Human Biomechanics: A Primer
Kinesiology is the science of human movement. Biomechanics is a subfield that studies the mechanical forces of human movement as well as how physical forces such as gravity, pressure, and friction affect our living tissues.
It is important to understand the similarities between the mechanics of an automobile and the human skeletal system. If the alignment in your vehicle is off, the tires will not only wear out faster, but they will wear out in places they were not meant to. It is the same for the human body. If our skeletal system is out of alignment, our body will wear down faster and in places it was not meant to. Most people would bring their vehicle to the auto shop for an alignment but how many people think to bring their body in for an alignment?
Many chronic pains, from the feet, knees, back, neck, shoulders, and hands can be traced back to a misaligned skeletal system. These pains are often treated with pharmaceutical drugs, surgeries, and orthotics, but these techniques are invasive and treat the symptoms rather than the root cause which can lead to further problems down the road.
Many of these problems can be cured without drugs, surgeries, or orthotics. Just as an alignment on your vehicle stops abnormal wear and tear, an alignment on your body will prevent abnormal wear and tear. However, unlike a lifeless vehicle, our bodies are alive and have the capacity to heal. Nobody puts it better than Katy Bowman, MS in her book Every Woman's Guide to Foot Pain Relief¹
Human tissues are dynamic and adapt to the forces that are placed upon
them. When these forces change, the tissues change to reflect the different
habit. This is true whether it's a good habit or a bad one!…The body works to
tear down old or underused tissue every day, and builds up tissues that are
in greatest demand. The body continuously adapts to whatever you are doing now.
We engineer vehicles for peak performance by way of high efficiency and our bodies are no different. Just as the most efficient, luxury vehicles can come out of alignment and need repair, our skeletal system can come out of alignment and need repair. This can be caused from previous injuries as well as years of poor posture. When we are out of alignment, we are no longer functioning efficiently and like a machine our body will break down. Not only does skeletal misalignment cause joint pains, but also headaches², spinal nerve interference³, organ diseases⁴, hormonal imbalances⁵, and digestive problems⁶.
Biomechanics offers a logical template for correct alignment that can be applied by the average layperson. If you feel your body may be out of alignment, which most of us are, find a physical therapist that can perform a kinetic chain assessment, also known as an overhead squat assessment, on you. This will give you an idea of your alignment as well as specific corrective exercises to correct your weakest links. A wealth of information is available in book and DVD format at the Restorative Exercise Institute⁷.
The more energy you invest in your alignment, the smoother your body will function. Our health is our one true wealth, and our health is the sum of the choices we make in each moment. Taking an extra moment in your day to make a positive change will accrue over time and become second nature. Strive for progress, not perfection, and enjoy the ride.
¹ Bowman, Katy. Every Woman's Guide to Foot Pain Relief.
² http://www.spineguys.com/health_conditions/headaches.asp
³ http://www.backtolifechiropracticky.com/which-vertebral-subluxation-could-be-causing-your-pain-muscle-problem-or-health-issue-click-on-the-problem-to-find-out/breathing-problems/
⁴ http://www.tucsonchiropractors.com/can-an-unhealthy-spine-affect-your-internal-organs/
⁵ http://www.wyomingpainrelief.com/how-a-misaligned-back-can-shift-your-hormones-out-of-whack/
⁶ http://www.drjoeesposito.com/Articles/digestive.html
⁷ http://www.RestorativeExercise.com
It is important to understand the similarities between the mechanics of an automobile and the human skeletal system. If the alignment in your vehicle is off, the tires will not only wear out faster, but they will wear out in places they were not meant to. It is the same for the human body. If our skeletal system is out of alignment, our body will wear down faster and in places it was not meant to. Most people would bring their vehicle to the auto shop for an alignment but how many people think to bring their body in for an alignment?
Many chronic pains, from the feet, knees, back, neck, shoulders, and hands can be traced back to a misaligned skeletal system. These pains are often treated with pharmaceutical drugs, surgeries, and orthotics, but these techniques are invasive and treat the symptoms rather than the root cause which can lead to further problems down the road.
Many of these problems can be cured without drugs, surgeries, or orthotics. Just as an alignment on your vehicle stops abnormal wear and tear, an alignment on your body will prevent abnormal wear and tear. However, unlike a lifeless vehicle, our bodies are alive and have the capacity to heal. Nobody puts it better than Katy Bowman, MS in her book Every Woman's Guide to Foot Pain Relief¹
Human tissues are dynamic and adapt to the forces that are placed upon
them. When these forces change, the tissues change to reflect the different
habit. This is true whether it's a good habit or a bad one!…The body works to
tear down old or underused tissue every day, and builds up tissues that are
in greatest demand. The body continuously adapts to whatever you are doing now.
We engineer vehicles for peak performance by way of high efficiency and our bodies are no different. Just as the most efficient, luxury vehicles can come out of alignment and need repair, our skeletal system can come out of alignment and need repair. This can be caused from previous injuries as well as years of poor posture. When we are out of alignment, we are no longer functioning efficiently and like a machine our body will break down. Not only does skeletal misalignment cause joint pains, but also headaches², spinal nerve interference³, organ diseases⁴, hormonal imbalances⁵, and digestive problems⁶.
Biomechanics offers a logical template for correct alignment that can be applied by the average layperson. If you feel your body may be out of alignment, which most of us are, find a physical therapist that can perform a kinetic chain assessment, also known as an overhead squat assessment, on you. This will give you an idea of your alignment as well as specific corrective exercises to correct your weakest links. A wealth of information is available in book and DVD format at the Restorative Exercise Institute⁷.
The more energy you invest in your alignment, the smoother your body will function. Our health is our one true wealth, and our health is the sum of the choices we make in each moment. Taking an extra moment in your day to make a positive change will accrue over time and become second nature. Strive for progress, not perfection, and enjoy the ride.
¹ Bowman, Katy. Every Woman's Guide to Foot Pain Relief.
² http://www.spineguys.com/health_conditions/headaches.asp
³ http://www.backtolifechiropracticky.com/which-vertebral-subluxation-could-be-causing-your-pain-muscle-problem-or-health-issue-click-on-the-problem-to-find-out/breathing-problems/
⁴ http://www.tucsonchiropractors.com/can-an-unhealthy-spine-affect-your-internal-organs/
⁵ http://www.wyomingpainrelief.com/how-a-misaligned-back-can-shift-your-hormones-out-of-whack/
⁶ http://www.drjoeesposito.com/Articles/digestive.html
⁷ http://www.RestorativeExercise.com
