Posts Tagged ‘muscle groups’

Benefits of Plyometric Training

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009

Plyometrics is the name for a type of exercise that is designed to increase intensity or explosive power in certain muscle groups. This kind of training is used to increase the power of a boxer’s punch or the force of a basketball player’s jump. Plyometric training is different from traditional strength training exercise because it is performed quickly and explosively. It increases muscle power by capitalizing on the lengthening and the shortening of the muscle cycles. This kind of training usually starts with a rapid stretch of a muscle or eccentric phase followed by a rapid shortening of the same muscle or the concentric phase. Burpies, clap push ups, jumping ropes, and jumping jacks are types of plyometric exercises.

Several studies suggest that plyometrics can greatly improve athletic performance in terms of vertical jumps, long jumps, sprinting, cycling, basketball, kickboxing, and many more. It appears that even one or two types of plyometric training completed one to three times a week may improve motor performance within six to 12 week. In addition to this, three sets of 10 plyometric push ups may also increase upper body strength.

Despite the benefits of plyometric training, many fitness specialists are often cautious in recommending this kind of fitness regimen because of the high risk of injury. However, the development of injury can be reduced by performing warm-ups and following safety precautions. Landing from toes to heel from a vertical jump, avoiding cement surfaces, and using well-cushioned footwear are important things that should be remembered while engaging in plyometrics. Because of the injuries that can be developed in this kind of training, individuals who want to engage in it are advised to work with a physical fitness trainer.

However, developing injuries during training sessions and other physical activities are a common occurrence. Individuals who encounter this kind of circumstance can consult doctors for possible treatments. Rest, ice, and compression are some of the remedies that can be used to treat minor injuries. Physical therapy and the use of pain-relief may also be done to treat pain that may be associated with sports injuries. One of the pain relievers that has gained the approval of health professionals is Tramadol, a synthetic pain reliever that is scientifically proven to treat various kinds of pain. Tramadol side effects are milder compared to other pain relieving drugs out in the market. These side effects may include nausea, constipation, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, and vomiting. Individuals who encounter injuries should not self-medicate and consult their doctors before taking this medicine or engaging in other activities. Though Tramadol side effects are mild and bearable, this drug is not intended for everybody and may not be used by individuals with certain health conditions and medical history. This drug may also interact with other drugs which may lead to development of more unwanted side effects.

The development of injuries and pain that is associated in it can be lessened if people who engage in physical activities do them properly and cautiously. The health benefits of an active lifestyle can only be achieved if exercises are done properly and moderately.

What Is Physical Therapy

Sunday, October 18th, 2009

What is physical therapy? If this is a question that bothers you, read this little article to find out about it. This health care specialty deals with the disorders of the muscular and skeletal systems which interfere with and impede normal movements. In this specialty, therapists diagnose, evaluate and treat the disorders of the two systems mentioned above, in order to enable each and every patient to move freely again. To reach this goal, specialists use different approaches such as massages, physical exercise, electricity, heat, cold, etc. The techniques used in treating the patients obviously differ from patient to patient, depending on the type of disorder in question. There are different approaches and techniques in physical therapy. The sensory integration approach and occupational therapy are just two of them.

What is physical therapy? It is necessary to get into more detail if you want to get a real, comprehensive picture of what physical therapy is. The main interest of physical therapy is represented by gross motor skills, that is walking, climbing stairs, kicking, and jumping. It is so because these are the basic movements which, when impeded, affect daily routine. Gross motor movements are those which involve a large number of muscle groups and they are normally broader and more energetic than fine motor movements. In the case of children, when a therapist assesses the child s/he may look at the following: the flexibility and strength of the child, the way the child runs and walks. Then the therapist will be able to spot potential and existing problems. S/he may need to discuss with other medical, psychiatric and school personnel about an individualized education plan, and then will provide appropriate instructions for exercising at home. It is obviously the therapist who will decide when it is OK to return to sports.

What is physical therapy? If you want to put it in a different way, you can say physical therapy is “the science of healing and the art of caring” because within this specialty you are helped to move and function again and at the same time you have the advantage of maintaining your health and general fitness. In many situations, patients are sent to the physical therapist instead of surgeon, as the former is able through various techniques to manage a wide variety of conditions, in a non-invasive way. Physical therapy can make a difference for people suffering from orthopedic conditions such as osteoporosis or back pain, soft tissue and joint injuries, fractures, dislocations, connective tissue injuries cardiopulmonary and circulatory conditions, workplace injuries, stress disorders and injuries produced during sports activities are just some of the situations in which physical therapy has a say.