If you are an athlete, side-to-side strength imbalances can stand in the way of you achieving your best performance and getting the most out of your exercises and workout routine. Being out-of-balance will see some of your muscles work harder than others, creating tension in your fascial system. Since the muscles will not be working together, you will end up with less endurance and strength. The more you work out, the worse your imbalance will get.
WILLOWBROOK
Chiropractor & physical therapy
HOMER GLEN
CHIROPRACTOR & PHYSICAL THERAPY
NAPERVILLE
CHIROPRACTOR & PHYSICAL THERAPY
CREST HILL
CHIROPRACTOR & PHYSICAL THERAPY
MRI CENTER
same day imaging, Crest hill, il
AURORA
CHIROPRACTOR & PHYSICAL THERAPY
Blog Layout
Is Half of Your Body Stronger Than The Other Half?
The Advanced Physicians Team • March 1, 2021
Ever noticed how you always use the same hand to brush your teeth? Carry items over the same shoulder? These, and more repetitive actions, may, over time, result in one side of your body being stronger and more coordinated than the other.
Your dominant side, that is, the one you favor, wins. You instinctively pick a dominant side early on and go through life developing it through repetitive actions, while the non-dominant side ends up being weaker.
Strength difference between the sides is extremely common. Apart from everyday activities that strengthen just one side, other factors that may contribute to this imbalance include imbalanced workouts and injury. In some cases, it’s usually a combination of several factors.
Why Does It Matter?
Count yourself fortunate if the difference in strength between your two sides has been of no consequence. For others, the impact is significant, calling for the resolution of these muscle asymmetries.
Being out-of-balance can affect your posture. The imbalance will cause the stronger side to pull on the weaker one, altering your posture. That said, the effect on posture is more significant with upper-lower strength disparity, compared to side-to-side imbalances. Take, for example, an inexperienced weight lifter with an upper-body that is more developed than the lower body. The result is a postural dysfunction referred to as kyphosis, which makes the weight lifter appear hunched. With this postural dysfunction also comes increased back and neck pain.
As highlighted, imbalances put a strain on your fascial system. With this comes an increased risk of injury. Weak muscles are generally more vulnerable and likely to get torn. In most cases, the injuries will be recurrent if you don’t address the imbalance issue but continue to exercise.
Correcting Side-to-Side Strength Imbalances
It is never too late to correct side-to-side strength and enjoy all the benefits that come with it, including posture restoration, reducing the risk of injury, and getting the most out of exercise routines. Our experts at
Advanced Physicians may be able to help you with just that.
Whatever the cause of the imbalance, you will get started on a correction program that seeks to balance muscles, release muscle tension, and improve both muscle strength and posture.
Chiropractic care is beneficial in correcting imbalances. Targeted adjustments and manipulations will help to move and restore soft tissue and joints into proper alignment. This is especially important if the imbalance has resulted in posture distortion.
Your physician may also recommend exercises to strengthen your weaker muscle group, and by so doing, restore balance. There is a wide range of corrective exercises that can help to center you. Unilateral training helps strengthen the weaker muscles and realign your body, after which you will need to continue with bilateral exercises to maintain your balance.
The cause of the imbalance, and the severity, are among the crucial factors that will inform your physician’s choice of approach for correcting the side-to-side imbalance. A combination of the various approaches produces the best results.
Talk to an Expert
Our team of physicians has the skills and experience to provide you with the care you need to restore balance to your body.
Contact us now.
On your journey to Get out of Pain, physical therapy is an important consideration. If you've found yourself searching Google for 'Physical Therapist Near Me' or 'how to get out of pain' then let us be your choice to increase mobility and reduce back and neck pain through physical therapy in the Chicagoland area. It's time to leave your discomfort behind and embrace a future of improved mobility and greater freedom of movement.
If you find yourself reading this, it's likely you've experienced knee pain, perhaps due to a car accident, a gym injury, or the wear and tear of daily life. Rest assured, you're not alone. Let's take a look at what knee pain really is, how to treat it, and how to prevent it from affecting your life in the future.
Embarking on a new year often brings a surge of resolutions and commitments towards health and wellness. For many, this journey is hindered by the nagging presence of pain, whether it's a result of a car accident, a gym injury, or the cumulative toll of daily activities. Fortunately, there are actionable steps you can take to ensure that 2024 starts with less or no pain. In conjunction with the expert services offered by Advanced Physicians Physical Therapy , these tips can guide you toward a more comfortable and active lifestyle.
When it comes to maintaining our health and well-being, the importance of foot and ankle care often goes unrecognized. Yet, these parts of our body play a crucial role in our daily lives, affecting our mobility and overall quality of life. This is where podiatrists come in - specialists dedicated to the care of our feet and ankles. In this article, we delve into the top reasons why seeing a podiatrist is essential for foot and ankle health, backed by insights from reputable studies and medical sources. From treating common conditions like plantar fasciitis to managing diabetes-related foot issues, we explore how podiatrists help us stay on our feet and moving forward.
We are thrilled to announce Dr. Ralph Esposito as the latest addition to our team at Advanced Physicians. With a rich background in podiatric medicine, Dr. Esposito brings an exceptional depth of knowledge and expertise to our practice, aligning perfectly with our commitment to excellence in patient care.
Are you tired of the ache and discomfort in your wrists and hands? Does typing or using a computer mouse leave you wincing in pain? You might be experiencing the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, a common condition that affects many people, especially those who spend long hours working on computers. The good news is that with expert care, you can conquer carpal tunnel and reclaim your comfort and productivity.
Muscle pain is a frequent ailment that can significantly disrupt your daily life. Those tight, tender areas in your muscles that seem to radiate pain to other body parts? They're known as trigger points or "muscle knots." Understanding these knots and how to unlock them can be the key to alleviating your discomfort and enhancing your overall well-being.
