I did KNOT know that! (What's Joint Proprioception?)

I’m your massage therapist because YOU know I care about you having a healthy, happy body!  Sometimes that means you need a nurturing, pampering massage to relax your mind and body…  Sometimes that means you need a deep tissue, sports massage to recover from injuries…  Although most traumatic injuries are accidents, you can modify many elements that can contribute to such injuries.  There are numerous things people do in just one day that put your body at risk of injury that they are completely unaware of doing. Some activities require so much focus that any concern for their body is entirely lost.  Clearly it’s easier to maintain health than to regain it.  Prevention is the key!  This monthly tip is meant to serve as a gentle reminder to be conscious of your body and prevent injuries and strain on the body. Enjoy!

What exactly is Joint Proprioception?

Proprioception is your body’s feedback mechanism.  It is the process by which the body can vary muscle contraction in immediate response to incoming information regarding external forces.  Proprioception doesn't come from any specific organ, but from the nervous system as a whole. Its input comes from sensory receptors distinct from tactile receptors — nerves from inside the body rather than on the surface. Proprioceptive ability can be trained, as can any motor activity.  After an injury to the knee, as well as osteoarthritis, poor proprioception causes a person’s response to an unexpected change in the surface to be impaired, which increases the chance of ankle sprains or even dangerous falls.  To worsen the situation, if the muscles in the anterior thigh (quadriceps) have been previously injured or are suffering from the effects of arthritis, the quads can further inhibit responsiveness.  

How do I improve my Joint Proprioception

?

Come on in for a massage! A massage increases blood flow and tissue temperature in the muscles, which increases the elasticity of the tissues involved.  Massage also increases neural stimulation to the active muscles, improving their responsiveness to unusual stresses.  

Muscular conditioning also improves joint proprioception, which works with muscles to react to balance changes and decrease 

your susceptibility to injury. 

Hmmm, anything I shouldn't do with decreased

Joint Proprioception?

• Do NOT wear shoes with an incorrect fit or that give weak support!

Shoes that don’t fit properly or do not give adequate support increase the instability of your ankle.  With each step you take there is a balancing act occurring.  The foot wobbles slightly side-to-side to find your center of balance.  A shoe that is properly fitted with good support decreases excessive movement and reduces the potential for ankle sprains and foot pain.  If you need a referral for a great orthopedic specialist I know just the guy!

• Do NOT walk or exercise on rocky or uneven surfaces.

If you have Joint Proprioception you want to avoid conditions that increase the likelihood of overtaxing you joints, putting you at risk of injury.

• Do NOT walk or exercise without a sufficient warm-up.

Since you probably won’t be getting a massage daily a good warm-up provides many of the same benefits shared above. Thus, by warming-up you will decrease the probability of straining a muscle or having a dangerous fall.