Muscle Imbalances


Muscle Imbalances
By: Hamad Ahmadpour – QubeCore Kinesiologist

Improving aesthetic appearance, losing weight or enhancing athletic performance are three very popular reasons why many people exercise. While we all want the benefits from working out, few people will walk into a gym or health club and tell the staff they have something that needs to be fixed. And yet many of us are walking around with muscle imbalances that are potential causes of injury; that is, unless these imbalances are addressed with a proper exercise program.

What is a muscle imbalance?
Every joint in the body is surrounded by muscles that produce and control movement. If muscles on one side of a joint become too tight from overuse, it could cause the muscles on the other side to become too weak from lack of use. This is called a muscle imbalance. Muscle imbalances can be a potential cause of injury because they can affect the position of the joint at rest and change its path of motion during movement, both of which are potential causes of injury.

Examples of daily routine that can muscle imbalances:
• Repetitive motions. Doing the same movements in a work setting or performing the exact same exercises in every workout are two examples of repetitive motions that can be a potential cause of imbalances.
• Remaining in a sedentary, seated position for an extended period of time can create muscle imbalances in the hips.
• How you position yourself while you drive can have a lasting effect on your body. Keeping one leg bent back or slouching while driving could cause the resting length of your muscles to change.
• Performing exercises in only a single plane of motion.
• Maintaining a poor posture. Specifically the shoulders and upper back.
• Wearing shoes with an elevated heel. When your heels are in an elevated position, it can change the position of your knees. This, in turn, changes the position of your thigh bones, which, subsequently, changes the position of your spine and shoulders.

If you’re already injured or in pain, it is important to see the appropriate medical professional for a proper diagnosis and course of treatment. However, if you notice that the same parts of your body are always a little too sore after a workout or a day full of physical activity, you might have muscle imbalances. The good news is that the right exercise program can help improve your muscle strength and enhance joint range of motion, both of which are essential for eliminating muscle imbalances.

QubeCore Sports & Rehab offers Kinesiology in North Vancouver for a wide range of injuries and conditions.
To book your Kinesiology treatment, please call the clinic or book online with one of our kinesiologists.

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