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What we’ll cover
  1. What are muscle slings?
  2. What are the types of muscle slings?

The human body is incredibly complex. When you move, it requires the co-ordination and contraction of many different parts of the body with nothing working in isolation. Muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia work in unison together to generate efficient and effective body movement. As physiotherapists, we assess holistically when examining what factors can be contributing to an injury. For example, the action of throwing a tennis ball not only utilises the upper limb and shoulder, but also relies on good core strength and co-ordination with your lower body.  Our physiotherapist Vernon Mittal investigates what we commonly refer to as “anatomical slings” or “myofascial slings” and how this contributes to safe and effective movement. These slings are comprised of both superficial and deep muscles.

What are muscle slings?

Your muscle or myofascial slings consist of different types of soft tissue including muscles, fascia and ligaments that are interconnected to one another to provide stability and mobility. These structures work together when muscles contract to produce movement of the body. The body consists of 4 main slings which when working effectively help us move better, produce more force and create more speed and power. Essentially, these slings help transfer force between our upper and lower limb whilst providing a stable core.

We know that when there is a weak component in a sling, it can create dysfunction resulting in reduce performance and increased likelihood of injury. Equally important, injury to a component of the sling can result in dysfunction if not effectively rehabilitated.

What are the types of muscle slings?

There are 4 types of swings:

Posterior oblique sling

Posterior Oblique Sling (POS):

– Consists of Latissimus Dorsi, opposite Gluteus Maximus and the Thoracolumbar fascia (TLF)
– Connects from glute to opposite shoulder.
– Weakness in hip muscles can cause pain into opposite shoulder during activity.
– Important for throwing when foot is planted and arm “cocked” back.

 

Anterior oblique slingAnterior Oblique Sling (AOS):

– Consists of external and internal oblique and opposite adductor muscles.
– Connects from obliques to the groin.
– Lack of trunk rotation with activity can overload the opposite groin causing injury; vice versa.
– Important for throwing prior to when the ball is released.

 

Deep Longitudinal Sling (DLS):Deep longitudinal sling

– Consists of erector spinae, multifidus, TLF, sacrotuberous ligament and biceps femoris
– Connects entire spinal muscles, SIJ ligament and hamstring
– Keeps the SIJ in a close packed position.
– Commonly affected in those with regular hamstring strains and low back pain.

 

Lateral slingLateral Sling (LS):

– Consists of gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, tenso fascia latae and illitibial band
– Connects from lateral hip muscles to the lateral knee
– Common conditions that affect this sling include ITB syndrome, runners knee
– Common sign of weakness in this sling include Trendelenburg gait which is common in those with hip osteoarthritis or post-operative total hip replacements.

 

Your physiotherapist will assess your injury in the context of how it may affect your myofascial sling. It is crucial to ensure that these slings are working optimally to prevent future or recurrent injuries.  If you have been experiencing recurrent soft tissue injuries, book an appointment with our team by calling or booking online.


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Last week, we had the pleasure of chatting with the lovely residents at Hyson Apartments, right next to our new Caulfield South location! Our expert physio, Jason, shared some great tips on building strength and balance to help everyone stay active, independent and safe from falls. 

With the right exercises, you can feel healthier, happier, and stronger every day! From standing up with ease to walking confidently, these small steps lead to a life-changing impact. 
 
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In these videos Lizzie and Matt run us through some basic exercises that you can do at home to start building up the strength in your bones and muscles. 

There are multiple variations for each exercise so that you can choose the exercise that best fits your current strength / fitness level.

Here we have our variations of a push up 
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4) push ups in plank position

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#MEphysio #theperfectplaceforME #happinessisahealthierandstrongerME #physio #physiotherapy #malverneast #malverneastphysiotherapy Under the care of Matthew and our team, Cailin has worked tirelessly to reduce her back pain and restore her strength.
Through a thorough and guided rehabilitation program, getting stronger is getting back on the ice and competiting at Nationals. 
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#MEphysio #theperfectplaceforME #happinessisahealthierandstrongerME #physio #physiotherapy #malverneast #malverneastphysiotherapy At ME Physio, we’re focused on helping you get stronger and recover so you can keep doing the things you love. 

For Rachel, healthier and stronger is getting back on the slopes in New Zealand following ACL reconstructive surgery 
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Our physiotherapists, Lizzie and Matthew, recently performed strength and balance assessments for the friendly and caring residents at Calvary Hyson Apartments. 

These assessments help us understand your balance, strength, and current fitness levels, allowing our physiotherapists to create a tailored plan to keep you healthier, happier, and stronger.

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Last week we were fortunate enough to head back to uni and refresh our anatomy knowledge at @latrobeuni in the anatomy labs. 

Thank you to the Latrobe School of Physiotherapy for inviting us! Last week our team celebrated another great year. 

Whilst Melbourne’s weather had its own plans, we were still determined to keep with the theme of ‘Italian Summer’. We let our hair down to master the art of mixology 🍸🍹followed by an Italian feast. Friday morning Run Club with the team. Practicing what we preach!

Staying stronger, healthier and happier. This time last week, our team was nervously completing their final preparations for @melbmara . 

Congratulations to our physiotherapists and ME community who ran on the day.

Dilen and Michael completed their first marathons. Abbey and Lizzie smashed out their first half.

You Deserve to Feel Good.

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