Why is abdominal strength so important with ankle pain, sprain, instability?

Many people would be surprised at just how interconnected our bodies are and how a misalignment or weakness in one area can affect another, seemingly unrelated, part of the body. If the primary source of the problem is left untreated, a domino effect can occur over time.

Your legs are chains of bones, muscles, tendons, and soft tissues. If the top of the chain becomes skewed, compensation will occur down the chain. If your pelvis is askew because your abdominal strength is insufficient, that will misalign the hip socket. If your thigh bone turns out to adapt to the deviation in pelvis orientation, that will alter how weight transfers through your heel into the floor.

These slight changes in your functioning add up, compound, and your abdominal strength (or lack of it) becomes the source of pain or injury in your ankle when it would seem the furthest thing from being the cause. That compensation pattern can set you up to roll your ankle or keep an injury (plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, posterior tibial tendonitis) from healing.

Your abs work in the three planes, just like your heel. By doing specific oblique activities, targeting the plane of motion that is deficient, you can speed healing and prevent injuries. We are here to help you get rid of the compensation patterns that are holding you back. Contact us to learn more or to schedule an appointment! 541-500-1779. ConnectedPhysicalTherapy.com