The Movement Mechanic

Movement philosopher. I connect the dots between functional anatomy, biomechanics and movement behavior. Simple solutions after you have tried everything.

[The Movement Mechanic @TheMvmtMechanic]

@rajkannanpt Quick movement differential.
Unload head during movement vs. assisting the scapula during movement. Does one change related symptoms at all or more than the other.

[The Movement Mechanic @TheMvmtMechanic]

@YDubin90 @hjluks @DrJN_SportsMed Good point! Often associated with nerve irritation from lumbar spine!

[The Movement Mechanic @TheMvmtMechanic]

Persistent sensation of “tightness” likely is not muscular.

Irritated nerves produce the same symptoms. Do a nerve tensioner to confirm.

Less is more here. Repetitions in a comfortable range of motion > strong sustained stretching.

Healing is in the reps, not the stretch.

[The Movement Mechanic @TheMvmtMechanic]

@jcjfryer How you do it is probably more important than what you do!

[The Movement Mechanic @TheMvmtMechanic]

@Steven_AK That is true. That is concerning. I would be curious about the same question among other health professions. But, at the same time, the direction the PT profession is heading is also just as bad.

[The Movement Mechanic @TheMvmtMechanic]

The Huberman low back pain/management episode and response on this platform just shows how confused everyone is on the topic.

Highlights the importance of thoroughly evaluating the human in front of you. The answer will become clear!

[The Movement Mechanic @TheMvmtMechanic]

The biggest mainstream misinterpretation with squatting:

The idea that keeping your back straight or flat means to keep it perpendicular to the ground. That is a setup for failure.

Does anything else see this detrimental mistake?

[The Movement Mechanic @TheMvmtMechanic]

@AlexisMLeveille @Stanz1980 @Retlouping But, did you actually assess in standing? Or, is the ability to walk with a cane or brace giving you impression it is normally functioning?

[The Movement Mechanic @TheMvmtMechanic]

@AlexisMLeveille @Stanz1980 @Retlouping Sorry for the confusion. I was referring to Pat’s case above.

[The Movement Mechanic @TheMvmtMechanic]

@Stanz1980 @AlexisMLeveille @Retlouping If you unload their spine in sitting or standing, can they perform DF better?

[The Movement Mechanic @TheMvmtMechanic]

In modern society, the complaint of “tight glutes” makes no sense.

You sit 8+ hours a day. Glutes are not resting a shorted position.

PTs have to be better at evaluating the nervous system outside of radiculopathy.

Spoiler - figure 4s are not the answer. 🫣

[The Movement Mechanic @TheMvmtMechanic]

@Retlouping Is it improving hamstring flexibility or reducing nerve tension with a nerve glide?

[The Movement Mechanic @TheMvmtMechanic]

Person diagnosed with R Achilles tendinopathy. Pain along the Achilles tendon. No N/T or radicular symptoms.

Reproduced with DF. Reproduced with left lumbar rotation.

Surely, we can do better than this!

[The Movement Mechanic @TheMvmtMechanic]

Keep in mind. Healing comes down to blood flow and access to oxygen.

For that reason, muscles are rarely the issue. They have an abundant blood supply. They heal up before one feels the need to seek help!

If it is a true muscle injury, expect vast bruising!

[The Movement Mechanic @TheMvmtMechanic]

@AdamMeakins @DrSethPT Csp radic & tendinopathy present differently. Easy to see.

Radial nerve entrapments/compression/tension issues there are common. Often associated with head/neck or shoulder positions w/ ADLs.

That’s where it is missed!

Or, is that BS?

[The Movement Mechanic @TheMvmtMechanic]

@AdamMeakins Ehh. Those people that work a desk job with chronic lateral elbow pain - probably more common than true tendinopathy.

[The Movement Mechanic @TheMvmtMechanic]

@AdamMeakins Any nontraumatic MSK pain is about mindful movement behavior.

Any sustained/repetitive movement or position can become painful - especially when you do it all day during ADLs and are not aware.

Sustained positions/movements carry over into other activities w/out being aware.

[The Movement Mechanic @TheMvmtMechanic]

@G_Runner @snickalous @northwoods1980 Activity changes leading up to onset of sxs.

Nature of sxs throughout the day. Are specific times worse, does it change with activity.

What produces the pn/location. Heel squeeze. AROM/PROM. Windlass test.

How weight acceptance of foot affects sxs. PF is ankle/foot control.

[The Movement Mechanic @TheMvmtMechanic]

@snickalous @northwoods1980 …that’s the problem. PTs should be better at differential diagnosis.

In that situation, a PT should be able to prove it is not Plantar Fascia pain. I would argue that most can’t! Your experience proves that.