We talk alot at CF about posterior/anterior chains, body works as a unit, but all the context of optimising exercise performance. What I found interesting talking to my osteo recently was that biomechanical dysfunction develops in exactly in the same way in that the body naturally compensates when it cannot performs its abilities.
For example a lack of ROM from the ankle is compensated at the next joint which is the knees and so on until one day you may develop back pain. This compensation effect will go on until something breaks down and it may not necessarily be the thing that is initial problem.
We hear alot about maintaining lumbar curve, forcing the knees out etc but I am not sure whether many of us actually consider why we cant do this. While proper movement patterns, cues etc are the key to optimising exercises such as the squat many of us will always struggle because we have systemic biomechanical issues in the first place and until these are addressed we will always struggle.
I found this article last year and its easily one of the best I have come across. Its lengthy but its worth perservering, it covers everything from problems with shoes, sitting, muscle and connective tissue evaluations, correction exercises etc
Reading the article I was some what surprised at the number of issues that are caused by poor ankle flexibility,....maybe I shouldnt be as one of the first thing Adam ever said to me nearly two years ago was exactly the same thing.
So two things
1. Always listen to Adam
2. read this article it will improve your performance
http://www.eatmoveimprove.com/2009/11/shoes-sitting-and-lower-body-dysfunctions/
