Apply The Brakes

I remember when I was first learning to drive, my grandpa explained to me the difference between slamming on the brakes and applying them. The lesson was on how to avoid sliding across the icy road, but it also comes into play in my work with patients. All too often the slamming of the brakes is the technique employed when the slow application would be a more long-term strategy.

When we move, we not only have to create motion, but we must also stop motion from occurring. This is counterintuitive, but this is the way it works. In fact, this may be universal, but we won’t get there today. For one part of your body to move, another part must slow down or stop. The same principle applies to moving a barbell, you want the barbell to move, so you become rigid. The trouble arises when someone slams on the brakes in one location, and everything else keeps moving.

A sprained ankle is a good example. The foot stops moving in order for you to change direction and chase a ball let’s say, however the ankle keeps moving, eventually pushing ligaments beyond their capacity and causing a tear. Walking is another good example. When one foot hits the ground, it slows down, allowing the other foot to swing through the air. What happens when only a small part of the foot slows down? Usually, a small part of the knee also slows down, versus the whole knee. This pattern continues up the system, and over time a complaint arises from those small areas. The repeated stresses have accumulated enough to cause pain and require a change in strategy.

All of this adds up to slamming on the brakes. When we have sufficient time, and movement options, we can apply the brakes as we move and spread forces out across the body. Issues often arise when focal points of pressure develop, leading to pain or injury.

Austin Ulrich, Physical Therapist