Evolving Anatomy

The ability to adapt and evolve is one of our best characteristics in terms of survival. We readily change our bodies in response to our environment. This promotes greater fitness and increases the probability that we will thrive in an ever-changing world. This may also be the reason that we develop pain, seemingly out of nowhere.

A frequent conversation in physical therapy is the development of pain. We all develop habits; we continue with those habits if they are successful and typically think nothing of it. The onset of pain garners our attention and can require that we change our habits. Pain is a signal that something is not fully adapted for the situation at hand. That sensation is a protective mechanism to warn us that we may cause harm if we persist. As days go by we may not think about the habits we have formed, but every day up to the current one has led to the anatomical shape we experience in any given moment. In other words, that shape changes constantly. There may come a day when your shape does not fit with the activity you are looking to perform, even if that activity is habitual.

Each and every moment our body is adapting, it is changing with the environment in order to maximize our position within it. Previous habits affect future capabilities. This may be why an old exercise routine stops feeling good, it may be why we can no longer perform the activities we want to perform. The shape your body has undertaken is no longer a good fit for the environment.

Our evolving anatomy is incredible, it really is. The trait provides us with nearly infinite options with which to interact with the world. As time moves forward, that ability to evolve slows down and that may reduce our choices. Although it is difficult to let go of old habits, the signal that it is time to move on is an opportunity to try your hand at something new. Change may not be easy, but it is necessary.

Austin Ulrich, Physical Therapist