Your body hates change
It’s always finding shortcuts for energy efficiency
Take for example that soreness you get after going back to the gym after a break, when you increase your lifting load, add in new exercises or do more than your usually would
We call that soreness DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness).
Tightness and joint restrictions can be similar too
This is the S.A.I.D. principle
Specific
Adaptations to
Imposed
Demand
In other words, your body will adapt to the activities you do most
One of the most common adaptations that I see in the clinic is tightness in the chest
Think about how much time you spend with your arms out in front of you
- at the computer
- driving
- picking up kids
- cleaning
In some people this may contribute to some of the shoulder restriction limiting your overhead mobility
So, for most of us, it’s worth spending a little time each day working on the tension built up in the chest area
Dr Dray
