s4/e/22 How Mobility Can Help Chronic Injury & Improve Running Performance
Jun 20, 2024
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Dr. Matt Silver, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, discusses the science of mobility and tissue quality for running. Topics include key areas for performance, when to stretch vs strengthen, and the surprising importance of big toe mobility. Learn about using lacrosse balls and foam rollers for better mobility!
Hip extension and ankle dorsiflexion are crucial for optimal running mechanics, thoracic mobility is vital for running form, stretching post-run improves tissue length and muscle function.
Deep dives
Importance of Hip Extension and Ankle Dorsiflexion for Runners
Hip extension and ankle dorsiflexion are critical for optimal running mechanics. Hip extension allows the leg to move behind the body, aiding in a powerful push-off, while ankle dorsiflexion, or knee over toe motion, helps maintain stability in mid stance. Limited mobility in these areas can lead to compensations, affecting performance and increasing injury risk.
Significance of Thoracic Mobility in Running Form
Thoracic mobility, particularly in the middle back region, plays a vital role in running form and efficiency. A mobile thoracic spine allows for proper rotation and counter rotation, essential for optimal movement patterns. Stiffness in this area can lead to compensations and impact overall performance and comfort while running.
Understanding the Role of Stretching in Addressing Tightness and Weakness
Stretching is key for addressing muscle tightness and improving tissue length for runners. It is essential to stretch post-run with longer durations (around 2-3 minutes) to induce changes in tissue length effectively. Stretching helps maintain suppleness in muscles while also improving overall strength and performance through optimal muscle function.
Benefits of Combining Mobility Work with Strength Training
Engaging in mobility work like static stretching followed by tissue glide and fiber directionality improvements can enhance muscle lengthening efforts. Combining static stretching routines with foam rolling or lacrosse ball techniques can promote tissue quality and provide a dynamic duo of strength training and mobility work, ensuring strength in mobility for runners.
Significance of Big Toe Mobility for Runners
Big toe mobility plays a crucial role in running mechanics, with extension aiding in foot stability and propulsion. Limited big toe extension can impact calf and Achilles flexibility, hindering push-off power and foot stability. Enhancing big toe mobility through exercises like resistance band mobilizations can improve foot arch support and optimize running performance.
Is MOBILITY the secret sauce to your running?? In this episode, Dr. Matt Silver, DPT (@alphaprojectphyzio) dive into the science of mobility and tissue quality! We talk about how hip extension, ankle dorsiflexion, and thoracic mobility are KEY for not only performance but long-term running success, talk about tightness - when you need to stretch vs strengthen - AND learn the surprising importance of big toe mobility for that perfect push-off! Plus, Dr. Matt teaches how to use those lacrosse balls and foam rollers properly!
GUEST BIO:
Dr. Matt Silver is a sports physical therapist, running coach, and running form analyst. He founded Alpha Project Phyzio & Performance, where he shares his innovative approach to helping distance runners, marathoners, ultra runners, CrossFitters, athletes, and coaches run better, with less pain, and reach their running goals. He works alongside his wife, Veronica, who is a pelvic floor physical therapist.