Lung function testing consists of a variety of tests that check how efficiently the lungs work. The most commonly practiced test is spirometry.
Spirometry is used to detect the amount of air the lungs can hold and how forcefully one can empty air from the lungs. It is commonly used to screen for breathing problems. These include; diseases that affect lung volumes and airways, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma.
There are 2 types of disorders that cause
problems with air moving in and out of the lungs:
Obstructive – This is when air has trouble flowing out of the lungs due to airway resistance. This causes a decreased flow of air.
Restrictive – This is when the lung tissue and/or chest muscles can’t expand enough to accommodate the air. This creates problems with air flow, mostly due to lower lung volumes.
About Spirometry:
These tests are not painful. They are performed by a
pulmonary function technician (or biokineticist), who will require you to use
maximal effort to blow out and breathe in air into a device. The tests are
repeated a minimum of 3 and maximum of 8 times to make sure the results are
accurate.
There are certain pre-test instructions that should be made aware to the patient before the test:
Do not smoke 6 hours prior to testing.
Avoid consuming alcohol 4 hour prior to testing.
No heavy exercise 30 minutes prior to testing.
If they use a short acting inhaler, it should not be consume 6 hours prior to testing.
Once the test has been completed your results will be presented to the technician. The results will be interpreted by a medical practitioner and the appropriate responses will be taken to ensure your optimal health.
Graphs depicting a normal, obstructive and restrictive flow volume loop which the medical practitioner will interpret.
For more information on lung function testing and to know whether you should perform a test or not, contact us and let us guide you.
Fitness tests can be used to measure certain abilities of the human body. Every fitness test has a specific outcome or value that it aims to measure. This outcome then becomes an athletes baseline value. Future tests and results can then be compared with this baseline and it can be determined if progress has been made.
Fitness tests do not only provide a baseline or starting point for an individual, but they can also be used to determine which areas need to be focused and improved upon. These areas can then become the primary focus of an athletes training program for that season. Fitness testing and its results are primarily used to help coaches and trainers in designing the most appropriate athletic training program.
Benefits of fitness testing:
Strengths and weakness can be identified
Strengths and weaknesses can be identified by comparing the athletes results with those of other athletes in the same training group, other athletes in the same sport or in a similar population group.
Once areas of weakness have been established, training programs can be developed and adapted to focus on these areas and improve them.
Progress can be monitored
Preseason testing allows athletes to establish where their fitness levels are.
Future fitness test results can also be compared to the preseason baseline results and any changes or improvements can be noted.
These tests provide incentives
For athletes one of their goals could be to improve their fitness test results. Therefore, during training, they will work harder to get fitter and achieve this goal.
Meeting certain fitness levels can be one of the criteria required to make a certain level or team and so this can provide an athlete with motivation to keep working harder if they see they are nearing their goal.
Common fitness tests:
Beep / Bleep Shuttle Run Test.
20 minute test
Maximal running aerobic fitness test
Sit and Reach Test.
Measure of flexibility
Primarily lower back and hamstring flexibility
Handgrip Strength Test.
Maximum isometric strength of the hand and forearm muscles
The general rule is that people with strong hands tend to be strong elsewhere and so it can be used as a general test of strength
Skinfold Body Fat Test.
This is a common method for determining body fat
For certain athletes and sports people keeping body fat at certain level is advantageous
Vertical Height Jump Test.
Used to determine the maximum leg muscle power an athlete can produce.
The higher they can jump the more power they have are considered to have in their body.
Illinois Agility Test.
Used to test an athlete’s ability to slow down, change direction and speed up again.
These tests do not require large amounts of equipment or laboratories and can be done on athletes of almost any level.
‘Laboratory’ Tests
There are also more complicated fitness tests that require qualified professionals and specialized testing. These tests are usually only needed by professional athletes who require a much deeper insight into their bodies and how they are functioning.
VO2Max Test:
A VO2Max test, also known as a maximal oxygen uptake test, is a test usually performed in a high performance center, laboratory, or specialized exercise facility. It is a measurement of the maximum amount of oxygen a person can utilize during intense exercise. It is a very common measure and fitness test done to determine an athlete’s aerobic endurance. It is one of several tests that can be done when determining an athlete’s cardiovascular fitness levels and performance capacity.
A VO2Max test is a graded exercise test meaning that the intensity of the test is gradually increased over specific periods of time. The test is either performed on a stationary bicycle or a treadmill. The athlete will have to wear a face mask that is connected to a machine that can analyse their respiratory rate, the volume and concentration of both oxygen and carbon dioxide inhaled and exhaled. A heart rate belt will also be worn around the chest to measure the athletes heart rate throughout the test.
The test usually takes between 10-20 minutes to complete the test.
VO2Max is reached when your oxygen consumption reaches a steady state despite an increase in the workload.
Factors that influence
VO2Max:
Age:
VO2Max usually peaks in an individual around age 20 and then slowly declines by roughly 30% by age 65.
