There is no escaping gravity, in fact it is the one
constant thing that never changes on this earth! It doesn't matter
if you sit, stand, walk, run, play sport or are sedentary .... It is a constant
9.8m/s2 and it does not have favorites. In the world of gravity we are all equal to its pulling
effects. If it weren't for gravity we wouldn't be grounded -- we
would be free floating heavenly bodies--- no we are not fallen angels!!
Dr. Carolyn Richardson from Queensland Australia is one
of the pioneers in research of gravity and the muscular system. She and her
team have been well published as her research is scientific and sound. She has
coined the term GRMC or Gravity Related Medical Conditions.... You can read
more in her book at www.gravityfit.com. I've been a fan of her research for over 15 years and it
has served as a keystone in my clinical practice in NYC. As you know I am in
the business of pain and gravity keeps me very busy!
Then why do I hurt and others don't --- if you are thinking this then you
must read on to get an inside view on
pain. I say these two things to every patient of mine "If YOU don't
have a good relationship with gravity your body will breakdown" and "Better the relationship, the better the quality of life".
Let me explain!
Gravity has a pulling effect on you and if your muscles
don't respond to that pull you will fall flat to the ground. To avoid that, your
muscles offer gravity a counter pull via core muscles and anti-gravity muscles
to keep you upright.
Balance of reaction forces between gravity and muscles = all well.
Imbalance = all hell
It's that simple Really.
Our "jungle life" allowed us to closely interact with gravity
as we climbed, rolled, stood, walked, and jumped --- all things that tone activate
rejuvenate the core and anti-gravity system. It uses our sensory tactile system
to send messages to our body to perform and thrive. Our "urban life" causes us to
sit and the static predictable nature of a computer screen desensitized our sensory system to movement. Yes we
don't move for over eight hours a day and counting.
In the same way we recharge our cell phones every night for
using it during the day..... prolonged sitting posture discharges sensory
awareness when sitting at a computer. Yes sitting reduces tone in the core and anti-gravity
muscles --- making your body use phasic muscles to do the job which leads to
breakdown and eventually pain.
We were meant to move; not sit for prolonged periods of
time. If we don't move often or are not aware of how we sit --- breakdown
happens within the gravity relationship causing pain.
To avoid GRMCs
finding a balance between all the static postures and constant movement is
optimal and important. It can be taught and learnt just like any other skill be
it a language, cooking or art.
I can do that! Come to Duffy & Bracken and let me reacquaint you with Gravity!
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| Renuka Pinto, MPT, PGDR, CSCS, CES Duffy & Bracken Physical Therapy Director renuka@duffyandbracken.com |
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