How the Feet Influence the Entire Body: The Role of Kinetic Chain Movements

At MARS Wellspring Center, we believe in holistic healing and functional movement science. One often overlooked aspect of body alignment and posture correction is the critical role our feet play in the kinetic chain. Let’s explore how your feet, the foundation of your body, impact your overall well-being.

What is the Kinetic Chain?

The kinetic chain is a concept in biomechanics that describes how different parts of the body are interconnected. When you move, your muscles, joints, and nerves work in harmony, transferring energy through your body. This chain starts from the ground up—specifically, from your feet.

The Feet as the Foundation

Your feet are not just for standing or walking. They are complex structures designed to absorb impact, maintain balance, and support the entire body. Improper foot alignment or movement can disrupt the kinetic chain, leading to:

• Poor posture

• Back, hip, or knee pain

• Muscle imbalances

• Reduced mobility

  

  
  

How Foot Problems Affect the Body

When your feet don’t function properly, your body compensates, often in unhealthy ways. For example:

• Flat Feet or Overpronation: Can cause knees to rotate inward, leading to hip and lower back pain.

• High Arches: May reduce shock absorption, increasing strain on your ankles and knees.

• Uneven Weight Distribution: Often contributes to muscle tension and joint pain.

The MARS Approach to Holistic Foot Health

At MARS Wellspring Center, we integrate foot health into our posture alignment therapies and corrective exercises. Here's how we help:

1. Movement Assessments: Identify restrictions in the kinetic chain caused by foot misalignment.

2. Customized Exercises: Focus on strengthening the feet, ankles, and associated muscle groups to restore balance.

3. Barefoot Activities: Encourage natural foot movements to enhance proprioception and stability.

4. Therapeutic Techniques: Include IASTM (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization), cupping, and yoga therapy to release tension and improve mobility.

Why Trust MARS Wellspring Center?

Our team specializes in addressing the root causes of movement dysfunctions, including the role of the feet in the kinetic chain. By focusing on alignment and restoring balance, we help individuals recover from pain and prevent future injuries.

Take the First Step Towards Pain-Free Movement

Your journey to better posture and holistic health begins from the ground up. Don’t let foot issues disrupt your life. Let MARS Wellspring Center help you achieve alignment, strength, and balance.

📞 Contact us today to book a consultation - 9087611112

📍 Located in Tambaram, Chennai.

-Keerthana VELMARS WELLSPRING HEALTH LLP

INSTANT RELIEVE FROM RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS IN PHYSICAL FITNESS PROGRAMME

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects joints. The immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation, pain, swelling, and stiffness. Over time, it can lead to joint deformity and loss of function. RA can also affect other organs such as the lungs, heart, and eyes.

PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS:

Physiotherapists play a vital role in managing RA by focusing on reducing pain, improving joint function, and maintaining mobility. Common treatments include:

1. Exercise Therapy: Tailored exercises to maintain strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Low-impact exercises like swimming, walking, and stretching are commonly recommended.

2. Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to mobilize stiff joints and soft tissues to reduce pain and improve movement.

3. Heat and Cold Therapy: Heat therapy helps relax muscles and joints, while cold therapy reduces inflammation and pain.

4. Electrotherapy: Modalities like ultrasound or TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) are used to relieve pain and enhance tissue healing.

5. Education on Joint Protection: Physiotherapists teach patients ways to reduce stress on joints and prevent further damage, such as using assistive devices and adapting daily activities.

DIET PLAN IN NATUROPATHY FOR RA :

Naturopathy promotes an anti-inflammatory diet and natural lifestyle changes to manage RA. Common dietary recommendations include:

1. Anti-inflammatory Foods:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in flaxseeds, walnuts, and fatty fish like salmon and mackerel to reduce inflammation.

Fruits and Vegetables: Especially those rich in antioxidants like berries, spinach, and broccoli, to help fight inflammation.

Whole Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, and oats for their anti-inflammatory properties and fiber content.

Turmeric and Ginger: Both have strong anti-inflammatory effects.

2. Avoiding Inflammatory /:

Refined Sugars and Carbohydrates: Can promote inflammation and should be minimized.

Processed Foods: High in trans fats, they can trigger inflammatory responses.

Red Meat and Dairy: May cause flare-ups in some individuals.