Gender:
It has been shown that elite females’ athletes typically have a VO2Max value then their male counter parts. However, when the value is adjusted based on their body size, blood volume and hemoglobin content then men’s VO2Max values generally are about 20% higher then women’s.
Altitude:
This is a simple factor as there is simply less oxygen to consume at a higher altitude. Therefore, an athlete generally experiences a 5% decrease in VO2Max values for every 5000 feet gained.
As with everything else, technology has also started to influence the fitness testing industry. More and more people are focusing on their health and getting into cycling, running, triathlons, CrossFit and so much more. In all these disciplines tracking your progress and training is becoming more popular and more important then ever. Companies such as Garmin and other fitness tracking companies have seen the need for this and have created products to help individuals of all levels track their heart rates, their speed, their distance and even their VO2Max.
The predicted value of an individual’s VO2Max by the Garmin is accurate to within 5%. This is a far cheaper, more accessible method of fitness tracking that people are starting to use instead of paying the high price attached to a VO2Max test performed in a fitness lab.
So, whether you are a weekend warrior, a
professional athlete or a casual gym goer, why not start testing your fitness
in various ways. Keep record of your results and then rest the same test in few
weeks’ time and note the improvements.
For more information on testing, how to do it, and how to improve your results do not hesitate to contact us!
One of the most common phrases we often hear is “you need to improve your fitness levels” …But what does that mean?!
Cardiovascular endurance is also known as aerobic capacity. This is the body’s ability to sustain submaximal exercise over an extended period of time. This ability depends on the competence of the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems.
Factors that
affect the efficiency of the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems:
Sedentary lifestyle
Injury
Pulmonary disease
Asthma
COPD
Heart disease
Chronic heart failure
Ischemia
Lifestyle and metabolic disease
Diabetes (type 1 and 2)
Hypertension
Neuromuscular disease
Stroke
Brain injury
Orthopaedic diseases and disabilities
Arthritis
Osteoporosis
Immunological and hematological disorders
HIV/AIDS
Cancer
All of the above-mentioned factors have an effect on aerobic capacity due to direct impact on the heart and lungs or an indirect impact by continuous disuse of the cardiovascular system. These factors need specific types and amounts to combat the decline in aerobic system. This is where a Biokineticist can help! We are able to design a structured and specific aerobic exercise program taking into consideration the specific needs of the individual.
How do you continue training
your cardiovascular system if you are injured?
Injured – rest is advise. This could lead to detraining of the cardiovascular system within 1-2 weeks.
What is detraining?
Due to their aerobic capacity declining, when they return to sport they have a high chance of injury reoccurring due to fatigue setting in. This can be combated by doing non-weight bearing exercises during the rehabilitation phase of the injured side such as swimming, rowing or biking or use of the upper body such as arm ergometry when the lower body has been injured. As the individuals pain scale and condition improves, they can progress to walking, cross – country, running or jumping rope.
What is the ideal amount of
aerobic exercise one should do?
Moderate intensity aerobic activity: 5 or more days per week, for a minimum of 30 minutes
Vigorous-intensity aerobic activity: 3 or more days per week, for a minimum of 20 minutes
How can you work out what
your target heart rate is?
By
using a simple formula, one can calculate what heart rate to work at.
THRmax = 220 – age. x %
Example we want to work at 65% for a 75 year old.
220-75 (age)
= 145 x 65%
=94.25 Bpm
This means we will be training at 65% of his heart rate max.
For untrained and injured individuals we always train at a lower intensity and then build up endurance until the individual is able to cope at a higher intensity for a longer period of time.
It takes approximately 6 – 8 weeks for an individual to show improvement in his aerobic capacity thus continuous aerobic training will improve one’s fitness levels which will ultimately benefit in longer training sessions, reduced fatigue and reinjury.
Let’s keep active and stay injury free! For assistance with staying fit and injury free contact us.
Golf is an extremely complicated sport when it comes to analyzing the biomechanics of one’s swing. Due to the swing being such an asymmetrical repetitive motion, it places the body under huge amounts of stress from multiple directions. The body is not designed to withstand these unnatural forces and without enough strength and mobility, this could lead to various injuries throughout the body.
Golf techniques prone to injuries:
Casting – when a golfer uses excessive wrist action in their back swing, hoping to achieve a greater range of motion and increased distance, it can become problematic. This action leads to a large eccentric contraction (lengthening of the muscles) of the leading arm and concentric contraction (shortening of the muscle) of the forearm flexors of the following arm. Repeatedly doing this in a swing can lead to lateral and medial epicondylitis.
Sway – When a golfer attempts to gain momentum by shifting the weight backwards with the backswing and then pushing it forwards with the actual swing, it predisposes one to hip and back injuries due to the excessive movement.
Weight shift – a weight shift within a golf swing is extremely important when it comes to the biomechanics of the rest of the body. Golfers who don’t shift their weight during their swing often compensate by using other parts of the body. The shoulders and the thoracic spine are usually the sections which take the strain, leading to injury.
