Thursday, July 21, 2011

What Causes Recurrent Injuries?

Everyone knows someone who suffers from recurrent musculoskeletal injuries; a healthy individual that just can't seem to shake the shin splints, sore and achy knee, or stiff back.  These injuries are a common occurrence at home, work, and on the playing field and many wonder why some people just can't seem to avoid them. 

Persistent musculoskeletal injuries are generally caused by biomechanical weaknesses.  Hours of sitting at work, in class, or standing on a hard floor translate to a body that is losing its full range of motion.  Other joints are forced to compensate for this loss, resulting in biomechanical weaknesses turned recurrent injuries.  For example:  stiffness in the mid-back, hips, and ankles often lead to shin splints, knee injuries, and low back pain.

Restoring motion is vital to avoiding persistent injuries; equally important is stabilization of the weak muscles that accompany loss of motion.  It is the balance of stability and mobility that makes our movements efficient and lessens the possibility of injury.  Stretch, go for walks often, and don't sit for more than two hours straight.  Consult a biomechanical specialist prior to starting any rigorous exercise program to screen for and resolve potential injury causing weaknesses. 

 (as seen in West Des Moines Living)http://www.wdmchiro.com/Doctor-s-Blog.html?entry=what-causes-recurrent-injuries