How does Physiotherapy East Sheen address muscle imbalances
Physiotherapy East Sheen address muscle imbalances
A healthy balance of muscle groups can lead to better health, improved sports performance and if injured, more effective pain relief. At Physiotherapy East Sheen we have experienced physiotherapists who are trained to recognise and correct imbalances. They will assess your posture, range of movement, flexibility and gait to identify any areas of weakness or over-compensation. They may use x-rays and MRI to verify their findings and check that no underlying injury is playing a role.
Muscles provide dexterity, strength and stability for your body. They are designed to work together but sometimes muscles develop tighter and weaker than others. Over time, these imbalances can become a significant problem. If your body readjusts itself to accommodate the imbalance, it places stress on other muscle groups that can lead to overworking and overstraining those muscles and in turn creating more imbalances. Over time, these patterns can cause pain and dysfunction in the entire musculoskeletal system.
Most people don’t think about their posture until it causes them problems. Poor posture can put a strain on different muscle groups over extended periods of time. This puts more pressure on one set of muscles causing them to overdevelop while a weaker opposing muscle group becomes underdeveloped. This can lead to overuse and injuries.
Inactive lifestyles can also lead to muscle imbalances, particularly if a certain exercise or activity is focused on too much of the time. This can be the case for some athletes who only focus on a single sport or even for those who partake in a single type of gym workouts. It is the reason why younger athletes are encouraged to train in multiple sports and to test and strengthen different muscle groups, rather than specialise at a young age.
How does Physiotherapy East Sheen address muscle imbalances
Muscle imbalances are a common issue that can lead to discomfort, pain, and decreased function in individuals. At Physiotherapy East Sheen, addressing muscle imbalances is a fundamental aspect of the comprehensive approach to physiotherapy care. The clinic employs evidence-based techniques and personalized treatment plans to effectively identify and correct muscle imbalances. Here’s how Physiotherapy East Sheen addresses muscle imbalances:
The first step in addressing muscle imbalances is conducting a thorough assessment of the patient’s musculoskeletal system. Physiotherapists at Physiotherapy East Sheen utilize a variety of assessment tools, including manual muscle testing, range of motion measurements, functional movement screening, and postural analysis. This comprehensive evaluation helps identify areas of weakness, tightness, and asymmetry in muscle strength and flexibility.
Muscle imbalances can arise from various factors such as poor posture, repetitive movements, sports injuries, or sedentary lifestyle habits. Physiotherapy East Sheen focuses on identifying the underlying causes of muscle imbalances to develop targeted treatment strategies. This may involve analyzing movement patterns, ergonomic assessments, reviewing medical history, and discussing lifestyle factors with the patient.
Your physiotherapist will assess your muscle imbalances and recommend a treatment plan that is right for you. This might involve manual therapy, strengthening exercises and stretches, electrotherapy (ultrasound, interferential) or acupuncture. They will explain all the options to you and give you an idea of how long it will take to get back to your optimal level of health, fitness and performance.