Motor Control

A current topic of interest, neuromuscular control has been the focus of extensive research in recent years by leading physiotherapy researchers (Gibbons, Sahrmann, Watson, Lee, Cook). This field of physiotherapy focuses on the activation of the different muscles required to maintain the integrity and stability of the body’s joints during movement. This stability helps minimize the mechanical stress placed on the body’s structures.

Our joints remain stable during movement thanks to passive structures (ligaments, bones, capsules) and active structures (stabilizing muscles and mobilizing muscles). Following a direct trauma or repeated microtrauma caused by movement or postural dysfunction, some passive structures may become damaged and no longer fulfill their stabilizing role. This can make the joint hypermobile and/or unstable. To restore stability and prevent recurring injuries, targeted neuromuscular training is required to strengthen the stabilizing muscles of the joint through specific exercises taught by your physiotherapist at Évolution.

This treatment approach addresses several joints and the injuries commonly associated with them:

• Neck: torticollis, sprain, osteoarthritis, disc herniation, headaches
• Shoulder: tendinopathy, bursitis, impingement, instability
• Elbow and hand: tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, De Quervain’s tendinopathy
• Back: sciatica, sprain, osteoarthritis, disc herniation
• Hip: iliotibial band syndrome, tendinopathy, bursitis, femoroacetabular impingement
• Knee: patellofemoral syndrome, patellar or pes anserinus tendinopathy
• Ankle and foot: plantar fasciitis, shin splints, Achilles tendinopathy

There are several ways to perform the same movement, which allows it to be adapted to different situations in daily life. The brain and other components of the central nervous system send the necessary commands to the muscles to produce optimal movement—this is what is referred to as neuromuscular control. Like an orchestra, each muscle plays its role in harmony under the direction of the conductor, the central nervous system, to produce smooth and efficient movement.

However, in injured individuals, the role of certain muscles may become altered. This leads to what is known as movement dysfunction, which can create excessive stress on certain structures, with or without pain. The causes of these alterations may include joint restrictions, muscle tone abnormalities, sensorimotor deficits, trauma, weakness or muscle imbalances.

At Évolution, our physiotherapists assess movement patterns and identify dysfunctions that guide treatment in order to correct the issues causing pain. They will also provide exercises adapted to your activities, develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs, and support your rehabilitation through additional interventions such as manual therapy and other modalities (neuro-proprioceptive taping, electrotherapy, ultrasound).

Please feel free to contact us for more information.