Breath: An Untapped Tool in Fitness & Rehab
Our breath and breathing patterns play an imperative role in the regulation of our sympathetic (“fight or flight”) and our parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) nervous systems. Breath has both the ability to upregulate our system and downregulate our system when utilized effectively. We can train our breath to create more power with explosive movements, and we can also train it to promote relaxation and healing. It is an often overlooked tool in both fitness and in recovery.
Breathwork can be a key component to overcoming chronic pain and managing acute injuries. A key component to this is the lack of use of our diaphragm, one the of the main muscles of inspiration, and poor timing of inhalations and exhalations with movement. Oftentimes we overuse our “accessory” or secondary breathing muscles, and do not appropriately engage our diaphragm for optimal breathing. Many of these secondary muscles for inhalation are much smaller and are located in our necks and upper chest. When frequently overworked, this not only leads to decreased efficiency with our inhalations, but can cause chronic overuse of these smaller muscles leading to increased muscle tightness, strain, pain, and reduced motion in these areas. Does neck pain and tightness sound familiar to you?
And just like everything else, when we intentionally practice breathing patterns and coordinating them properly with movement, it eventually becomes habituated into our routine and no longer requires conscious effort. How great is that?! There has certainly been an increased awareness of the importance of breathing effectively with movement, and finding a provider who can incorporate this into your training and rehabilitation can be a key component in elevating your practice to a new level.
Have more questions about how physical therapy can incorporate breathwork and training? We would be happy to chat further about how Loon State Physical Therapy can be your teammate in getting you back to moving and feeling your best! Call us at (612) 405-8503 or book with us online at www.loonstatephysicaltherapy.com for an in-person or virtual appointment.
Take care!
Bailey Van Oosbree
Physical Therapist at Loon State Physical Therapy