Proprioception
Wednesday, January 28th, 2009
Elephant working her proprioceptors.
Proprio–what?
Say it with me now. Pro Pree Oh Sep Shun.
Proprioception is a concept that will help you prevent sprained ankles, twisted knees, and strained backs. Whether you’re an athlete, working on your New Year’s Resolution to lose weight, or just walking the dog, proprioception is important to all of us trying to balance our way through the day.
Proprioceptors are the sensors in muscles that assist in balance, and inform your brain about body position and movement. When your proprioceptors are working right, you can maneuver through a grassy field without loss of balance. You can transfer from your sofa to your wheelchair. You can sit up in bed and turn on the light. Trouble is, balance is one of those things that if you don’t use it, you lose it. But can you get it back?
Proprioception training is an important part of sports injury rehabilitation, but it’s not just for athletes. It’s not even just for gym warriors. If you lift weights, do farm work, or simply wish to challenge your body, you can train your proprioceptors to function at a higher level. When you train your proprioceptors, you increase their ability to detect movement changes and so prevent spills, falls, or other accidents.
How to train your proprioceptors? Yoga is a good starting
- Rectangular Yoga Bolster from Bean Products
point. Beginning yoga helps to build general
awareness of your body, its location, its alignment. Simple weightlifting, whether in a standing or seated position is valuable as well–even if it’s only a 5-pound weight. You can work with a partner as well, who can help with lifting and lowering–or even catching–a medicine ball.
If you’re looking for something slightly more high tech and more challenging, you might try a balance board. It’s true that balance boards are used by skateboarders, surfers, snowboarders, and other athletes–but physical therapists use them in treatment of sports injuries, for stimulation of neural networks, and for child development. People also use ‘em because they’re fun.
The Chango R4 Model Balance Board
So while cardiovascular fitness and bone density are very important factors in one’s health, please don’t ignore good old balance. It’s something so many of us take for granted, yet use in so many different ways–until the day it leaves us.
For these and other fitness products, please visit Painreliever.com.