What is Reciprocal Inhibition? And how it fixes your pains and aches!

The definition in WikiPedia is the following:

Reciprocal inhibition describes the process of muscles on one side of a joint relaxing to accommodate contraction on the other side of that joint. Joints are controlled by two opposing sets of muscles, extensors and flexors, which must work in synchrony for smooth movement.

the example below is the knee joint flexing and extending

Well, reciprocal inhibition is used by physical therapists, occupational therapists, personal trainers and fitness professionals to rebalance the body into a tolerable posture.
Because we move a certain way, and repeat movement everyday (or non movement aka sedentary life style) we develop what is called imbalance and asymmetries.
Imbalances are realistically and simply a contraction of one or one group of muscles for a long period of time while the opposite muscle or group of muscles relax.
In the case of sitting the muscles in the front of your leg stretch, while the muscles of the back of your leg contract. (GIF ABOVE)
Imbalance and Asymmetries can be the cause of many problems. Like in the picture below:
Fig.1

We develop pelvic tilts because our hips are too loose or too tight, because our glutes are too loose or too tight...
Looking at Figure 1 we can identify that there is no neutrality in the lumbar spine (Lower back the second and third side view) and overtime this type of posture put a strain on the vertebrae of this particular area and might cause lower back pain.

fig.2

A good trainer or physical therapist will be able to identify this type of imbalance, and will have the obligation to make you correct the imbalance, before taking you to a performance level.

Another example of common imbalance is the rounded upper back and shoulders with head forward.

looks familiar?

This repeated posture (usually sitting at a desk while looking at a screen) will cause a lot of oxygen intake problems as your rib cage and your diaphragm can't expand freely to fill your lungs with air. 51% of cancer cells develop by the lack of oxygen in the body 51%!!!
Source:
http://www.cancerfightingstrategies.com/oxygen-and-cancer.html
Problem caused by the "Slouched posture"

STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE EXERCISES THAT WILL HELP YOU FIX YOUR IMBALANCES AND HELP WITH YOUR POSTURE!

Thank you for reading! Practice this at the gym or at home and let me know how you feel!

If you have any questions please comment below

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Chris Joly Fitness

Chris Joly Certified Personal Trainer (NASM) & Functional Movement Coach (FMS Lvel 1 & 2)