Proprioception refers to the body’s ability to sense movement within joints, muscles, soft tissue and throughout its kinetic chain. This ability enables us to know where our limbs are in space without having to look. It is important in all everyday movements but especially so in complicated sporting movements, where precise coordination is essential. This coordinated movement is a result of the normal functioning of the proprioceptive system.
The proprioceptive system is made up of receptor nerves that are positioned in the muscles, fascia, joints and ligaments around joints. The receptors can sense tension and stretch and pass this information to the brain where it is processed. The brain then responds by signalling to muscles to contract or relax in order to produce the desired movement. It is however influenced by many factors including nutrition, posture, and many other dysfunctions.
This system is subconscious, and we don’t have to think about the movements or the corrections to movement. Sometimes the reactions take place so fast they are termed reflexive. Following injury to joints and ligaments the receptors are also damaged, which means the information that is usually sent to the brain is impaired. This however is only part of the problem as dysfunctional feedback can be multifactorial. As a consequence the joint feels odd or just doesn’t feel right, the muscles are “weak” and the response is sub-optimal.
So, what are the benefits?
Proprioceptive ability can be restored quicker than previously thought. With a sound understanding and application, the improvement can compensate for the loss caused by injury and markedly decrease the chances of re-injury. Proprioception also helps speed an athlete’s return to competition following injury. This approach should be initiated in screening, and as soon as possible following injury to facilitate optimal performance.
Find out more about proprioceptive medicine in July’s Physiotherapy Club webinar with Hywel Griffiths, Consultant Physiotherapist at Cardiff City Football Club.
