Does perfect technique really matter?
Welcome to NQ Pilates and Fitness! As we continue to explore the world of physical fitness and wellbeing, it's essential to challenge some long-standing myths that may be holding us back. Today, we're diving into a topic that's been at the forefront of sports and fitness discussions for years: the belief that perfect form or technique is the key to preventing injuries. In this blog, we will debunk this myth and shed light on the real factors that contribute to injuries, providing you with a more holistic understanding of injury prevention.
Debunking the Myth: Why Form or Technique Does Not Predict Injury
In the world of sports and physical fitness, there's a long-standing belief that perfect form or technique is the key to preventing injuries. Coaches and trainers often emphasize the importance of proper form, suggesting that deviating from it can lead to injuries. For example… have you ever heard from your coach or trainer “don’t let your knees go over your toes in a squat/lunge”, or “set your scapula before moving your arm”…. Well fear not. Recent research has challenged this conventional wisdom, revealing that form or technique is not a reliable predictor of injury.
Trauma and Overuse: The Two Main Culprits
The two primary ways to injure yourself are through trauma or by doing too much too soon. Traumatic injuries typically result from sudden, forceful impacts or accidents, such as a fall, collision, or acute twist. These traumatic events push the body’s tissues past their limit or capacity, resulting in an injury. On the other hand, overuse injuries arise when the body is subjected to excessive physical demands without adequate time for recovery. This often happens when people dramatically increase their training intensity, volume, or frequency too quickly, not allowing sufficient time for the tissues in the body to adapt and recover. These scenarios underline the importance of graded exercise and load management over the mere perfection of form.
Other factors that come into play include:
Genetics: Individual anatomical differences can predispose certain people to injuries regardless of their technique.
Nutrition and Hydration: Proper nutrition and hydration play essential roles in maintaining muscle function and overall health.
Psychological Factors: Stress, fatigue, and mental state can affect how the body moves and responds to physical activity.
The Role of Form and Technique
While good form and technique are important for performance efficiency and aesthetics, people with seemingly perfect form can still experience injuries, and those with less-than-ideal technique can often remain injury-free. For example, in running, variations in gait and stride that deviate from the "ideal" form have not been conclusively linked to a higher injury rate. Similarly, in strength training, slight deviations in form do not necessarily lead to injuries if the individual's body has adapted to those movements.
Maintaining good form is not a guarantee against injury. Injury prevention should focus more on understanding the multifaceted nature of injuries and focusing on a holistic approach to training and recovery that addresses the individuals goals and needs through graded exposure to exercise.
At NQ Pilates and Fitness, we embrace a comprehensive approach to fitness and wellbeing, understanding that each individual’s path to health is unique. By focusing on personalised care and evidence-based practices, we aim to support you in achieving your fitness goals safely and effectively. Whether you're recovering from an injury, looking to improve your overall health, or striving to reach new fitness milestones, we’re here to guide you every step of the way and help you learn how to move fearlessly and confidently again. Together, we can improve your physical and mental wellbeing, develop strength, flexibility, and control, and help you get out of pain and achieve your goals.
