The 1st Metatarsophalangeal Joint (MPJ) The 1st Metatarsophalangeal Joint (MPJ) is formed by the head of the first metatarsal and the base of the proximal phalanx. This hinge joint plays a crucial role in movements such as walking, running, and jumping by allowing sagittal plane progression. For optimal push-off during the gait cycle, the MPJ […]
Over 5,000 times a day, your feet adapt to the surfaces you walk on, absorbing impact energy and propelling you forward with each step. But what makes these movements possible? Pronation. What is Pronation? Pronation is a complex triplanar motion involving the rearfoot and midfoot joints, typically marked by the inward roll of the foot, […]
Ever wondered why a massage, acupuncture, foam rolling, or a chiropractic adjustment makes you feel better? The answers might surprise you—often, even therapists don’t fully understand the mechanisms at play. Worse, some rely on outdated or debunked explanations. Misconceptions in Popular Therapies Foam Rolling: Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t break adhesions or melt fascia. […]
X-rays can be hazardous if not managed properly. While useful for medical imaging, excessive exposure poses health risks. Protect yourself by limiting unnecessary X-ray use and following safety guidelines. Stay informed and stay safe. Radiation and Responsibility: Understanding the Risks The Impact of Radiation Exposure Radiation is dangerous, and with great power comes great responsibility. […]
The psoas is a fascinating muscle, crucial to our movement. Without it, walking would be impossible. It’s so essential that I always assess it in cases of musculoskeletal pain and poor athletic performance—even if you come in with pain in your little finger. That’s how vital the psoas is. Unfortunately, modern sedentary lifestyles often lead […]
Light therapy, or photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), is a medicinal use of light. The most popular particular kind of photobiomodulation treatment (PBMT) is called “cold” or low-level laser therapy (LLLT), however this is only a colloquial phrase.(1) The photobiomodulation song has several riffs, laser light being only one of them. For example, even tanning beds may […]
Ankle joint dorsiflexion is one of the most talked-about aspects when it comes to joint mobility and achieving optimal movement patterns. Many factors can contribute to restricted mobility in our clients, such as tight soleus and gastrocnemius muscles, heel-toe drop in shoes, flat feet, or high arches. The multitude of potential causes can sometimes feel […]
Hip joint internal rotation, sometimes referred to as medial rotation, involves the femur rotating within the hip joint toward the body’s midline. This movement also occurs when standing with a fixed lower limb while the pelvis rotates, such as when the left anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) shifts in front of the right, or vice […]
A New Era in Understanding the Human Body Our comprehension of the human body’s mechanics is on the brink of a revolutionary transformation. The traditional model, which posits that we have 600 muscles functioning through tendons over separate ligaments that restrict joint movement, has long been our best explanation. However, this model is now outdated, […]
Studies looking at muscle activation often rely on surface electromyography (sEMG) readings to determine muscle functionality. New technology, however, enables scientists to get a more accurate picture of muscle contractions. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) provides a better measurement of muscle activation by recording the T2 relaxation time of tissue water. Scientists from Australia used […]