Definitions of common words or phrases we use in Sports Rehab & Performance Training
It takes 4 years of undergrad and 3 years of graduate school to become a physical therapist. A lot is picked up along the way but sometimes we forget to explain what we are talking about to patients and we commonly use phrases or words that are not as common as we think. Here are some common words we use for our job, their definitions, and applications.
Types of Muscle Contractions
Concentric:
Muscle tension which is developed when the muscle fibers are shortening.
Eccentric:
Muscle tension when the muscle fibers are lengthening.
Isometric:
Muscle tension when the muscle fibers maintain a static length.
The combination of all three types of muscle contractions during a plyometric exercise.
Countermovement:
Creating an eccentric phase during a hop, jump, or throw.
Non Countermovement:
Eliminates the eccentric phase of the movement and is concentric only.
Stretch Shortened Cycle:
The concentric contraction preceded immediately by an eccentric contraction that allows the elastic component of the tissue to release during the concentric phase producing more force.
SAID Principle:
This acronym stands for “Specific Adaptations to Imposed Demands”.
In more simple terms, this principle basically states that in order to get better at something, you must practice it. If you wish to be better at biking, box jumps are probably not the best training stimulus. Biking, at least to some degree, is a great choice!
Obviously cross training is good and there are many benefits to doing it, but refusing to use the bike as the primary means of training would be silly if that is the ultimate goal.
Cross Training:
Training in different movements than commonly found in the patients daily routine including challenging different energy systems, contraction types, and other modifications that can be made to make someone more well rounded as an individual.
This often is overlooked and is a key concept in preventing injuries. Cross training is particularly important with single sport athletes who are more likely to develop overuse injuries.
These are common words or phrases that are used in our clinic that people have shared interest in knowing more about.
If you have questions on other commonly used words or phrases we use, drop us a comment and we will make a short video explanation for you. We love what we do and we love hearing from you!
