As a mechanical wonder, the human body is an exceptional example of engineering.
We have the capabilities and resources to move multi-dimensionally, produce speed, power, and tremendous force, and do so with precision.
By definition, we call this process functional movement.
Like any other machine, everything performs smoothly and without issue when all works correctly and as it should.
However, over time and with enhanced levels of use, abuse, and lack of maintenance, the human movement machine is subject to fault.
When this happens, muscles can become over-developed/under-developed, joints can experience irregular wear, posture can be distorted, range of motion limited, and force production reduced.
The result of this occurrence is what is defined as a dysfunctional movement.
For example:
Below is an illustration of the basic musculature around the knee. As many of you know, knees can become quite a problem with age and occasionally need to be replaced. But why? Shouldn’t they last a lifetime?
The leading players that create movement in this joint are the quadriceps (thigh muscles) which extend/straighten the knee, hamstrings (back of the thigh) which flex/bend the knee; and gastrocs/soleus (calf muscles), which complete the movement of the lower half of the knee.
As with most all joints within the human body, the knee relies on push/pull (opposing forces) to move. Essentially, as one group of muscles is accelerating/producing force, the opposite muscles decelerate and provide joint stability.
When these opposing forces are equal, the joint moves as it should (functionally). However, should one group of muscles become over or under-developed, the opposing forces are no longer the same, and a condition for shear and torsion occurs.
If left uncorrected, the joint wears abnormally, becomes susceptible to inflammation, and eventually fails. In most cases, however, reaching this level of dysfunction is preventable.
Under most circumstances, the dysfunctional movement process is what leads to a majority of orthopedic issues, not a fault in our divine design or “old age”.
Returning to our example of the knee, a common culprit for abnormal wear comes from over-tight hamstrings.
These massive and powerful muscles on the back side of your thigh have the critical job of flexing (bending) your knee (among other hip-related functions). Under normal use circumstances, the hamstrings maintain a standard level of flexibility and trouble-free service.
However, situations that leave the knee flexed (bent) for prolonged periods, such as long bouts of sitting can create this tightness, ultimately becoming problematic. (I see this issue a lot in office workers, professional drivers, and retirees that become excessively sedentary)
Though this example is relevant to the knee, dysfunctional movement can adversely affect ANY of your primary movement resources (hips, shoulders, spine, wrists, and elbows are also commonly affected).
What can you do to prevent this type of issue?
The most effective process involves corrective exercise. Just as physical therapy provides assessment-based exercise programming to rehabilitate an affected area, a well-designed/evaluation-based fitness program can provide you with the same benefit.
The significant difference is that fitness programs are proactive (address issues before they become problems), less expensive, involve the whole body, and improve overall physical fitness.
Ultimately, a lifetime of functional movement is not automatic and is always delivered when expected. Everything from vocation to recreation can have both a positive and negative effect on your movement systems over time.
Because of this, it is better to approach your body much like any other machine and see the value in its preventative maintenance/upkeep as a top-level priority.
With a little planning, guidance, and effort you will be rewarded with a lifetime of functional movement that provides for the active enjoyment and the quality of life you have worked so hard for!
Joe Carson B.S. NASM-CPT/FAS/CN
Master Trainer/Functional Aging Specialist/Certified Nutritionist
Twenty-First Century Aging