Repetitive Stress Injuries – Why and How by Jeannette Quach

Repetitive Stress Injuries – Why and How?

A common question I receive after completing an assessment is “why did this happen to me?” or “why do these injuries occur? how did this happen to me?”. The answer is actually quite simple. Most injuries can be caused by 3 possible reasons:

1. Tight muscles

2. Muscle weakness

3. A combination of both tight muscles and muscle weakness

The disbelief on people’s faces allowed me to further explain that tight muscles can cause your bones to move into different positions which can cause more stress on to joints since it will change the mechanics of your movement. Chronic cases can lead to even further changes within the systems of your body!

A classic example is the dreaded patella-femoral pain syndrome also known as PFPS. This knee injury is usually brought on because of tight quadricep muscles and weak gluteus and hamstring muscles that cause the patella to ride up against the femoral bone and track poorly. Chronic cases can start to hinder other joints such as your ankles, hip and low back!

So when a therapist prescribes stretches and exercises post hands on treatment – do them! Your therapist is trying to save your injury and your wallet! I would say that is a win-win situation.

Contact Jeannette if you have any further questions!