Neurological Tightness: The Gatekeeper of Range of Motion
Neurological tightness, often overlooked in discussions of flexibility and mobility, plays a fundamental role in determining our range of motion (ROM). This phenomenon acts as a gatekeeper, controlling access to specific movement patterns and joint positions based on our habitual behaviors and the nervous system's perception of safety.
The concept of neurological tightness challenges the traditional view that muscle tension alone limits ROM. Instead, it suggests that our nervous system, acting as a protective mechanism, can restrict movement to prevent perceived threats or unfamiliar positions. This gatekeeper function is binary - either allowing or denying access to specific ranges - and is not influenced by the type of athlete or individual.
Contextual factors contributing to neurological tension include Global Workspace Theory, which explains how injury-induced threat perception reshapes cognitive processes. This alteration can cause thoughts, fears, and concerns to constrain movement long after tissue healing. The nervous system's perception of "space," influenced by physical boundary conditions and cognitive factors, determines movement freedom.
Barbara Tversky's idea that we think in movement and Douglas Hofstadter's concept of thinking in analogies further support this framework. Our movement patterns are shaped by how we perceive and make sense of our environment, which influences our physical actions and ROM.
Neurological tightness can manifest due to various factors. Overtraining and extreme fatigue, leading to an acidic/hypoxic environment that the metabolic system cannot buffer, can trigger protective responses from the nervous system. Poor training philosophies focusing on high-intensity work without adequate recovery exacerbate this issue, creating a feedback loop where restricted movement leads to further limitations.
The gatekeeper analogy illustrates how the nervous system controls access to specific ranges of motion based on habitual movements and previous experiences. For example, a sprinter trying gymnastics movements may face neurological barriers because the nervous system has not been conditioned to permit access to those unfamiliar ranges.
This concept explains why some individuals may "stretch" consistently without seeing progress. The nervous system, acting as a gatekeeper, may deny access to specific ranges due to perceived threats or lack of familiarity. Simply elongating muscles through passive stretching may not be enough to overcome these neurological barriers.
The loss of global workspace (thought) can lead to a loss of physical workspace at the joint level. Mental and physical aspects are inseparable in this context. Our thoughts, perceptions, and past experiences shape our movement patterns and available ROM. Stress, anxiety, or fear can trigger neurological tightness, limiting our physical capabilities even in the absence of actual tissue restrictions.
Addressing neurological tightness requires a comprehensive approach. It's not just about stretching muscles but also about retraining the nervous system to perceive certain movements as safe and accessible. This may involve gradual exposure to new movement patterns, mindfulness practices to reduce perceived threats, and varied movement experiences to expand the nervous system's comfort zone.
Understanding neurological tightness as the gatekeeper of ROM offers new perspectives on flexibility training and rehabilitation. It emphasizes the need to consider physical and cognitive aspects when addressing movement limitations. Recognizing the nervous system's role in controlling our movement capabilities, we can develop more effective strategies to improve ROM and overall physical performance.
Summary: neurological tightness is a critical factor in determining our movement capabilities. We must acknowledge its role as a gatekeeper to better understand why traditional stretching methods may fall short and develop more comprehensive approaches to enhancing flexibility and ROM. Considering both mental and physical aspects, this holistic view paves the way for more effective movement training and rehabilitation strategies.
