When increasing range of movement caution is still needed

I just need to pass on another true life scenario involving a valued client plus a good mate. He has been working feverishly to bring his war torn sporting body back into good postural alignment. He is trying to prevent injury stopping his sporting activities and increase his cricketing playing days. He has made great progress and was just starting to set himself in his new found range of movement and alignment. Unfortunately his extra curriculum activities on top of his postural training has caused damage to one of his hip flexor muscles. Luckily it is classed as a minor injury and he will be back in the next week or two. Doesn't make him feel any better as he is still disappointed.

The reason I am passing on this story is not for you to feel sorry for him but to let you know of the potential dangers of this type of training. The benefits are massive in terms of increased range of movement, speed increases, agility benefits not to mention the injury prevention in the long term. But as I have stated in previous articles this type of training needs to be carried out in the off-season. And beware of other sports or activities carried out in conjunction. You need to be set and stable enough in your new found range of movements before any conditioning or fitness work is started. Potentially you could very well take muscles and joints into ranges of movement they haven't seen for a long time. Meaning they will lack the power and the stability at the end of it's range to stop; and possibly cause tears and strains or a range of other problems to appear.

Now is the time to complete this type of preparation for the upcoming season. Preseason is knocking on the door again and if not completed in the next month or two it will be too late. You would then be better off leaving it for next off season. Don't waste another year attack it now and feel the difference. Just remember to be safe!!!