If you've been to the gym recently, you may have noticed the latest trend in fitness -resistance bands. But is it just a trend? Today we are going to assess and evaluate the functional applications of Breathe Physio and Pilate's latest product, PTP Resistance Bands.
What are PTP Resistance Bands?
PTP Resistance bands are a simple yet effective way to engage your muscles and see functional results without spending money on expensive gym equipment. As suggested by their name, they are bands which apply resistance to muscle force when placed under stretch (tension). This resistance causes muscles to contract in order to produce a force sufficient to overcome the elastic nature of the bands, providing an effective stimulus to increase muscle strength, endurance and power.
How can they help me?
PTP Bands vary in resistance and length. As a result, they are suitable for all age groups and desired outcomes. When tailored with the appropriate exercise guidelines - prescribed by one of our expert physiotherapists - they are perfect for developing your desired muscular fitness.
Functional Applications:
Gluteus Medius
The Gluteus Medius muscle is located on the outside (lateral) aspect of the upper buttock. The Gluteus Medius is what we call the prime mover of abduction at the hip joint. This means that the Gluteus Medius is responsible for movements that bring the leg away from the mid-line of the body. An example of Gluteus Medius activation could be getting out of the car or getting up from the toilet.
However, the Gluteus Medius Muscle is also extremely important in maintaining the stability of the pelvis. Therefore, this muscle is critical in tasks such as walking, running and weight-bearing on one leg. As a result, the Gluteus Medius is very important in both athletic and elderly populations.
An extremely common presentation of Gluteus Medius muscle weakness is tightness of the muscles adjacent to - and on the opposite side of - the pelvis. In particular the Tensor Fascia Latae (TFL) and Quadratus lumborum (QL) muscles. This is due to compensation of the TFL and QL muscles in attempt to maintain pelvis stability.
Weakness of the Gluteus Medius is also associated with very common lower limb injuries including; Iliotibial Band (ITB) Syndrome, Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), knee injuries such as to the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), and ankle injuries.
How to treat Gluteus Medius muscle weakness with PTP Resistance Bands:
One of the easiest ways to strengthen the Gluteus Medius is through PTP Resistance Bands. Simple yet effective, the resistance bands resist the user from going into hip abduction - the primary movement of Gluteus Medius. As a result, the Gluteus Medius becomes activated and must overcome the force of the resistance bands in order to produce the desired movement at the hip joint. The Gluteus Medius muscle will respond to this increased metabolic demand by increasing it's muscle fibre size (hypertrophy) and also by strengthening it's neural connection to the nerves that control the muscle.
Here are some exercises prescribed by our team:
Crab Walks:
PTP Resistance Band Glute Bridges:
The overall result is Gluteus Medius muscles fibres that are stronger and work together better. Therefore, functional tasks such as walking and running will require far less contribution from the Tensor Fascia Latae and Quadratus Lumborum muscles. Consequently, these compensatory muscles will be far less tight and there will be far less risk of injuries such as Iliotibial Band Syndrome and Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (knee pain).
How do I know what exercises and bands are best for me?
Thankfully our physiotherapy team here at Breathe Physio and Pilates specialises in muscle strength and endurance. Through an initial consultation with one of our experts, we can identify your impairments and tailor a specific exercise plan to target your muscle needs. Here at Breathe Physio and Pilates, we treat the individual, not just the injury. This includes patient-specific goals which are designed to motivate treatment and produce individualised functional outcomes. For instance, our rehabilitation of the Gluteus Medius muscles will look completely different when treating an athletic population, versus our elderly clients. This ensures each and every one of our clients succeed appropriately in achieving their goals.
If you believe Gluteus Medius muscle weakness may be a problem for you, please contact our friendly staff to book an appointment or click here to book!
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