Core Stability, Flexibility and Balance
In recent years, "core stability" has become a hot topic. For a much longer time, people have recommended stretching tight muscles. And somewhere in between, a few have preached improving balance. What should one do to improve athleticism and fitness and reduce injury risk?
"Core" refers to muscles in the abdomen, in the pelvis, and around the spine. These muscles are critical to successful exercise. They bridge the hips and legs to the upper body. The body is a chain of moving parts. If there is a weak link in the chain, the body will break down. When the body breaks down, sports performance declines and injury can occur.
The physicians and therapists at the Orthopaedic Sports Performance Institute (OSPI) see patients with injuries caused by weak core musculature everyday. Leg muscle strains, stress fractures, shoulder pain and back injuries are commonly due to weak cores. Why is this problem so common? Most sports training programs do not teach individuals how to use core muscles. Many programs claim to include core training, but most of these do not succeed in building strong cores.
What about flexibility? How important is stretching? For sports performance, joints need to move smoothly. Part of smooth movement is flexibility. Muscles need a certain degree of flexibility. If they are too tight, joints do not move in sync. If joints are not in sync, then performance will decline. Injury will eventually occur.
Balance is another key ingredient to successful sports performance and injury reduction. Athletes move too quickly to think about each stride they take. They need the body to keep balanced. Poor balance on one foot places the body in a position risking injury. Most ankle sprains are due to inadequate balance. Shoulder pain in throwers can arise from poor balance control. Many other examples exist.
The Sports Medicine Physicians and Therapy Clinicians at the OSPI have combined knowledge, experience and skill to research and develop our own Core, Flexibility and Balance Program. It is designed to optimize your control of your body's movement. The ultimate goals are to improve your sports performance and reduce your injury risk.
To sign-up or get more information about the Program, please contact CORE FLEXIBILITY AND BALANCE by email or call 630-794-8668.
Copyright © 2010, Hinsdale Orthopaedics, All rights reserved. Disclosure Statement