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Areas of Greatest Stress By Sport
Running/Jogging:
Long distance: Hamstrings,
Quadriceps, Adductors, Gastrocnemius, Knees, Ankles, Plantar Fascia, Quadratus
Lumborum, Piriformis, Gluteals, Iliopsoas, Abdominals, Trapezius, Deltoids,
Teres Major, Teres Minor,
Distance running stresses
the joints because of the repetitive pounding and jarring of the hips,
knees, ankles and feet. The balance of the foot determines stress
areas. Pronation or supination can occur due to imbalances in the
hip and psoas.
Sprinters: Iliopsoas,
Gastrocnemius, Hamstrings, Piriformis, Quadratus Lumborum
Short bursts of speed require
strength with higher leg lift and faster cycles of leg turnover. Running
on the toes puts excess strain on the lower legs. Running one way on the
track around curves put strain on the inside hip and leg. Iliotibial bands
absorb stress. The balance of the foot is important.
Groin injuries and hamstring
injuries can occur during starts off the blocks.
Neck strain from excess
speed should be treated as needed.
Cycling: Low
back from constant flexion; neck - extensors, SCM ; shoulders- pectoralis,
trapezius, arms, wrists, hands from weight bearing on handle bars, quadriceps,
hamstrings, gluteals, gastrocnemius.
Watch for overuse of hamstrings
as they are in a constant shortened position.
Wrist strain may occur from
clenched fists and flexor contraction.
Weight Lifting:
Total body stress. Excessive abdominal exercises can lead to imbalances
in the psoas. Back problems may occur. Strains occur when improper
technique is used or lifting too much before they are strong enough.
One side is often weaker than the other which is reinforced with the lifting.
It is necessary to work all areas to build balance as injuries are usually
due to imbalances in the agonist/antagonist groups.
Skiing:
Cross-Country : Endurance
sport. abdominals, shoulders, arms, quadriceps
Downhill: The
body is in constant isometric contraction. quadriceps, iliotibial
bands
Rock Climbing: forearm
flexor and extensors, hand and wrist, quadriceps
Tennis/Raquetball/Handball:
Arm stress especially forearm is common. Elbow stress, Shoulder stress
- deltoids, trapezius lower fibers. Elbow and forearm stress are
usually from improper posture or technique.
Iliotibial bands are usually
overused with the side to side movements.
Baseball: Shoulder
alignment is important for throwing. The pectoral muscles, latissimus
dorsi and teres major are often affected. Quadriceps and Hamstrings
can become tight from quick starts running to base or fielding.
Basketball: Knees
affected with jumping and landing. Calves and achilles tendons are
strained with jumping. Hamstrings are often tight. Chest muscles
are overstreched as players hold arms up in air. Iliotibial bands
are stressed with all the running.
Soccer: Knee
strain can occur with twisting from running and kicking. Hips, groin,
leg, knees and ankles. Running with short bursts of speed and quick
stops cause strain.
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