Common injury areas:
Lower back – For all the avid golfers who spend many hours hunched over their clubs to inevitably improve their game, may be doing more damage than good. When standing hinged over your clubs for hours on end and then adding rotational forces to that already loaded lower back, it places large amounts of stress to that area. Without some core training, back strengthening and derotating your spine, lower back pain is inevitable.
Rotator cuffs – The rotator cuffs, are four stabilizing muscles within the shoulder. If the incorrect biomechanics are repetitively used during a golf swing, this could very easily lead to impingement’s and even tears of the muscles. This makes shoulder stability and strength training a vital component for golfers.
Elbow – Two commonly know injuries with regards to the elbow are know as “golfers elbow” and “tennis elbow”. Golfers elbow: refers to the irritation and inflammation of the tendon on the inner side of the elbow. Surprisingly tennis elbow is more common in golfers.Tennis elbow: refers to the irritation and inflammation of the tendon on the outer surface of the elbow. Treating tendinitis can be a tedious task, however, it involves strengthening of the forearm muscles and tendons, reducing inflammation and correcting your technique to avoid the unwanted repetitive stresses.
Knee – Knee injuries vary in type and severity when it comes to golf. During the golf swing, your knees serve as the point of stabilization while the hips are rotating. This becomes problematic with weak knees as the knees move out of alignment and this places large amounts of stress on them. Strengthening and stretching the muscles surrounding the knees is of utmost importance to prevent any knee pain.
Wrist – The wrists take a large proportion of the impact when striking a golf ball. If the wrists are not strong enough to withstand these forces, they can become irritated and inflamed, leading to possible tendinitis. For this reason it is paramount to strengthen the wrists and forearm muscles.
Preventing these injuries:
Lower back pain:
Two common causes of lower back pain involve; a weak core
and tight muscles (very often tight hamstrings which cause a malalignment of
the pelvis).
Core strengthening is an essential component that should be incorporated into all training programs as the core serves as the bodies center of balance and stability. Working the core and ensuring the correct engagement allows for the muscles of the lower back, hips, pelvis and abdomen to work in harmony. When the muscles work in harmony it creates an ideal environment for the body to work in and prevents any unwanted movements.
Core exercises: Dead bug
How to do
it:
Lie face up with your arms extended toward the ceiling and your legs in
a tabletop position (knees bent 90 degrees and stacked over your hips). This is
starting position.
Slowly extend your right leg out straight, while simultaneously dropping
your left arm overhead. Keep both a few inches from the ground. Squeeze your
butt and keep your core engaged the entire time, lower back pressed into the
floor.
Bring your arm and leg back to the starting position.
Repeat on the other side, extending your left leg and your right arm.
Rotator cuff injuries:
Your rotator cuff muscles are made up of a group of four muscles within the shoulder/scapular area: teres minor, infraspinatus, supraspinatus and subscapularis. These muscles serve a very important role in shoulder movement and stability. Rotator cuff injuries often occur due to overuse and improper functioning of these muscles. This makes strengthening these muscles very important, especially in golf, due to the biomechanics associated with the golf swing and stance.
Rotator cuff exercises: Isometric internal and external
rotation
How to do it:
External rotation:
Bend your elbow 90 degrees, make a fist, and press the back of your hand into the wall as if you were rotating your arm outwards.
Use a small towel for a little padding, if needed.
Gently press into the wall for about five seconds. Slowly release pressure on the wall. Stop the exercise if you feel any increased pain.
Repeat the exercise 10 to 15 repetitions, and then start the next rotator cuff isometric exercise.
Internal rotation:
Bend your elbow 90 degrees, make a fist, and gently press into the corner wall or door jamb as if you were trying to rotate your hand inwards towards your belly button.
Remember, no motion should occur in your shoulder during the exercise.
Elbow: Tennis elbow (Lateral epicondylitis)
Treating lateral epicondylitis can be a tricky and
frustrating process. Tendons have a poor vascular supply and this makes their
healing process take much longer than many other parts of the body. Rehab and
injury prevention of tennis elbow involves resting the arm and allowing the
muscles and tendons to recover as well as strengthening the forearm muscles.
Tennis elbow exercises: finger web exercises
How to do it:
Placing the hands and fingers in different positions in/around the web and squeezing, extending, pulling or pushing apart the web.
These exercises can be done for the wrist.
Knees injuries:
Knee stability and leg strength is paramount in more than
just a golf setting. The legs are essential components in allowing us to move around
independently and complete many activities of daily living. They are our base
of support for the rest of the body and need enough strength and stability to
allow us to complete desired tasks.
Leg strengthening exercises: Quad and Hamstring setting
How to do it:
Quadriceps setting:
Lie flat or sit with your leg straight.
Tighten the muscle in the front of your thigh as much as you can, pushing the back of your knee flat against the floor. This will pull your kneecap up your thigh, toward your hip.
Hold the muscle tight for around 10 seconds.
Repeat this exercise .
