Spine Assessment - Joints independence before interdependence
Updated: Dec 7, 2022
by Monica Lita
My client @shakedatgraffytaffy, powerlifting and MMA athlete came in for a full body #functionalrangeassesment…the best initial approach an athlete should have before starting a strength mobility program for his specific sports. MMA and grappling in general is the kind of activity involving the whole body, all joints require specific prerequisites to cope with UNPREDICTABLE positions during the fighting.
It was interesting to observe a different kind of hinge points we are use to it…his spine prefers to flex/bending more at the level of T6-T8/T9 area and less above and below this area. The extension is presenting limited, less workspace around T6-T8.
Keeping in mind the architecture of the spine and the interconnection of the vertebral segments with their small joints and ligaments, it’s important to acknowledge that this thoracic spine “preference” need to be corrected with proper training inputs and planning.
Athletes, with their regular practice develop the ability to control, coordinate and feel their bodies in space…it will take short time for my client to correct this spine behavior and increase overall degrees of freedom, already 3 weeks into the program and differences have been noticed.
Pictures credit
https://www.anatomystandard.com
#spinemobility #mma #westhartfordct