Greetings!
Welcome to the November Newsletter! First, the Gray Institute Faculty would like to congratulate all of the 2010 GIFT Fellows on their successful completion of the Fellowship. Each year it is amazing to see the individual talents entering the program and then witness each person's talent flourish to new levels. It is more impressive than words can describe. Thank you to the class of 2010 for all your efforts and most importantly for your friendship. For those who may be interested in the 2011 GIFT class and would like to talk to a graduate about their experience, please contact Doug Gray at the institute so he can coordinate those efforts. The focus of this month's newsletter is on Hamstring Strains and how to prevent them! If you were recently watching a very famous east coast baseball team in the playoffs, you probably witnessed a famous 1st baseman strain his hamstring while running to first base. Even if you didn't witness it, you probably have heard of this common injury. Unfortunately, this will remain a common reoccurrence unless we start to understand that it is not the hamstrings fault. The hamstrings are just reacting to the environment in which they are placed. For an understanding on hamstrings, please join Gary Gray in this month's Practical Application section as he evaluates Doug Gray's hamstrings from a functional perspective. Enjoy! If you have any questions, concerns or comments please contact Lenny Parracino at lparracino@gmail.com. Thank you! |
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Practical Application
The primary function of the hamstrings was always thought to be that of flexing the knee. This was especially true in functional movements such as; walking, running, jumping, hopping, skipping, etc. However, when we begin to look at how forces create reactions within the body the "flexing" concept has been proven incorrect. While viewing the "evaluation" video, pay close attention as Gary Gray takes Doug Gray through movements that create hamstring reactions. When doing so, think of horseback riding and how the reins control or steer the horse. The reins come from a central position but then wrap around both left and right in a transverse plane manner. Once you have viewed the provided video clip, stand up and test yourself. Compare your right side to your left side. Remember, the test is the exercise and the exercise is the test. To learn more about the science, evaluation, training and conditioning, and research of the Hamstrings please view the DVD from the Functional Video Digest Series titled:
"HAMSTRINGS - Eccentrically Powerful."
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Questions and Answers
1. What should I be thinking about to do everything I can to prevent hamstring strains?
2. What is the authentic eccentric function of the hamstrings?
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