Hamstring setting:
Lie on your back on the floor or a bed.
Pull your heel into the floor or bed as much as you can.
Hold this position for around 10 seconds.
To prevent any unwanted golf injuries or to maintain the strength and mobility needed to carry on playing a pain free golf game, contact us and let us help you.
Humans have been riding bicycles since the early 1800s and it is now one of the most popular weekend sporting activities to take part in. Whether it be road racing, mountain biking, completing a few laps at your local bike park or just popping out for a coffee, there are always people out riding.
Cycling
is also now seen as one of the best ways to boost one’s overall health. It can
assist with weight loss, help fight chronic disease, improve overall fitness and
strength levels as well as help decrease stress levels. With this in mind its
no wonder the number of cyclists continues to rise every year. However, even
with all its health benefits, like other sports, cycling also has its problems.
Injuries
No one wants to be forced off their bike due to an injury. Like with any sport one minute you are in the best form of your life and the next you can’t even get out of bed without pain.
These are some of the most common injuries cyclist face, how to deal with them and prevent them keeping you out the saddle.
Common Injuries:
Impact injuries:
The
biggest problem with cycling is the fact that unlike many other sports you can
fall off your bike. You can fall off your bike, and you can fall hard!! Impact
injuries due to falls are very common in cycling and most often can’t be
prevented. However, ensuring that you ride within your limits, take safe lines,
and wear the appropriate protective equipment such as a helmet can help prevent
injuries.
Lower back pain:
Due to the nature of a cyclist’s posture. Leaning forward curled over the handle bars, means that lower back pain is one of the most common injuries experienced by cyclists. Three of the most important factors to consider when dealing with lower back pain caused by cycling are:
Position and bike set up
If you are experiencing lower back pain the
first thing you can get checked is your bike set up and your posture/position
on the bike. For example; if your handle bars are to lower it can cause back
pain so simply raising them up could help alleviate some of the pain.
Core strength
If a cyclist’s core is weak then their lower back
will be put under constant strain while on the bike. Improving overall core
stability and strength can help reduce back pain in cyclists, as well as improve
their power output; as their legs are pushing off a stronger base.
Posture off the bike
It is not only your posture off the bike that
can lead to problems. If you sit at a desk all day it could be your posture, there
that is causing the problems. Ensure your desk at work is set up correctly and
that you are aware of how you are sitting and when the pain is at its worst.
Knee pain:
The knee joint is involved every time a cyclist turns over the pedals. The problem comes in when the knee gets pulled out of alignment. Most knee problems on the bike come from an incorrect bike set up. For example, if the saddle is to low it can lead to pain in the front of the knee due to strain being placed on the quadriceps, while pain behind the knee can come from a saddle that is to high which stretches the hamstrings out at their attachment. Most cyclists fasten their feet to the pedals of their bike with cleats. However, if the cleat is not set up correctly it can also cause problems. Pain on the medical or lateral aspect of the knee is a common sign of incorrect cleat set up as the knee does not track correctly in these circumstances.
Wrist arm hand or neck pain:
Ideally when cycling about 60% of your body weight should be positioned over the rear of the bike and 40% at the front. If to much goes over the front and through the handle bars it can lead to pain in the wrists and neck. Therefore, your seat should not be to far away from the handle bars and the handle bars should not be to low.
It is also important to not grip the handle bars to tightly and to make a concerted effort to relax the shoulders as this can help prevent the Trapezius muscles from tightening up causing neck pain.
Saddle Sores
A saddle sore is considered any sore, raised area of skin
or irritation around the buttocks or undercarriage area. As the name would
suggest they are caused by contact with the saddle. Friction between the
saddle, skin and cycling shorts fabric can lead to horrible skin reactions and
sores.
The most common cause of a saddle sore is old cycling shorts
and a too high saddle. It is also important to find a saddle that suits you, as
well as your gender as specific men’s and women’s saddles can help reduce rubbing
and irritation from occurring.
The best thing to do once a saddle sore has formed is to
keep the area clean and dry. If it is painful to sit on the saddle the best
thing to do is to take a few days off the bike to allow the skin time to heal
and calm down.
Hot foot
This is a burning sensation, numbness or pain felt on the
underside of the foot. It is usually as a result of pressure being placed on
the nerves that travel through the ball of the foot, towards the toes. In order
to prevent and treat it the pressure within the foot needs to be redistributed.
The pressure in the foot can be due to:
The foot swelling due to heat
Tight socks
Cleat placement
Poor insole support
Achilles Tendonitis:
This is an overuse injury cause by inflammation of the Achilles. Like with knee problems the main cause of Achilles problems in cyclists is the cleat and foot position on the pedal. If the cleat is pushed all the way forward, then the calf muscles will be overused during the pedaling action causing the Achilles to become inflamed. The same is true if the seat is to high as the toes will be continually plantar flexed engaging the calf muscle continuously.
