All Posts tagged core

Nick Rinard Physical Therapy “IS DIFFERENT!” Known for getting results!

By 22 Sep, 2022 Medical Advisory , , , ,

“This clinic is different than any other I have been too.

NRPT is a diamond in the rough.

With such a focus on repairing the derangement of my spine, I was able to make real improvements in my core strength without further damaging my spine.

I can’t imagine seeing any other office for any future concerns.

Thank you so much for your help!”

Elyse

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Get the correct diagnosis at Nick Rinard Physical Therapy.

By 31 Aug, 2022 Clinical Case of the Week , , , , , , , ,

Sometimes knee pain is actually a back problem! Nick Rinard Physical Therapy makes sure to get the correct diagnosis every time!

“I had continuing knee problems and had seen other physical therapists.

This felt like my last efforts to resolves issues if I could.

With Katie’s awesome attention and care, she weeded through my knee problems and determined it might be a back issue, based on one of our conversations.

Our plans switched to restoring my back and core.

As a result, knee issues decreased!! I am back to running longer distances with no knee issues!

I have the tools/exercises to continue strengthening!

(Teagan was also an amazing student intern – loved that Nick and Katie took her on and helped her hone her skills. She took everything on very well.)”

Jennifer

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Core Stability

By 02 Jul, 2014 Physical Therapy Tips , , , , , , , , ,

Core Stability : Definition

Core stability is a base or platform of musculoskeletal strength that results in control of the trunk and allows optimal performance of limb activity.

Deficits in core stability are found with people who have low back, knee or hip pain. It is important to know which muscles need to be targeted and when the right time to introduce strengthening should occur.  Core strengthening should not be performed through pain in the lumbar spine.

Factors for core stability:

  • Strength
  • Endurance
  • Proprioceptive awareness (sense of self in space when moving)
  • Neuromuscular control

Possible core muscles that may need targeting:

  • Transverse Abdominus (deep abdominals)
  • Internal and External Obliques
  • Lumbar Multifidus (spine muscles)
  • Quadratus Labroum
  • Rectus Femoris (one of the quadriceps muscles)
  • Gluteus Maximus
  • Gluteus Medius (hip and pelvis stabilizer)

 

Different muscles produce different torques on the pelvis which then produces either flexion or extension of the lumbar spine.  Therefore, it is always important to consider a person’s directional preference while targeting the correct muscles that should either be strengthened or stretched.

Which muscles are the most important?

  • None and all of them!
    • No one muscle contributed more than 30% of the overall stability of the lumbar spine. Stability is dependent on all muscles
    • The contributions of each muscle continually change throughout a task
    • Need to train the muscles in multiple planes of movement to be more functional
    • Don’t just strengthen abdominals: target the entire core!

Role of trunk muscles in stabilization

  • Deep abdominals and lumbar multifidus activate prior to limb movement.  This is reversed in people with Lower Back Pain (LBP).
  • Athletes who experience an injury tend to have lower core stability measure than those who did not.
  • Don’t just focus on strength. DO focus on recruitment and endurance as well.  Need all 3 to work!

A Time and a Place

It is important to remember that core strengthening is not the best treatment for low back pain.  Research continues to grow in support of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy and the utilization of the directional preference. However there is a time and place for core strengthening. A trained physical therapist can guide you through the necessary steps in order to decrease your pain and improve your life!

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