter to Crossfit: The 2 Mistakes (Part II)”
The deep squat (aka full squat, aka ass to grass/ATG squat) is one of the most debated, talked about exercises/assessment we have in human movement. Some talk about the deep squat as if it’s the cure to cancer, some talk about it like it’s going to cause the apocalypse. I have found that Continue reading “The Deep Squat (Part 1 – The Good, The Bad, & The Not So Ugly)”
I am a big fan of the FMS (Functional Movement Screen) and SFMA (Selective Functional Movement Assessment). Together these screens and their associated principles make up the Functional Movement Systems.
I’ve been using this system for a couple years and have had a lot of success with it. The more efficient I become at this approach, the more my outcomes improve.
I still have much to learn and am by no means an expert, but I thought I’d share the 4 biggest mistakes I see people make with the Functional Movement Systems. Continue reading “4 Mistakes People Make with the Functional Movement Systems (FMS/SFMA)”
At this point we all know the importance of a stable and strong scapula for shoulder function. Almost every PT, athletic trainer, and personal trainer trains the shoulder with a “down and back” cue. This cue allows for a better stable position of the scapula and enables the rotator cuff to work more effectively. Kolar has summed this concept up in a single sentence: Continue reading “The New Overhead Shoulder Concept (Part I)”
Separating foot types into supinators or pronators may provide adequate assessment for treatment. However, for a more specific treatment plan it would be advantageous to understand the possible abnormalities and pathomechanics of the forefoot and rearfoot (calcaneus). More importantly, knowledge of these abnomalities/pathomechanics will also prevent deleterious treatment.
For example, providing medial calcaneal mobilizations/releases for the overpronator would be great if the patient has a compensated calcaneal varus. But if the patient has a compensated forefoot varus the medial mobilization/release would likely worsen their injury. It may sound complicated, but once you understand these 3 foot abnormalities and pathomechanics it will make sense. Continue reading “Pathomechanics of the Foot”
Pressure is an important aspect of physical force systems. It can have a profound affect on the body from both external and internal forces. The results of pressure depends on many different variables, indluding: the body position, type of external force orientation, and medium through which the force is applied. Manipulating these variables can help a clinician to use pressure as a therapeutic stress as opposed to a noxious stimuli. Continue reading “Basic Biomechanics: Pressure”
Gravity is a very important force to consider when dealing with biomechanics. It is constantly affecting the body in both static and dynamic movement. It can be looked at as the gravitational downward pull on an object. Whereas the center of mass is the mean position of matter in a body or system. Gravity, like all forces, has a point of application, a magnitude, and a direction. Continue reading “Basic Biomechanics: Gravity”
The first step of understanding and calculating torque is identifying the moment arm. The moment arm (lever arm) of a force system is the perpendicular distance from an axis to the line of action of a force. In other words, moment arm determines the quality of the torque. Continue reading “Basic Biomechanics: Moment Arm & Torque”
A lever is a rigid object that is used with an axis to either multiply the mechanical force (effort) or resistance force (load) applied to it. The efficiency of the lever is called mechanical advantage (MA). The greater the mechanical advantage, Continue reading “Basic Biomechanics: Levers”
Sir Isaac Newton formulated 3 physical “laws” that became the basis for classical mechanics. Through these laws he describe the relationship of forces, objects, and motion. For three centuries this has been the foundation for understanding motion and physical force systems. Continue reading “Basic Biomechanics: Newton’s Laws of Motion”
The most important aspect of biomechanics to consider is force.
Over the years there has been an abundance of different theories and concepts as to how to best treat orthopedic patients and athletes. With so many different approaches to assessment and treatment it is easy to get overwhelmed. Even evidence-based practice has contradicted itself over the years when new research arises proving the old research obsolite. However, there is one concept that never changes and is always the foundation for treating orthopedic patients. Continue reading “Basic Biomechanics”