When it comes to cycling injuries, bike set up is one of the most important factors to consider. It is important that if you are experiencing pain to get a professional to check your set up and posture on the bike. It is also important to ensure your core stability is good and that you are doing adequate strength training to prevent any muscles imbalances or injuries.
Neck pain is becoming an increasing problem amongst the population. Various factors are contributing towards neck pain which will be discussed and some tips will be provided on how to prevent and deal with it.
The Neck:
The neck is made up of a series of vertebrae which extend down from the skull to the upper torso. Between the vertebrae are intervertebral discs which serve as a shock absorber, allowing for motion within the spine. Within the vertebrae is the spinal column – a cord of nerves that send signals from the brain to the rest of the body, creating movement.
Anatomy of consecutive vertebrae
Causes of neck pain:
Muscle tension and strains – Overuse of the neck muscles may cause pain and tension. Activities such as working at a desk for too long, sleeping in a bad position, gritting your teeth and bad posture may all contribute towards neck pain.
Posture – one of the biggest contributing factors towards neck pain. It often places excessive stress on the cervical spine, straining the muscles and causing deviations of other regions of the spine and body. The misalignment often leads to injuries and pain.
Injury – The neck is particularly vulnerable to injury during, accidents, falls and sports where the neck is forced to move outside of its normal ranges. Injuries can vary in seriousness; from acute whiplash to varying degrees of paralysis if the spinal cord is damaged.
Illnesses – Meningitis, cancer, infections and various other illnesses can contribute towards neck pain.
Bone diseases – Osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and spondylosis are just some bone diseases which may predispose an individual to neck pain.
Nerve compression – Herniated discs or bony spurs in the vertebrae of your neck can press on nerves branching out from the neck, causing pain in the neck or referred pain.
When doing any exercise, especially with the upper body, learn to set the shoulders and exercise in this position.
Shoulder setting
– Lift the shoulders up and back (squeezing
the upper back muscles) and slowly lower the shoulders in this pulled back
position.
Seated rows.
Seated Rows with theroband
– In a seated, upright position, wrap a theraband around the feet (alternative to using a machine). After setting the shoulders, keeping the back upright, pull the elbows backwards.
– Keeping the elbows tucked in towards the
body, palms facing up and squeezing the upper back.
Internal and external rotation of the shoulders.
Internal and external rotation with band
Standing/seated, shoulders set, using a resistive device. With external rotation, keeping the elbows squeezing the side of the body, rotate the arm outwards, against the resistance (resistance will travel across the body).
For the internal rotation, keeping the elbows squeezing the side of the body, rotate the arm towards the body (the resistance will travel towards the body).
Arm wall slides.
Shoulder wall slides
Standing with your back against the wall, feet slightly away from the wall. Bend the knees slightly and press the lower back into the wall. Keeping this position, raise the arms to 90 degrees and bend the elbows to 90 degrees. Slowly slide the arms up and down the wall, keeping the assumed position.
Thoracic mobilization stretch.
Supine thoracic mobilization
– Lying supine on the floor or hard surface, place a rolled up towel under the back at chest level. Keeping the legs straight and pressing the lower back into the floor raise the arms and elbows to 90 degrees. Slowly try press the forearms back towards the floor, preventing the back from arching.
– Lie in each position for 1 – 2 minutes
thereafter moving the towel slightly higher towards the neck.
What to do?
If you are experiencing neck pain, have experienced neck pain or want to prevent neck pain, contact usand let us help you. We can assist in stretching and strengthening of the neck muscles, help with posture and provide guidance for day to day activities to prevent pain.
There are numerous causes of lower back pain. These causes can range from; improper lifting technique, poor posture, age related spine and joint changes, accidents, poor exercise form and leading a sedentary lifestyle.
Lower back pain can be acute, lasting for a few days or weeks or chronic which is long term and can lasts for months and years. The majority of acute lower back pain cases are mechanical in nature. This means there is a disruption to one of the components of the spine, muscles, inter vertebral discs or nerves. Roughly 20% of individuals that experience an acute episode of lower back pain develop chronic pain.
Anatomy
The back is made up of a variety of structures. It has 33 irregular bones called vertebrae. Between each vertebra there is an inter-vertebral disc (IVD). These discs act as cushions and absorb the shock up the spine.
Each disc has a similar
construction to a car tyre. An outer ring which is made up of fibrous bands is
called the Annulus. The inside of this band is filled with a gel like substance
called the Nucleus Pulposus. The discs act like coiled springs, with the
Annulus pulling the vertebrae together against the elastic resistance of the
nucleus on the inside.
Bands of
tissue known as ligaments hold the vertebrae in place, and tendons attach the
muscles to the spinal column. Thirty-one pairs of nerves are rooted to the
spinal cord and they control body movements and transmit signals from the body
to the brain.
The lower
back supports the weight of the entire upper body. The muscles of the lower
back are primarily responsible for the flexing and rotating of the hips while
walking and performing everyday movements. They also assist in the support of
the spinal column.