3. Alkaline Diet: Some naturopaths recommend focusing on alkaline foods (vegetables, fruits, nuts) to balance pH and reduce inflammation in the body.

4. Hydration and Fasting: Adequate water intake and occasional fasting (under supervision) may help detoxify the body and reduce symptoms.

A combined approach with physiotherapy, a well-balanced diet, and lifestyle changes can help manage RA effectively.

BY

DR KALIMUTHU S ( BPT )

REHAB SPECIALIST

VELMARS WELLSPRING HEALTH

The Anatomy of Rounded Shoulders What Happens to your body?

Rounded shoulders, often characterized by a forward hunch and a slumped posture, are increasingly common in our modern lifestyle. This condition can affect not just appearance but also overall health and well-being. Understanding the anatomy of rounded shoulders can help you recognize the impact on your body and motivate you to make positive changes.

What Causes Rounded Shoulders?

1. Muscle Imbalances:

   • Tight Pectoral Muscles: The muscles in your chest (pectoralis major and minor) can become tight due to prolonged sitting and activities like typing or using a smartphone. This tightness pulls the shoulders forward.

     
     

   • Weak Upper Back Muscles: Conversely, the muscles that retract the shoulder blades (rhomboids and trapezius) may weaken, leading to poor support for proper shoulder alignment.

     
     

2. Postural Habits

   
   

   • Sedentary Lifestyle: Prolonged sitting—common in office work and screen time—encourages slouched postures, which can reinforce the rounded shoulder position over time.

     
     

   • Poor Ergonomics: Improper workstation setups can lead to forward head posture and rounded shoulders, as your body compensates for discomfort.

     
     

3. Injury or Pain

   
   

   • Previous injuries to the shoulders, neck, or back can lead to compensatory movement patterns, further contributing to rounded shoulders.

How Rounded Shoulders Affect Your Body

1. Spinal Alignment

   
   

   • Rounded shoulders can lead to a misaligned spine, which may result in discomfort and pain in the upper back, neck, and shoulders. Over time, this can contribute to conditions such as kyphosis (excessive curvature of the upper back).

     
     

2. Breathing Difficulties:

   
   

   • The position of rounded shoulders can restrict the rib cage, making it harder to take deep breaths. This can lead to shallow breathing patterns, reducing oxygen intake and affecting overall energy levels.

     
     

3. Increased Risk of Injury:

   
   

   • Poor shoulder alignment can lead to impingement syndromes or rotator cuff injuries, as the shoulder joint becomes compromised due to misalignment.

     
     

4. Impact on Daily Activities:

   
   

   • Rounded shoulders can affect your range of motion, making it harder to perform everyday tasks like reaching overhead or lifting objects.

     
     

5. Psychological Effects:

   
   

   • Posture can influence mood and confidence levels. Rounded shoulders may convey feelings of defeat or low self-esteem, impacting how you present yourself to the world.

     
     

Identifying Rounded Shoulders

To assess whether you have rounded shoulders, consider these self-checks

• Wall Test: Stand with your back against a wall. Your head, shoulder blades, and buttocks should touch the wall. If there’s a significant gap between your shoulders and the wall, it may indicate rounded shoulders.

• Mirror Test: Look in a mirror from the side. Are your shoulders forward of your ears? This positioning may signal rounded shoulders.

Steps to Address Rounded Shoulders

1. Strengthening Exercises:

   • Focus on exercises that target the upper back and shoulder stabilizers, such as rows, reverse flys, and external rotations.

1. Stretching Tight Muscles:

   • Incorporate stretches for the chest and front shoulder muscles. Pectoral stretches against a wall or doorway can help alleviate tightness.

1. Posture Awareness:

   • Practice mindful posture throughout your day. Set reminders to check in on your alignment, especially when sitting for long periods.

     
     

2. Professional Guidance:

   • Consider working with a physical therapist or personal trainer who can provide personalized exercises and strategies to correct rounded shoulders.

     
     

Conclusion

Understanding the anatomy of rounded shoulders is the first step toward making positive changes for your posture and overall health. By recognizing the underlying causes and effects, you can take proactive measures to strengthen your upper back, stretch tight muscles, and develop better posture habits.

Dr P.NAVEEN KUMAR ,BPT

          Rehab Specialist

    VelMars wellspring health