Most of have heard the childhood song that goes ”The foot bone is connected to the ankle bone, the ankle bone is connected to the shin bone, the shin bone is connected to the knee bone etc.” This simple children’s song describes the Kinetic Chain which is the key to Athletic Performance.
When an athlete runs the force going into his foot is 3-4 times their bodyweight per foot strike. If the athlete has a misaligned talus in the ankle due to an inversion ankle sprain this will decrease their active dorsiflexion 1 to 3 inches, and this will lower their power production from that side of their body by 15-40%.
A trained Sport’s Chiropractor (C.C.E.P., C.C.S.P.) can locate this biomechanical problem and correct it in a few adjustments allowing the athlete return to full range of motion and power. Most Chiropractors in Utah can adjust an ankle, but it takes someone who has additional training to locate the subluxated ankle, provide pain relief in Salt Lake City, and correct the problem.
There are several different injuries and scenarios that can affect the Kinetic Chain. Let’s look at a few different examples. A common misalignment of the Tibia or lower leg is a Posterior Tibial subluxation. This is caused by a force that is driving the lower leg back or in a posterior direction. This is common in Soccer, Martial Arts and Football. When the Tibia misaligns backwards it inhibits the Popliteus muscle behind the knee. The Popliteus muscle controls the first 20 degrees of knee flexion and this is a secondary shock absorber during running and jumping. Once again the trained Sport’s Chiropractor in Utah can locate this lower extremity subluxation, adjust the leg and restore normal biomechanics allowing the athlete to regain full strength and power.
Going a little further up the Kinetic Chain and will look at the Pelvis and Lumbar region. The Gluteus Maximus is the primary hip extensor and is the biggest and strongest muscle of the body.
Misaligned or subluxated L5 lumbar vertebrae can inhibit this powerful Hip Extensor and reduce its power by 10-50% depending on the health and condition of the Disc and a few other factors. The Chiropractor is the only trained and Licensed Professional who can adjust this area allowing full motion and power to return. Athletes acknowledge the efficacy of Chiropractors and their ability to provide pain relief in Salt Lake City. This is why most Professional and Olympic Athletes use Sports Chiropractors as part of their Performance Team.
By David Bailey D.C.,C.C.E.P.,C.S.C.S.