The
majority of lower back pain is as a result of injury to either the muscles,
ligament, joints or discs within the back. Various causes of lower back pain
affect different structures.
Causes
Muscle Strain or ligament Sprain:
Repeated heavy lifting or a sudden awkward movement can strain the back muscles and spinal ligaments. If you’re in poor physical condition, constant strain on your back can cause painful muscle spasms.
Bulging or Ruptured Disks:
The soft material inside an inter-vertebral disk can bulge or rupture and press on a nerve. However, you can have a bulging or ruptured disk without back pain.
Arthritis:
Osteoarthritis can affect the lower back. In some cases, arthritis in the spine can lead to a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, a condition called spinal stenosis.
Skeletal irregularities:
A condition in which your spine curves to the side (scoliosis) also can lead to back pain.
Osteoporosis:
The spine’s vertebrae can develop compression fractures if your bones become porous and brittle.
Signs and symptoms
The
signs and symptoms can be varied. They can also begin suddenly or over a period
of time.
Identifying
the specific signs and symptoms can help identify the exact cause of the lower
back pain and therefore assist in the treatment of the problem.
The
signs and symptoms can include:
Muscles spasms and aches
Shooting or stabbing pains
Radiating pain down one or both legs
Pain when bending, lifting or twisting
Pain that worsens after prolonged sitting or
standing
Diagnosis
The most important aspect of lower back pain is the diagnosis. As there are multiple causes of lower back pain this is the most important area to identify. Without the underlying cause of the pain, the problem cannot be treated.
Various health care professionals such as a physiotherapist and biokineticists can perform a variety of assessments and special tests to identify basic causes of lower back pain.
If the
pain is more serious then tests such as X rays and MRI’s are required to
identify the underlying cause of the back pain. In these cases the back pain is
usually structural and cause by bone, ligament of disc.
Treatment
As there are multiple causes of lower back pain and so there is not one treatment that will work for everyone. However, there are a few simple treatment options you can try.
One of
the most important areas to look at when treating lower back pain is how long
an individual remains seated for. Simply put movement is essential in treating
lower back pain and remaining seated for extended periods of time is
detrimental.
When treating lower back pain a multi-disciplinary approach is beast. Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Doctors and Biokineticists can all provide essential input when dealing with lower back pain and assist in its prevention and treatment. Physiotherapists and Chiropractors can assist with the necessary joint mobilization and soft tissue release. Biokineticists can assist with strengthening exercises and stretches. While in more serious cases the input from a Doctor or Surgeon will be necessary.
Exercises:
One of the primary treatments for Lower back pain is using exercise to strengthen the core and stabilizer muscles and stretches to stretch those muscles that are tight and causing pressure to be placed on the lower back.
Trunk Rotations:
Lying on your back with your hands at your sides and knees bent
Keeping the feet flat on the floor, roll the knees from side to side
Make sure to keep both shoulders and hands flat on the floor
This exercise can also be done with the feet up on a Swiss Ball if one if available
Perform 3 sets of 20 rolls
Should the symptoms of lower back pain persist for longer than 3 months with no relief after trying various treatment methods, it is advised to seek the help of a medical doctor who can advise if an x ray or MRI is necessary to determine if there is a more serious cause behind the pain.
If you are suffering from lower back pain the best thing to do is to go for an assessment. This way the underlying cause of your back pain can be identified and the treatment can be more specific and effective.
The importance of stretching and it’s benefits often goes unnoticed.
Here are some tips and advice to keep you injury free.
What is flexibility?
Flexibility is the ROM or movement around a specific joint or joints. When improving ones flexibility is the objective of a session, focusing on the muscles and fascia is of great importance.
What is stretching?
Stretching is the process of placing a certain body part(s) in a position which lengthens or elongates a specific muscle(s) and the surrounding soft tissue.
Static stretching: where a body part(s) is slowly moved into a position where a stretch is felt and then held for 10 to 30 seconds before the stretch is then released. This type of stretching is ideally performed once the muscles are already warm, such as after a warm-up.
Dynamic stretching: where the body is stretched with movement. The body moves gradually into a position and this movement is repeated to increase the ROM.
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching: involves stretching the muscle(s) to a certain position and contracting the muscle in that position for around 10 seconds, relaxing the muscle and stretch and then repeating.
Ballistic stretching: this type of stretching uses bouncing movements to move the muscle into a stretch. Caution with this type of stretching is important.
Factors
limiting flexibility:
Various factors limit ones flexibility which may predispose an individual to a multitude of injuries. Some common factors are:
Bony Block
Muscle tightness
Inelastic skin
Dense scar tissue
Swelling
Pain
Soft tissue block
Effects of
prolonged immobilization and limited flexibility:
Muscles lose flexibility and remain in a shortened position.
Prevent pain-free return to activity – the muscles and surrounding soft tissue may still feel and be tight. This may make returning to exercise an uncomfortable experience.
Predisposes the individual to microtraumatic injuries. If the tissue is not rehabilitated and worker through a full ROM this creates a muscle which is susceptible to injuries as it may not function optimally.
