Introduction to Biomechanics
Defined as: The study of the mechanics of a living body, especially of the forces exerted by muscles and gravity on the skeletal structure. -The American Heritage Dictionary
An understanding of biomechanics is critical in an effort to comprehend the products and methodology related to Trigger Point Performance Therapy. Biomechanics can be defined as the structural movement of the body as it relates to fulcrums, levers and applicable muscle tissue that allow musculoskeletal movement to occur.
Fulcrums and levers play a vital role in biomechanics of the human body. A lever can be defined as a rigid object that is capable of movement. Whereas, a fulcrum is the fixed point that the lever moves upon. In relation to the skeleton, each bone represents a lever and each joint represents a fulcrum. Movement of a bone is dependent on the location of the connection of the muscle, the location of the joint the bone moves upon, and the force recruited by the muscle to overcome resistance. In order for a joint to track properly, we must allow the muscles and tendons supporting that joint to function correctly. Trigger Point Performance Therapy self-massage techniques address the muscular structure in a way that ultimately enhances the efficiency of the fulcrum points throughout the body.
The numbering system defines the effort it takes to move through a forward pattern. As the body moves forward sticking the ball of your foot is going to define the least amount of effort due to the relationship with the center of the quads. Striking the heel will force you to use the entire lower posterior lower leg along with the hip and knee. Striking the toes Box will create a fast form of movement but the hip and knee are forced to lift the lower leg with the assistance of the gastroc.
Chain Reaction
Every bone has muscle and fascia that surrounds it, and every joint has a muscle and a tendon that support it. Muscles are designed to create and maintain structural integrity in the body through proper force couples and length tension relationships. Structural integrity of the muscles produce proper biomechanics through intra and inter muscular coordination.
The biomechanical chain reaction, beginning with the foot, can take dysfunction from the lower leg all the way up to the quads, hip, IT band and even the lower back. Trigger Point Performance Therapy addresses biomechanical efficiency within the body from the ground up. Similar to the structure of a well-built house, the foundation of the body begins at the foot and is built by establishing a sound and efficient base. The stronger the foundation, the more positive response the body will yield as a whole.
The sequence of events described above illustrates why addressing the entire biomechanical chain, not just one problem area, is important. By performing Myofascial Compression Techniques tissue tolerance will increase as length tension relationships and elasticity are restored, resulting in enhanced mobility and improved overall biomechanics.
Structurally, we have very little control over the development of our bones. At Trigger Point Performance Therapy we have geared our attention to the soft tissue of skeletal muscle because we know we can make dramatic improvements over time that will ultimately change how the body moves as a whole. Efficiency of movement is the result of pliable skeletal muscle tissue that allows the body to do what it naturally was created to do.
WHAT YOU TOLERATE, YOU ACCEPT.
-Cassidy Phillips
Core Competency is defined as the competency and/or structural integrity of the trunk muscles and their ability to stabilize the spine and transfer force efficiently between the supported extremities.
False Fulcrums: Loss of muscle tissue tolerance leads to altered biomechanics, forcing the creation False Fulcrums throughout the body. These False Fulcrums limit the body's ability to produce, reduce, and stabilize force while creating the potential for pain and injury. False Fulcrums form above and below the major fulcrums of the body creating excessive stress and dysfunction.
