8/7/07

Answer to Words

In answer to the following query: “That stated, when do you "isolate" a joint or in other words the ankle complex might need to get "special exercises" to ensure it's working properly or the adductor/hammy complex needs manual therapy to break up adhesions….just curious to what you do in actual practice….” I try to avoid isolation at all costs, in my world there is no place for isolation or reductionism. If the ankle joint needs special exercises we will work hard to devise movements that cause the ankle joint to dominate the movement, so we don’t have to take another step to integrate it back into the system. If manual therapy is needed or based on a qualified medical opinion then I will not do anything. I will find the best qualified physical therapist that knows ART and ASTYM and have them work on it. I AM A COACH, not a therapist. I work with great therapists as part of a performance team. Also in another comment in you post you seem to imply that that movement is initiated by the core, movement occurs around and through the core, it is not initiated by core. Gait is the cornerstone of function. In short what I do in practice is coach – no hidden agenda. I learned the hard to not to try to be something I am not. In those immortal words from Steve Myrland " Don't try to pick the fly shit out of the pepper."

3 Comments:

At 8/7/07, 5:06 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Seems like this is becoming a common error in the learning of "fitness". Hurry - up coaches fuel this problem by teaching numerous forms, choreographed sets of exercises and "trainers" are rated by how many techniques they know.

"Everyones is racing to learn more and more, but nothing is done deeply"

"Things look pretty but they are superficial, without a sound body mechanic or principle foundation"

 
At 8/7/07, 11:08 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Vern-

With all due respect..."movement occurs around and through the core".

In our system of integrated biomechanical, neuromotor function with infinite motion possibilities, I have no idea what "the core" is.

Jeff
Buffalo

 
At 8/8/07, 1:53 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for the reply, Vern. I actually agree 100% in trying to find movements that emphasize a segment while simultaneously integrating into the rest of the kinetic chain; however, at times I can see some validity is “isolation” if it’s within the framework of a bigger picture. Another great saying/method comes from Ida Rolf, “put it where you want and ask for movement!” and this works wonders for the ankle complex. Regarding the “core” it’s a transfer case and/or conduit depending on the required task, but it can also greatly impact the hammy’s, adductor, et al because an anterior/posterior tilt can greatly alter the length-tension and recruitment patterns…my original point being that testing and “isolation” of these muscles makes little sense if the ankle complex and “core” aren’t functioning at an optimum level…

P.S. It might be pedantic, but I view you as a teacher and this transcends coach, therapist, or any other job description. Thanks again for your input.

Todd Langer
www.balance2posture.com

 

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