Reinjury.
What are the benefits of stretching?
Prevents degenerative joint changes and promotes healing.
Decreases muscle spasms and pain – specifically lower back back. Tight muscles can reduce ones ROM, this increase the risk of straining a back muscle due to the unnecessary tension.
Improves posture – muscular imbalances often lead to faulty posture, by combining stretching and strength training, musculoskeletal pain and improper alignment may be reduced and aid in good posture.
Increased blood flow and temperature – this improved circulation may reduce your recovery time and the amount of stiffness/soreness experienced after exercise.
Increased flexibility – this assists in performing daily activities with ease and decreases the reduced motility that accompanies aging.
Tips for stretching
Stretching
dosages:
Hold stretches for approximately 30 seconds and repeat twice. Be careful not to over stretch a muscle (It should not feel very painful).
Tips for
static stretching:
Remember to warm up before stretching – short jog, swim or cycle.
Hold stretches in fixed position for approximately 30 seconds .
Breathe rhythmically and slowly, exhale during the stretch.
Noticeable changes may only be seen after 4-6 weeks.
Avoid forceful
stretching during these conditions:
If you have recently had a fracture.
If a specific limb has been immobilized for a while.
Inflammation or an infection affecting the joint.
Acute pain during stretching.
Bony blocks that avoid motion.
Stretching is a vital component of an exercise program and should be performed daily. For more information on stretching and some good stretching advice and techniques contact us.
Strength training is a component of physical exercise, focusing on using resistance to induce a contractile force to inevitably increase a muscles strength, anaerobic endurance and size.
When doing strength training, it causes microscopic damage to the muscle fibers (catabolism – breakdown of muscle fibers). The body’s natural processes then repair the muscles and allow them to regenerate and become stronger (anabolism – repair and re- growth of muscle fibers).
Why do Strength training?
Today’s lifestyle for a large number of people, incorporates many hours of sitting and living in a sedentary and inactive environment. Many areas are to blame for this such as:
Long sedentary working hours.
Excessive time spent driving.
The increased popularity of computer, video and television games.
Reduction in physical education time in schools.
Aging.
The repercussions of a sedentary
lifestyle are becoming more prevalent and our bodies are paying the price.
Benefits of Strength training:
Strength training builds muscle strength and helps too tone muscles. Physically inactive individuals can lose as much as 3 – 5 % of their muscle mass each decade after the age of 30.
The number of muscle fibres declines with age. Strength training can slow down or even reverse the aging process by building muscle mass and strength.
Strength training is shown to assist in bone growth, possibly aiding in the prevention of osteoporosis.
This type of training can assist in the prevention of falls in the elderly.
Strength training plays an important role in maintaining/reducing body weight.
Enhance ones quality of life.
Help manage chronic diseases.
To continue living an independent and healthy lifestyle, strength training is of the utmost importance. Activities of daily living require a person to be mobile and strong enough to perform a variety of movements. An activity as simple as pouring a cup of tea can become extremely taxing as one ages and lives a more sedentary lifestyle.
No
gym? No problem!
There
are various options to consider when doing strength training.
Some
techniques include:
Body weight exercises: with this type of exercise, your body weight serves as the external resistance. This is an easy and effective method to incorporate into a home gym program.
Free weights: barbells and dumbbells are just some of the resistance strength training tools that can be found in a gym. At home substitutes for these can be soup cans, sugar bags and various other home appliances.
Weight machines: most gyms offer various resistance machines, suggesting ways of using the equipment and for specific muscles.
After the age of 40 years and if you have been living an inactive lifestyle, it is advised to check with your doctor before beginning any strength training program for various health reasons.
Tips
for strength training:
The abdominal and back muscles (core) are
stabilizing muscles which assist you in maintaining the correct posture when
exercising. Thus strength training for these muscles should be performed at the
end of a session so they are not fatigued too early.
When lifting weights, exhale through the strenuous
part of the exercise and keep breathing throughout. Holding your breath during a movement may
increase your blood pressure unnecessarily.
When performing strength exercises, control
the movement by performing them slowly and thinking about the correct form
throughout.
Concentrate on maintaining a good posture,
using a mirror can be very helpful with this.
Some
at home, strength training exercises for the whole body:
There are multiple terms used everyday to describe a variety of different areas within fitness. Strength, stability, flexibility, mobility, proprioception, balance, reaction time, power, speed agility to name a few are all components of fitness. However, the difference between all of them is sometimes blurred. If used correctly, all these components can work together to reduce pain, improve movement patterns and bio-mechanics, and improve fitness levels.
Four of the most basic components of fitness are strength, stability, mobility and flexibility.
Strength:
The ability of a muscle or group of muscles to contract and develop a contractile force against a certain resistance.
Mobility:
Mobility within a joint is the degree to which it can move before being restricted by surrounding tissues such as tendons, ligaments and muscles.
