Tendinopathies

There is new research that points to using eccentric exercise as a rehabilitative treatment for a variety of overuse conditions relating to tendons (think tennis elbow and Achille's tendinitis).  Eccentric exercise would generally be considered the "negative" or "lowering" portion of an exercise.  It is very important to remove as much weight or tension during the concentric phase of exercise and add the tension back during the eccentric portion.  If you do this incorrectly the problem will likely increase.  It really takes some one-on-one instruction to be bio-mechanically efficient and correct.  If you have a tendinopathy, ask a professional about eccentric exercise and get back in action, faster.

Christian

Posterior Shoulder Tightness

An interesting fact to note is that up to 67% of the population suffers from a shoulder disorder in their lifetime.  There are a number of disorders included in this statistic.  However, many have a common start. Posterior shoulder tightness. This posterior tightness will alter the movement pattern of the head of the humerus against the scapula.  This can lead to early degeneration and faulty movement patterns in sports. Those that fall within the 67% are often athletes that compete in overhead activities or have repetitive motion patterns of the shoulder.  Swimmers, pitchers, volleyball players and tennis players are just a few that commonly have shoulder issues.  These athletes often to not correctly stretch the posterior aspect of shoulder.  Most athletes do not stabilize the scapula while stretching the shoulder.  In essence, they end up stretching the rhomboids and not the deltoids, rotator cuff muscles and joint capsule!  So remember, when trying to stretch the posterior shoulder, STABILIZE THE SCAPULA!

Christian

"Addressing Posterior Shoulder Tightness in the Athletic Population"  SCJ vol 31 No. 6  December 2009