Forum Replies Created

Viewing 3 posts - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • 10/16/2013 at 6:52 pm in reply to: Loss of grip strength in left forearm #73000
    AvatarThomas Seay
    Participant

    Travis,

    The brachial plexus (the bundle of nerves that supplies the arm, forearm, and hand) travels between the anterior and middle scalenes before diving under the clavicle and heading to the axilla (armpit) and into the arm. These nerves can be compressed at several places along their course including the areas where they pass through the scalenes and where they pass under the pectoralis minor. An elevated 1st rib or accessory (extra) rib can also cause compression of these nerves. The condition is known as thoracic outlet syndrome and it should be relatively easy for you to find more information about this online. Please note that there are a great number of other conditions that can cause a loss of grip strength and not all of them are muscular or myofascial. If your symptoms are worsening despite your efforts, it may be time to find a qualified physician or physical therapist (preferably one with some knowledge of strength and conditioning and who understands your training goals)
    Brian Bochette, PT, CSCS
    08/24/2013 at 6:50 pm in reply to: Shins vertical issue #72651
    AvatarThomas Seay
    Participant

    Mike,

    Emphasizing vertical tibias during the squat requires less knee flexion and greater angles of hip flexion. In any heavy barbell lift, the bar must stay centered over the mid foot. As you attempt to pull your shins into a vertical position your knees move back. In order to keep the mass of the barbell centered over your feet, you must adjust the mass forward either by flexing more at the hips (resulting in a greater forward lean of the torso) or by shooting the hips forward and up, bringing the entire system slightly forward. Either way, vertical shins are going to result in greater torque at the hip and a less vertical torso. This leaves you with two options: work on hip flexion ROM and practice the motor pattern to create a back squat with a more horizontal torso or widen your stance. Widening your stance decreases the distance (from front to back) between your hips and feet and allows you to perform the lift with your torso a little more vertical. My advice would be to perform some of the hip flexion mobilizations on this site, and prioritize vertical shins from the beginning of the lift (it’s very difficult to recapture position after it is lost), and experiment with the width of your stance.
    -Brian
    07/19/2013 at 11:07 pm in reply to: Very complex problem with squat pattern…..this will put a lot of people to the test!!! #72476
    AvatarThomas Seay
    Participant

    Chris,

    Dr. McGill has also talked about hip architecture as it relates to the squat. In short, the structure and orientation of the acetabulum (hip socket) has been shown to vary among individuals and this means that no one squatting style is optimal for everyone. Continue to work on your mobility issues, but realize that some individuals simply need a wider stance than others. As for the pinching in your hip, this can be a symptoms of femoral acetabular impingement. I was about to write a summary of this condition, but then I remembered that Dan Pope has already done a good job of this on his blog. The link is below.
  • Author
    Posts
Viewing 3 posts - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)