CORRECTIVE EXERCISE & THE BIOMECHANICS METHOD

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The BioMechanics Method is the culmination of 30 plus years combined experience of Justin A.  Price and Mary Bratcher working with sufferers of chronic pain.

The BioMechanics Method is the most effective Corrective Exercise program in the Fitness Industry.  It helps people eliminate pain and dysfunctional movement patterns that contribute to this pain so they can begin or get back to an active lifestyle.  By utilizing a thorough structural and movement assessment to pinpoint the SPECIFIC needs of each individual, practitioners of the BioMechanics Method are able to CREATE and DELIVER highly personalized exercise plans that correct issues more rapidly and successfully than other pain relief methods.

To be successful a Corrective Exercise Program must address imbalances and deviations in a logical format.  Structures that have been damaged and stressed from misalignment must be reconditioned and realigned BEFORE any attempts at stretching or strengthening can made.  This is similar to how metal is heated to enable it to be reshaped.

CORRECTIVE EXERCISE PROGRAM GOALS:

  1. Regenerate and release the fascia (film like tissue similar to shrink wrap that encases all muscles), muscles and tendons.
  1. Realign and increase blood flow and range of movement to the structures in question.
  1. Activate and Strengthen weak and or inactive muscles and retrain the nervous system to coordinate new movement patterns.

This is achieved through the implementation of THREE distinct phases:

Self Myofascial Release - glutes

1. Self-Myofascial Release

Self-Myofascial Release is used to rejuvenate and realign soft tissues which have been negatively affected by prolonged misalignment. Some people begin feeling relief from aches and pains right away with the implementation of this technique.

2. Stretching

Once irritated tissues have been rejuvenated and realigned, stretching helps to restore proper range of motion to the fascia, tendons and joints.  This sets the stage for retraining proper movement in those parts of the body that have lost proper function through chronic misalignment. 

Strengthening - Glutes

3. Strengthening

This last stage of the program retrains the neuromuscular system (muscles and nerves that activate them) to coordinate to perform the new, proper movement patterns.  You can get a chiropractic adjustment, but if the neuromuscular system has become accustomed to that dysfunctional alignment it will soon pull the bones back out of alignment.  By retraining proper movement, we ensure that the musculoskeletal system remains in ideal alignment.

HOW POOR POSTURE AFFECTS YOUR HEALTH

Forward Head Posture
 

Head Posture

Poor posture isn’t just unattractive.  It also has effects on your quality of life.  For example, as can be seen from the image above just slight increases in forward positioning of your head can drastically increase the stress placed on your cervical spine.  Some other effects of Forward Head Posture are as follows:

    • Chronic Fatigue and Lack of Energy
    • Decreases Lung Capacity By Up to 30%
    • Dizziness, Vertigo & Poor Balance
    • Impaired Vision & Hearing
    • Early Degeneration of the Spine
    • Neck & Jaw Pain
    • Hormonal Imbalances
    • Decreased Oxygen to the Brain
    • Sinus Issues
    • Pain in the Neck, Shoulders, Upper and/or Middle Back
    • Headaches and Migraines
    • Poor Sleep or Insomnia
    • Arthritis
    • Asthma
    • Low Confidence
    • Impaired Athletic Performance
    • Appearing to be up to Two Inches Shorter Than You Actually Are
    • Pinched Nerves (impedes signals to and from the brain from vital organs)

 

EXCESSIVE THORACIC KYPHOSIS (Hunch Back)
Another common postural deviation is Increased Thoracic Kyphosis. The primary causes of this condition, are weak Thoracic Extensors primarily the Lower Trapezius as well as weak Scapular Retractors and external rotators of the shoulders.

This condition can severely limit overhead pressing strength, decrease lung capacity as well as confidence and set one up for rotator cuff tears.

Thoracic Kyphosis

The Thoracic Spine has a normal Convex (outward curve).  However, modern lifestyles as well as poor diet can make this curve excessive which in turn affects the alignment of the joints above and below the Thoracic Spine such as the neck and the hips.

When the shoulders slump forward the neck must arch back excessively to keep the eyes fixed on the horizon.  As a result, the Flexors of the neck in the front become lax and weak, while the neck extensors become overly tight resulting in increased stress on the vertebra in this region, decreased blood flow and oxygen to the brain and inhibited function of the nerves in this area.

Additionally, when the shoulders are habitually stooped forward, the chest muscles become short and tight which will limit strength in exercises such as push-ups and the bench press.

Overhead pressing exercises and explosive movements such as Barbell Shoulder Presses and Barbell Snatches are also inhibited due to the inability to create a proper path for the bar when lifting overhead.

Most importantly, stooped shoulders cause misalignment at the Glenohumeral joint where the head of the upper arm bone and the bottom of the Acromion of the Scapula meet.  If you picture a ball suspended in the middle of a ring by rubber bands this is similar to the structure of the shoulder joint. The shoulder joint allows for greater range of motion than any muscle in the body, but as such, sacrifices some stability. Care must be taken to keep the tension between the muscles acting on the head of the Humerus (upper arm bone) in balance. If balance is not maintained, the tendons of these muscles (usually the rotator cuff) can begin rubbing on the surrounding bone which, over time, will cause them to fray and eventually tear.

OTHER PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED THORACIC KYPHOSIS:

    • Pain
    • Limited Function
    • Poor Health and Disease
    • Increased Mental Stress
    • Chronic fatigue and lack of energy
    • Poor Sleep and Insomnia
    • Arthritis
    • Migraines
    • Impaired Athletic Performance
    • Loss of height by as much as 2”
    • Decreased blood flow to the brain
    • Early degeneration of the spine
    • Hormonal disruption
    • Looking 10lbs heavier than you actually are
    • Dizziness, Vertigo and balance issues
    • Decreased Range of Motion
    • Decrease in Lung capacity by up to 30%
    • Jaw pain and Sinus Issues

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