BALANCE

Every person that walks into my office has a different need. Some are seeking pain relief. Others are trying to gain a competitive edge. We may be " rehabing " an injury or reducing the physical side affects of stress.

Whatever the reason. However different each situation is, BALANCE is the most important theme.

If we just think in terms of muscles, it is the BALANCE of the muscles at and around a joint that enable movement. This movement needs to be free and unrestricted - pain free. Take the Knee for example. Basically, the Quads extend the lower leg (kick out) and the Hamstrings flex it back (bend back). The Quads are made up of four muscles and EACH of these affect how that lower leg is extended (as each of the three Hamstrings affect how the lower leg is brought back). So if for some reason one of these quads is "tight" or weak, the lower leg will not be extended evenly. This "Im" -Balance may eventually affect the Knee joint, possibly creating pain.

My Mother was always telling me to stand up straight when I was a teenager. At a time when I was particularly self-conscious, I just thought It was another one of those things a Mother tells you to do. I doubt that she was thinking about how my posture would affect the movement of shoulders or the tension in my neck. But, this BALANCE between the muscles of my chest and the muscles of my upper back is HUGE. I think Mom just wanted me to look confident. But if I could I would thank her for helping me be BALANCED and ready to move.