One Step at a Time

pro·pri·o·cep·tion (prō’prē-ō-sěp’shən) noun. The unconscious perception of movement and spatial orientation arising from stimuli within the body itself.

What does that mean really?  It is the body’s ability to sense the relative position of the parts of the body.  We use proprioception training to build core strength which in turn strengthens and stabilizes the back.

Why is this important?  Building core strength and the protecting the back is key to preventing injuries.  It also aids in your everyday body movement. Think about going down the stairs or getting in and out of the car. You balance your body on one foot while the rest of your body swivels around. Without proprioception, you’d land flat on your face, or rear.  Many adults have poor balance (Don’t think so? Try standing on 1 leg with your eyes closed, arms to your side without flailing about). This really comes into effect as we age but balance is important at any age.  Proprioception can be affected by injuries to the back, abdomen or from any and all disorders that affect the nerves and muscles (no officer, I haven’t been drinking, I have disc bulge affecting my proprioception).

How often are you on one foot?  When we ask people this question they say never. However, you are on one foot every time you take a step across the room and each time you use the stairs.  We incorporate proprioception training into all of our physical therapy programs.  We want to help our patient’s bodies become as strong and balanced as possible to not only heal present injuries but to prevent future ones.