How Does Your Walking Look?

Humans are the only mammals created to walk upright as their optimal mode of transportation.  We are able to walk upright due to our structural gifts such as arches in our feet and a curve in our low back.

Our sedentary lifestyle does not promote optimal walking.  A common dysfunctional walking pattern would include a forward head, rounded shoulders, a flat low back, short strides, and the toes pointed out (looks like an ape!).  Rarely do we walk like we are structurally designed to with long strides, rotation at our hips, arms swinging, and feet pointed forward.

A dysfunctional walking pattern can be both a symptom of and cause of a variety of aches and pains in addition to poor endurance.

If you or a family member has a dysfunctional walking pattern, call a New Life Physical Therapist to schedule a gait assessment and musculoskeletal examination.  They will determine causative factors and prescribe a corrective strategy.

© copyright 2011

New Life

Upper Back May Cause Shoulder Problems

A common complaint in our practice is difficulty with reaching, due to pain, weakness, stiffness, or any combination.  Typically these complaints are located in or around the shoulder.  If treatment is only focused on the shoulder, proper function will not be achieved and any symptom relief will be short-lived.

Other body regions may be the true culprit.  The mid- to upper-back (thoracic spine) region is often at fault.  A 1999 study in Archive of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that when in a slouched position, motion of the shoulder blade and overhead movements were negatively affected.

If the shoulder blade does not move properly, impingement of the shoulder structures such as the rotator cuff can occur.  The result is shoulder pain and weakness.  When left untreated, permanent impairments can occur.

Given the frequency of forward-head posture presentations, it is vital that the thoracic spine be assessed for posture, flexibility, and strength. 

If you or a family member has difficulty with reaching due to pain, weakness, or stiffness, call a New Life Physical Therapist to schedule a physical therapy examination.  They will determine causative factors and prescribe a corrective strategy.

Kebaetse, McClure, Pratt.   Thoracic Position Effect on Shoulder Range of Motion, Strength, and Three-Dimensional Scapular Kinematics.  Archive of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 1999; 80; 945-50

© copyright 2011

New Life

Welcome

Welcome to the New Life blog, a place to share information regarding your muscular-skeletal health including how to move better, feel better, and play better.  New Life is passionate about helping you do the things that are important to you…We call them the “ings” of life.   The New Life blog will highlight patient and client success stories, community events, and other New Life happenings that will help you “Get Your ING On!”

© copyright 2011

New Life