3 Things I Learned in 2011

It was kind of hard to do just a 3 part list, as I have learned a ton this past year through my formal physical therapy educations as well as reading on my own to stay caught up in the strength, conditioning, and nutrition fields. However, the following 3 things really stood out this past year.

1. In the case of persons with lateral patellar subluxation and patellofemoral pain kinetic MRI reveals significantly more lateral displacement with non-weight bearing verses weight bearing exercise. In addition during closed chain weight bearing movements MRI revealed that the patella doesn’t actually move, rather that the femur internally rotates on the patella.  The first thing I took out of this research is the importance of using weight-bearing or partial weight-bearing positions in positions to treat patients with PTFP and lateral subluxation to minimized patellar displacement and associated symptoms. Perhaps more importantly this research demonstrates the need to address the role of hip external rotators to maintain proper patellar alignment in closed chain activities. (Powers, 2003 JOSPT)

2. Breathing facilitates movement in the following ways:

•  Inhalation: thoracic extension/shoulder flexion/scapular elevation and glenohumeral internal rotation
•  Exhalation: thoracic flexion/shoulder extension/scapular depression/glenohumeral external rotation

Thus, when performing the preceding movements breathing should be used in conjunction to improve both quality and quantity of movement.

3. Don’t take the advice of our government when it comes down to nutrition and food intake recomendations .The obesity epidemic has dramatically rose since the year of 1980, which represented a major change in the dietary compositions of Americans. Americans began eating less fat, less red meat and dairy and ate more chicken, shortening, and soy oil. Coincidentally this was a year after the first “Dietary Guidelines for Americans” were produced.. Thanks food pyramid. For more charts and other interesting info about this trend check this out: file://localhost/. http/::www.ericcressey.com:healthy-food-options-why-you-should-never-take-nutrition-advice-from-your-government. Therefore in 2012 I’ll continue to have my daily dose of red meat, WHOLE eggs, real butter and full fat dairy products along with lots of fresh veggies and fruit of course.