August 26, 2024
It was once proposed that chiropractic care increased muscle strength by reducing weakness, secondary to pain. This theory has since been proven true.
Since then, research has also shown that after a chiropractic adjustment, even those without pain get gains in muscle strength!
Potential Impact of Low Muscle Tone:
Infants:
A baby with low muscle tone can have the following problems:
- Difficulty breastfeeding due to:
- Poor / weak latch
- Falling asleep before finished feeding
- Taking forever to feed or frequent ‘snacking feeds’ (feeding all day)
- Poor "tummy time" endurance
- Delayed milestones of development
- Open mouth breathing / snoring
Toddlers:
- Feet rolling in and knocked knees
- Clumsy (more than a usual toddler)
Teenagers and Adults:
- Performance: If you’re an athlete you’ll want your muscles to be getting full voltage of power for optimal performance.
- Posture: poor connection between your brain and body leads to poor posture
Seniors:
- Poor balance and increased risk of falls
- Sarcopenia (a decline in muscle mass, strength, and function)
- Risk of fractures and other serious injuries
- Trouble with walking, getting up out of a chair, or climbing stairs.
- In addition to making everyday tasks difficult, mobility limitations are also linked to higher rates of falls, chronic disease, nursing home admission, and premature mortality.
The Importance of Good Muscle Tone at Different Ages
Good muscle tone is vital at every stage of life. As we age, preserving muscle tone becomes crucial for mobility, balance, and independence, helping to prevent falls and chronic conditions associated with muscle loss. Chiropractic can be part of your toolkit in preserving and improving muscle tone.
Other Ways to Improve Muscle Tone:
Strength Training: Incorporate weightlifting, resistance band exercises, and bodyweight exercises like push-ups and squats. Check out CrossFit Loaded if you are in the Morphett Vale area.
Cardiovascular Exercise: Engage in activities like running, cycling, and swimming to improve overall fitness and muscle endurance.
Yoga and Pilates: These practices enhance core strength, flexibility, and muscle tone through controlled, low-impact movements.
Balanced Diet: Consume a diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals to support muscle repair and growth.
Adequate Rest: Ensure sufficient sleep and rest days between workouts to allow muscles to recover and strengthen.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep muscles hydrated and functioning properly.
Ensure you consult a qualified health professional if you have concerns about you or your child's muscle tone.
**The information contained in this article is general information. Ensure you seek personalised advice from a qualified professional.
REFERENCES:
Ngai Lo C, Ng J, Kin Au C, Choon Wyn Lim E (2019), “The Effectiveness of Spinal Manipulation in Increasing Muscle Strength in Healthy Individuals: a Systemic Review and Meta- Analysis,” The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Vol. 42, No. 2, DOI: https://doi.org/10/1016/j.jmpt.2018.10.003
Cleland J, Selleck B, Stowell T, Browne L, Alberini S, St. Cyr, H and Caron T (2004), “Short-term effects of thoracic manipulation on lower trapezius muscle strength,” Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, Vol. 12, Iss. 2, 2004, pp. 82-90, https://www.scopus.com/record/display.uri?eid=2-s2.0-3042815955&origin=inward&txGid=723d30c20760eb0cc25075362b69e9ec
Grindstaff T, Hertel J Beazell J, Magrum E, Intersoll C (2008), “Effects of lumbopelvic joint manipulation on quadriceps activation and strength in healthy individuals,” Journal Manual Therapy, Vol. 14. Iss. 4, August 2009, pp. 415-420, DOI: https://doi.org/j.math.2008.06.005
Sanders G, Nitz A, Abel M, Brock Symons T, Shapiro R, Black W, Yates J (2015), “Effects of Lumbosacral Manipulation on Isokinetic Strength of the Knee Extensors and Flexors in Healthy Subjects: A Randomized, Controlled, Single-Blind Crossover Trial,” Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, (2015), 14, pp. 240-248
Haavik H, Niazi IK, Jochumsen M, Sherwin D, Flavel S, Türker KS. (2017) Impact of spinal manipulation on cortical drive to upper and lower limb muscles. Brain Sciences. In Press Haavik H, Ozyurt M, Niazi I, Holt K, Nedergaard R, Yilmaz G, Turker K (2018), “Chiropractic Manipulation Increases Maximal Bite Force in Healthy Individuals,” Brian Sciences, 2018, 8, 76; doi:10.3390/brainsci8050076
Haavik, H.; Niazi, I.K.; Jochumsen, M.; Sherwin, D.; Flavel, S.; Türker, K.S. Impact of spinal manipulation on cortical drive to upper and lower limb muscles. Brain Sci. 2017, 7, 2 Christiansen, T.; Niazi, I.; Holt, K.; Nederggard, R.; Duehr, J.; Schlupp, V.; Marshal, P.; Türker, K.S.; Hartvigsen, J.; Haavik, H. The effects of a single session of spinal manipulation on strength and cortical drive in athletes Niazi, I.; Türker, K.S.; Flavel, S.; Kinget, M.; Duehr, J.; Haavik, H. Changes in h-reflex and v waves following spinal manipulation. Exp. Brain Res. 2015, 233, 1165–1173. Haavik H, Murphy B (2007), “Cervical spine manipulation alters sensorimotor integration: a somatosensory evoked potential study,” Clin Neurophysiol. 2007 Feb:118(2):391-402 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17137836 Retrieved 8 May 2018
Lelic D, Niazi IK, Holt K, Jochumsen M, Dremstrup K, Yielder P, Murphy B, Drewes AM, Haavik H (2016), “Manipulation of Dysfunctional Spinal Joints Affects Sensorimotor Integration in the Prefrontal Cortex: A Brain Source Localization Study,” Neural Plast. 2016; 2016:3704964. doi: 10.1155/2016/3704964, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27047694 retrieved 8 May 2018
https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/how-can-strength-training-build-healthier-bodies-we-age
