SHARES
The human body is like a machine. Take a car for example, the wheels are aligned and fit a certain way on the chassis. All the parts fit and work together in harmony if well maintained to allow the car to run smoothly and efficiently. Read this article by Physionique to know more about this topic.
All the body parts should align optimally in relation to each other. From the skull bones, each vertebra, ribs, long bones of the arms and legs down to the small bones of the hands and feet. Every bone and muscle has an ideal alignment at rest and trajectory during movement.
Joints should move in their proper axes.
Muscles should work at an optimal length with the right amount of tension to maintain the joints in their axes.
Timing and coordination during running is achieved by muscles rhythmically contracting and releasing in the right pattern to allow a smooth, fluid movement. Energy is stored and then released with the help of stretch reflexes and momentum is used which improves efficiency.
Running is essentially moving the body’s Centre of Mass come forward while doing a bunch of single leg squats. Single leg balance and core stability is crucial for runners.
What about Injury Prevention for runners?
- Set realistic goals and training parameters
- Listen to your body – don’t over-medicate
- Good Running technique – may need modification
- Shoes – select minimalist shoes that feel very comfortable as soon as you try them on. This will help develop better foot muscle control and adaptation to the ground.
- Vary the running surface – to allow your body to vary its movements and reduce shock. Phase in new running surfaces gradually
- Strengthen your weak link (get old injuries treated)
- Keep your muscles supple. stretch short, tight muscles
This article was contributed by Physionique. Physionique is a physiotherapy clinic in Singapore that offers an array of services from physiotherapy to podiatry and sports massage and rehabilitation programmes. You can find and book an appointment with any of Physionique’s therapists with GetDoc.
by Hridya
A biochemist by education who could never put what she studied to good use, finally found GetDoc as a medium to do what she loved - bring information to people using a forum that is dedicated to all things medical. View all articles by Hridya.
