#675: Eric Cressey, Cressey Sports Performance — Tactical Deep Dive on Back Pain, Movement Diagnosis, Training Principles, Developing Mobility, Building Power, Fascial Manipulation, and Rules for Athletes | Science vs

Intro

In this episode of the “Science vs” podcast, host Wendy Zukerman interviews Eric Cressey, founder of Cressey Sports Performance, to delve deep into the world of back pain, movement diagnosis, training principles, mobility development, power building, fascial manipulation, and rules for athletes. Cressey shares his expertise and insights on these topics, providing valuable information for athletes, coaches, and anyone dealing with back pain.

Main Takeaways

Understanding Back Pain

• Low back pain is a complex diagnosis that varies from person to person and can have different causes and symptoms.
• Radiology can be useful in diagnosing back pain, but it’s important to understand the limitations and potential inaccuracies of imaging.
• Having a movement diagnosis is just as important as having a medical diagnosis.
• Movement screens and assessments can help identify issues and guide treatment.
• Different activities can cause different types of back pain, such as extension-based pain in athletes or flexion-based pain in those who sit for long periods.

Optimizing Mobility and Power

• Developing mobility and power are crucial for athletes and can prevent injuries.
• Unilateral exercises and movement variability can address poor posture and improve overall mobility.
• Shoulder blade mobility and thoracic rotation are essential for functional movement.
• Exercises like pushups, cable presses, and landmine presses are good alternatives to the bench press.
• Strengthening the posterior chain, including the glutes, hamstrings, and lower back, is important for functional carryover to real-world activities.

The Fascial System and Injury Prevention

• The fascia plays a crucial role in optimizing mobility and transferring force in athletes.
• Fascial manipulation can have positive effects on reducing symptoms related to childbirth injuries.
• Connective tissue in the fascia helps athletes produce high levels of force without relying solely on muscular strength.
• Proper rehabilitation and exercise execution are crucial for successful recovery from injuries.
• Isometric holds and hanging exercises can be beneficial for tendon health and overall mobility.

Training Principles and Injury Prevention

• Proper training principles, including adequate hip mobility, stability of certain joints, posterior chain strength, and more pulling than pushing exercises, can help prevent injuries.
• Maintaining athleticism as you age is important for functional carryover to real-world activities.
• Specialization in a particular realm is important for effective treatment and prevention of injuries.
• The interaction between sports science, sports medicine, strength conditioning, biomechanics, and mental skills is crucial for success in sports performance.
• Youth sports specialization can lead to orthopedic problems later in life, and a broader foundation and rich proprioceptive environment are essential for young athletes.

Summary

Understanding Back Pain and Movement Diagnosis

Back pain is a complex diagnosis that varies from person to person, and it’s important to consider both medical and movement diagnoses. Radiology can be useful in diagnosing back pain, but its limitations and potential inaccuracies should be understood. Different activities can cause different types of back pain, and movement screens and assessments can help identify issues and guide treatment.

Optimizing Mobility and Power for Athletes

Mobility and power development are crucial for athletes to prevent injuries and improve performance. Unilateral exercises, movement variability, and exercises targeting shoulder blade mobility and thoracic rotation can address poor posture and improve overall mobility. Alternative exercises like pushups, cable presses, and landmine presses can be beneficial. Strengthening the posterior chain, including the glutes, hamstrings, and lower back, is important for functional carryover to real-world activities.

The Fascial System and Injury Prevention

The fascial system plays a crucial role in optimizing mobility and transferring force in athletes. Fascial manipulation can have positive effects on reducing symptoms related to childbirth injuries. Connective tissue in the fascia allows athletes to produce high levels of force without relying solely on muscular strength. Proper rehabilitation and exercise execution, including isometric holds and hanging exercises, can contribute to tendon health and overall mobility.

Training Principles and Injury Prevention

Proper training principles, such as adequate hip mobility, stability of certain joints, posterior chain strength, and more pulling than pushing exercises, can help prevent injuries. Maintaining athleticism as you age is important for functional carryover to real-world activities. Specialization in a particular realm is important for effective treatment and prevention of injuries. The interaction between sports science, sports medicine, strength conditioning, biomechanics, and mental skills is crucial for success in sports performance. Youth sports specialization can lead to orthopedic problems later in life, emphasizing the need for a broader foundation and rich proprioceptive environment for young athletes.

Conclusion

Eric Cressey’s deep dive into back pain, movement diagnosis, training principles, mobility development, power building, fascial manipulation, and rules for athletes provides valuable insights for both athletes and those dealing with back pain. Understanding the complexities of back pain, optimizing mobility and power, considering the role of the fascial system, and following proper training principles can contribute to injury prevention and improved performance. By integrating these concepts, individuals can enhance their overall well-being and athletic abilities.