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Functional Therapeutic and Core Strengthening

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Book cover The Hip and Pelvis in Sports Medicine and Primary Care

Abstract

The “Core” is a generalized term used to describe the complex three-dimensional matrix of bones, ligaments, fascia, and muscles that provides stability to the spine, allows for motion in multiple planes, and enables the generation and transference of energy during movement. In fact, a strong, balanced, and controlled core is essential to providing stability and proper alignment of not only the thoracolumbar spine, but also the hip, pelvis, sacrum as well as distal limb structures. Core stability is an integral component of the concept of the kinetic chain, which describes the efficient interconnection of musculoskeletal motion, energy, and transference of force from the limbs to the trunk. It has been postulated that optimal sports performance is intimately related to the athlete’s core strength, endurance, coordination, flexibility, balance and is an ongoing area of further investigation. The medical literature supports the importance of a strong, balanced core in the prevention of injury. Thus, targeted exercises to promote neuromuscular re-education in athletes with evidence of core dysfunction are crucial to preventing and treating injury, optimizing functionality, and promoting athletic longevity.

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Correspondence to Gerard A. Malanga MD .

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© 2017 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

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Malanga, G.A., Aydin, S.M., Holder, E.K., Petrin, Z. (2017). Functional Therapeutic and Core Strengthening. In: Seidenberg MD, FAAFP, FACSM, RMSK, P., Bowen MD, FAAPMR, CAQSM, RMSK, CSCS, J., King MD, D. (eds) The Hip and Pelvis in Sports Medicine and Primary Care. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-42788-1_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-42788-1_10

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