Flexibility:
Is the absolute range of motion that a joint can go through. It is the distance and direction that a joint is able to go through and it is directly affected by muscle length and mobility.
Stability:
Is the ability of a muscle or group of muscles to control joint positions and balance within the body during movement or while stationary. Stability is obtained and achieve using active, passive and neural systems within the body.
Strength, stability, flexibility and mobility are all different qualities and abilities within the human body. However, they all play a role in performing efficient, pain free movements.
Stability:
For optimal function in both exercise and everyday life we need our bodies to be in a state of equilibrium. This equilibrium can be achieved through the integration of strength, stability, flexibility, proprioception, reaction time as well as specific skills and techniques.
With regards to the human body, stability refers to a person’s ability to control the movement and position of their muscles, joints and limbs. With greater stability comes greater control.
Types of stability:
There are two main types of stability; namely static stability and dynamic stability.
Static stability and dynamic stability:
Static stability is required during movements of minimal movement such as a plank.
Dynamic stability is required and used during movements through full ranges of motion, in everyday actions and while playing sports.
When beginning with stability training static stability is always the first area of focus.
Stabilizers:
During any movement there will be a primary mover muscle. This is the muscle performing the actual movement. There are also stabilizer muscles. These are not directly involved in the movement, instead they work to keep the body stable and steady. If the body is stable and steady the primary movers can do their job more efficiently and produce optimal movement patterns.
Numerous muscles within the body can be both a primary mover, as well as a stabilizer. However, some muscles do work to stabilize the body during more movements then others. For example, the muscles of the core are stabilizers of the trunk during the majority of functional movements. However, they are also part of the primary mover group of muscles during a sit up.
During almost every movement that we perform we require stability. Therefore, it should be one of the primary focuses during athletic training. Working to improve strength before fixing problems with stability is counterproductive.
Benefits of improved stability:
Improved coordination and movement efficiency.
Improved hip stability and control during walking and running.
Improved posture during everyday activities and during exercise.
Improved form and technique during strength and power movements.
Improved athletic performance .
Decreased injury rates.
Core Stability:
Our core muscles are utilized as stabilizers during almost every functional movement that we perform. Whether it be a squat, a lung, a push up or a plank the core is require provide a stable base from which all the other muscles of the body can initiate movement from.
The core muscles are like a corset and wrap around the trunk. They are like a powerhouse and when they have adequate strength and work together they provide a solid base for which all other muscles of the body can act against. The Transverse Abdominus, Multifidus, Diaphragm and Pelvic Floor muscles all form part of the cylinder that are the core stabilizers. These muscles all keep the spine in its most neutral position and help to aid in preventing injury. Prior to any movement of the limbs of the body the corset of core muscles should contract to keep the body ridged and stable and provide a solid foundation against which the limbs can move.
How to Improve Core Stability:
Phase 1: Back Flat on the Floor
A good place to start training your core is by doing core stability exercises where the lower back is flat on the floor. By starting here, it ensures that while the muscles strengthen, the back is still supported and is protected from injury. When doing any of these exercises it is important to push the lower back into the ground and not let it arch up.
An example of this exercise is the dead bug
Dead Bug:
Lie on your back with both your arms and legs up in the air
Push the lower back into the ground and activate the core
Slowly lower alternate arm and leg towards the floor (To the point where you feel the lower back coming off the floor)
Return the arm and leg to the starting position and repeat with the other side.
Perform 3 sets of 10 reps per arm/leg
Phase 2: Back unsupported, stable base
Once you have mastered control of this type of exercise you can progress your training to exercises where the back is no longer supported and instead the core has to do be in control and strong.
First start by doing a basic 4 base plank.
Plank:
Lie on your stomach on an exercise mat
Push up onto your elbows and toes
Engage your core and ensure you have a flat back
Start by holding this position for 15 seconds and then progress up to a minute as you get stringer
Phase 3: Back unsupported, unstable base
Once you have mastered a basic plank, you can start lifting each limb off the ground making the core work harder to stabilize the body.
Reduced base of support plank:
Lie on your stomach on an exercise mat
Push up onto your elbows or onto straight arms and toes
Engage your core and ensure you have a flat back
Now lift each limb up from the floor and hold for 10-20 seconds (Alternating limbs for the duration of 1-2 minutes)
Once you can lift one limb progress to lifting alternating arm and leg at the same time like the picture below
Start by holding this position for 15 seconds and then progress up to a minute as you get stringer
Phase 4: Back unsupported, additional instability
The final stage is when the back is unsupported and you add elements of instability to the exercise. Placing the hands on a bosu, or the feel on a swiss ball while performing a plank is a good place to start.
Plank on a Bosu:
Place hands on the edge of a bosu ball
Push up onto toes and hands
Engage your core and ensure you have a flat back
Start by holding this position for 15 seconds and then progress up to a minute as you get stringer
Once you can hold this position you can make the exercise harder you can add leg movements such as knee tucks into the exercise
For more information on how to improve your stability and on exercises to include in your program contact us and book your assessment today.
