Muscles have a resting state of activity. This is the level of activity that they return to when they are not functioning at their full optimal level. If they relaxed completely we would be nothing other than a shapeless bag of bones! In response to pain or excessive biomechanical loading patterns sometimes muscles can exist […]
Shoulder Pain – Poor Scapula Control
In 2013, the second international consensus conference on the scapula was held in Kentucky to discuss and accumulate knowledge of scapular involvement in various shoulder injuries ( Kibler et al, 2013). The major conclusions were 1) scapular dyskinesis is present in a high percentage of shoulder injuries 2) shoulder impingement symptoms are particularly affected by […]
Should I ice an injury?
Ever notice how some “experts” are keen to make BIG statements in order to get their opinions heard? And even better, if this advice can go against the “norm” the excitement is even greater and the number of people talking about it escalates! Icing for injuries is the perfect example. Over the last decade or […]
The Achilles Tendon
The Achilles tendon is band of fibrous collagenous connective tissue which attaches the large calf muscles to the heel. It is situated at the back of the ankle. Contraction of your calf muscles pulls on the Achilles tendon which in turn lifts your heel. This enables us to push up onto our toes, push off […]
Treadmill Running and Outdoor Running
Optimise your training by knowing the relative merits of treadmill running and outdoor running! There are conflicting opinions as to whether running on a treadmill is similar to running outside, in terms of biomechanics. Outside, your legs have to propel themselves forward as opposed to having to pick up your feet on a treadmill, as […]
How Do I Stop Cramping When Running?
Why do I get cramps when running? It is not unusual for runners to cramp whilst running. These cramps may occur in the side, the stomach or in the muscles of the leg. While there are many factors that can lead to the onset of cramping, the consensus is that shallow breathing, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance […]