AARON SWANSON
  • what i do
  • learn
  • contact
Browse: Home / Biomechanics

Guest Post: Biomechanical vs. Anatomical Breathing

By dr on February 11, 2016

Guest Post: Biomechanical vs. Anatomical Breathing

By Cameron Yuen

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”

Posted in Patients, Professionals | Tagged Biomechanics, Breathing | 1 Response

Coaching & Cueing (Part 2 – The Categories)

By dr on June 15, 2015

We need to first clarify an important concept before we go into coaching and cueing:

  • NOT ALL MOVEMENT REQUIRES COACHING

To Coach or Not to Coach

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)”

Posted in Professionals | Tagged assessment, Biomechanics, Hip | Leave a response

Andreo Spina’s Functional Range Release

By dr on February 1, 2015

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”

Posted in Professionals | Tagged assessment, Biomechanics, Prevention / Recovery, Review | 6 Responses

An Open Letter to Crossfit: The 2 Mistakes (Part II)

By dr on November 1, 2014

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)”

Posted in Patients, Professionals | Tagged assessment, Biomechanics, Prevention / Recovery, Shoulder | Leave a response

An Open Letter to Crossfit: The 2 Mistakes (Part I)

By dr on November 1, 2014

As many physical therapists have probably noticed, there is an increase in the amount of Crossfit athletes showing up in our clinics.  This isn’t because it injures everyone.  It’s because it’s becoming very popular and people love it.

We see the same thing happen during ski season and marathon season.  It’s not necessarily the activity, it’s the increase in participation.

However, that’s not to say that it’s only an increase in participation that leads to a higher incidence of injuries.  There are many other variables involved.  Some of which can be improved upon to decrease the risk of injury.

I’ve noticed a few trends in my experience with Crossfit athletes.  The crossfitters that tend to get hurt are the ones that seem to make the same 2 Mistakes: Continue reading “An Open Letter to Crossfit: The 2 Mistakes (Part I)”

Posted in Patients, Professionals | Tagged assessment, Biomechanics, Lumbar, Prevention / Recovery | 3 Responses

The Deep Squat (Part 1 – The Good, The Bad, & The Not So Ugly)

By dr on June 1, 2014

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)”

Posted in Professionals | Tagged assessment, Biomechanics, Knee, Review | 12 Responses

4 Mistakes People Make with the Functional Movement Systems (FMS/SFMA)

By dr on May 1, 2014

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)”

Posted in Professionals | Tagged assessment, Biomechanics | 3 Responses

The New Overhead Shoulder Concept (Part I)

By dr on October 1, 2013

Traditional Down & Back

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)”

Posted in Professionals | Tagged Biomechanics, Prevention / Recovery, Shoulder | 2 Responses

Pathomechanics of the Foot

By dr on April 2, 2013

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”

Posted in Professionals | Tagged assessment, Biomechanics, Foot/Ankle | 2 Responses

Breathing – Part I – Anatomy & Mechanics

By dr on February 1, 2013

The average person takes about 21,000 breaths a day.  This makes it one of the 3 biggest aspects of our patients life that we can have a profound effect on (other 2: posture & walking).

This post will discuss the holistic effects of breathing, anatomy, and the important cascade of events for proper breathing and inner core stabilization. Continue reading “Breathing – Part I – Anatomy & Mechanics”

Posted in Professionals | Tagged Biomechanics, Core, Hip, Lumbar, Pelvis / Sacroiliac, Prevention / Recovery, Shoulder | Leave a response

Basic Biomechanics: Pressure

By dr on July 6, 2011

Pressure

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”

Posted in Professionals | Tagged Biomechanics | 2 Responses

Basic Biomechanics: Gravity

By dr on July 6, 2011

Gravity

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”

Posted in Professionals | Tagged Biomechanics | Leave a response

Basic Biomechanics: Moment Arm & Torque

By dr on July 3, 2011






Moment Arm

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”

Posted in Professionals | Tagged Biomechanics | 5 Responses

Basic Biomechanics: Levers

By dr on June 30, 2011

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”

Posted in Professionals | Tagged Biomechanics | 6 Responses

Basic Biomechanics: Newton’s Laws of Motion

By dr on June 29, 2011

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”

Posted in Professionals | Tagged Biomechanics | 4 Responses

Basic Biomechanics: Force

By dr on June 28, 2011



The most important aspect of biomechanics to consider is force.

Continue reading “Basic Biomechanics: Force”

Posted in Professionals | Tagged Biomechanics | 1 Response

Basic Biomechanics

By dr on June 27, 2011

Basic Biomechanics

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”

Posted in Professionals | Tagged Biomechanics | 2 Responses

Articles for:

  • Professionals
  • Patients

Get help with

  • other good stuff
  • diet
  • social & communication
  • training
  • psychology
  • general healthcare
  • Clinical
  • Breathing
  • Nervous System
  • Links
  • stretching
  • Cervical / Neck
  • Footwear
  • Knee
  • Core
  • Foot/Ankle
  • Shoulder
  • Pelvis / Sacroiliac
  • Review
  • Hip
  • Lumbar
  • Biomechanics
  • Prevention / Recovery
  • assessment
  • The Hits

Search

What I do

Aaron works with individuals to help them rehab from injuries and achieve their physical goals.

Get in touch

Email Aaron

Phone: 865-414-0572

twitter twitter instagram

History

Aaron's life-long passion for athletics lead him to study Exercise Science and Athletic Training at the University of Tennessee before obtaining his Doctorate of Physical Therapy at NYU.