Why is it necessary to receive conditioning from a massage therapist when there's no specific pain in the body? This seemingly simple question requires some explanation.
Understanding that performing at 100% capacity is impossible when there's no pain or discomfort in the body is crucial. For instance, even a highly skilled ballerina may not exhibit 100% movement due to a long-standing issue with the lower back, challenging even for a ballet teacher to discern. The dancer with an injury possesses techniques to dance without using the affected area, masking the problem.
However, deceptive movements place strain on the body, leading to significant issues over time. Such situations, akin to automatic defense mechanisms, often go unnoticed until substantial problems arise. Psychological factors, like fear of losing one's position if resting due to an injury, contribute to overlooking issues. In essence, even movements that seem successful on the surface cannot be 100% if the body isn't at its best; deception is ineffective.
The conditioning I provide, particularly for athletes, builds on years of rigorous experience, aiming to approach 100% condition to prevent injuries and enhance performance. Understanding patterns leading to injuries is vital for minimizing the risk.
Major injury causes include repetitive motions, accidents (collisions, falls), joint fatigue (tendons, ligaments), muscle fatigue, and cumulative impact from jumping or bouncing. To prevent injuries of types ① to ⑤, prioritizing flexibility is crucial. While strengthening specific muscles is an option, without flexibility, the underlying issues may remain unresolved.
Improving flexibility involves understanding one's own body structure, observing and moving according to the bones, joints, and muscle mechanisms. This comprehension significantly enhances the safety and efficiency of daily practice and training, empowering individuals to self-resolve issues—an approach embedded in the TAD method conveyed through TORJA columns.
Though the mention of anatomy may seem daunting, the practical approach is not as challenging as it may sound. Examining TORJA's back issues or revisiting relevant topics can be a starting point. Here's a basic approach you can do in front of a mirror, lying on your back, or focusing on joint movements.
By checking these aspects, one can accurately understand their conditioning. Conditioning isn't about advanced theories or machines; it's about mastering simple practices. Encouraging children to adopt proper conditioning from a young age is a key goal, dispelling the notion that children don't experience physical stress. Promoting this understanding can lead to happy, injury-free athletes and dancers concluding their careers on a positive note.