Functional Anatomy
Understanding anatomy is the first step in understanding
function. Why is it so important? The human body is this
incredible machine that relies on muscles to perform everything from
moving joints to breathing to seeing. Moving joints is how the
body moves from point A to point B. The nervous system within our
body relies on a large kinetic chain of muscles contracting and
relaxing to flex, extend and rotate joints. If you don't take the
time to understand the details of muscle function, you will never
understand the body's function.
Why is this so important?
Many times as clinicians we got caught up in all of the latest
modalities and tools, but at the end of the day, all we're trying to do
is restoring function in an injured athlete. And, if you are
looking to prevent injury, the key is finding dysfunction and restoring
it. Muscles which are inactive, overactive, or tight will
eventually cause tissue breakdown.
What is Functional Anatomy?
Anyone can look at a basic anatomy book or look at a simple muscle
function chart in an attempt to memorize what a muscle does. But,
there's more to understanding function than just memorizing the major
movement of the muscle. It's not hard to remember that the
Iliopsoas (hip flexor) flexes the hip.
But it isn't until you look at the details that you realize that it
also externally rotates the hip and the Psoas portion of the muscle can
assist in lumbar extension. This is because the Psoas originates
on the lumbar spine, moves anteriorly towards the front of the body
where it joins with the Iliacus and finally inserts on the lesser
trochantor of the femur.
So, if you are treating an athlete for low back pain and you aren't
looking at the Iliopsoas, you aren't adequately restoring their
function.
Understanding it is easier than you think
Muscle function is simple...when you know the origin and insertion of
each muscle. Spend your time brushing up on the start and end
points of each muscle, and you've got it! People get confused by
muscles, but at the end of the day, keep in mind that when a muscle
contracts, it simply shortens. When it relaxes, it will likely
lengthen (at least partially). So, if you know the exact start
and finish points for each muscle, you understand all of it's actions,
simply by understanding that muscle only shortens when it
contracts.
Major Muscle groups to focus your attention on:
- Hip Flexors
- Hamstrings
- Glutes
- Piriformis
- Abdomen and core
- Rotator Cuff
- Scapular Stabilizers
- Lower Leg and Calf
What's next?
So, you've reviewed your anatomy books and know the origins and
insertions of all of the major muscles. Now it's time to better
understand how these muscles work together.
Click here for more information on how
muscles work to create movement patterns.
Click here to learn about some of the most
important muscle interations affecting the body and it's movement
patterns.
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