A Sneaky Muscle Imbalance
My sports massage therapist Jacqui Sinclair pointed out I’ve a muscle imbalance in my back. Are you thinking this doesn’t apply to you? Guess again — it’s a sneaky muscle imbalance!
Although I use a well balanced strength and conditioning training programme, I failed to account for some innocuous postural activities.
In this video I explain why I think this sneaky little imbalance occurred, and just what I’ve done to rapidly address it!
And you can learn more about my sports massage therapist Jacqui Sinclair here >>
Video Summary
A Subtle but Serious Imbalance
During a recent sports massage with the amazing Jacqui Sinclair, she pointed out that the spinal erector muscles on the right side of my back were significantly weaker compared to the left. For a while, my back felt off – kinked, out of shape, and just not right. Every time I sat down, it was like my body was slightly tipping to one side. I wasn’t sure if it was my shoulders, my hips, or something else entirely. Turns out, it was smack dab in the middle of my spine.
Jacqui, understanding my Muay Thai background, wondered if this imbalance was due to my fighting stance. But the truth is, I hadn’t been doing much Thai boxing recently, focusing more on rehab and restoring my movement patterns. So, why was my back feeling so crooked?
Discovering the Culprit
Here’s where things clicked. Jacqui explained that my muscle imbalance wasn’t purely about strength but more about stability and structure. Being right-handed, I tend to pick up weights and handle loads with my right arm – even the light ones. What I didn’t realize was that this constant habit had me counterbalancing with the left side of my spine. It was like a cantilever effect, with my left side overcompensating for the repetitive load on the right.
A Simple Shift with Big Results
It’s only been a week since I started deliberately picking up objects with my left arm instead of my right, and the difference is already huge. Just by balancing the load in my daily tasks – things as simple as handing weights to clients – I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my posture and a dramatic reduction in the aches and tightness in my back.
The Lesson: Small Imbalances, Big Problems
Even when you think you’re balanced in your training, it’s the subtle, everyday movements that can sneak up on you. Think of it like “death by a thousand cuts” – each small, repetitive action can add up to serious muscle imbalances. It’s a reminder to be mindful of the small things, like how you carry weights around the gym, and to actively counterbalance them before they become bigger issues.
Actionable Takeaway
Start paying attention to those little habits in your daily routine. Are you always picking things up with the same hand? Do you feel slightly off-balance when you sit or stand? Take the time to address these minor imbalances now – trust me, it’ll save you from bigger problems down the road.
