Gloria
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Unless they can't.
There are a whole bunch of structures in the foot whose relationships are way more complex than generally understood. While flexibility can be gained by stretching, there are more factors in play than whether someone actively tries to improve flexibility. I've done wall sits and ankle flexibility exercises since I rowed crew in college. I can increase my ankle flexion to a certain point then it stops.
Joint ROM can be affected by the soft tissues but also the shape of the bony interfaces. Your elbow does not move past parallel because there's kind of a locking mechanism, some people have other joints like that which impede movement.
It's really a mistake to think *everything* can be solved in the gym. Different peoples' tissues have different levels of collagen and elastin, etc., which affects what we can do. Research has shown stretchy people are more likely to have pelvic organ prolapse (female organs fall out when you age). So individual flexibility is a way more complex process than most realize.
I do need to add that we all can and should improve our flexibility with the appropriate physical regimen but we can't all get to the same level of flexibility, not to mention it takes time so if a new skier tries to take up the sport they're supposed to be sent away to get in ski shape for a season before they're allowed to come back?
Everybody is at least a little different in terms of their natural gifts. Now for me I have the hardest time understanding how some people can't understand math and science. Biostatistics-easy peazy, Calculus- a breeze, Biochemistry - no problem, Literature 101 - PROBLEM.
So just like those things we all have different aptitudes, I don't use a calculator to balance my checkbook, but am looking for a good writing/grammar program, because clearly I need that, I'm strong so don't need help there, but do need some flexibility aids.
What if I tried to take away your calculator?
Oh I am not suggesting anyone take your heel lifts that are working for you. Alot of people really are thrown into the backseat by them and it just makes me think about different ways or approaches to achieve this. Provocative thought is all. Like someone mentioned raising the toe instead. Which I don't know, but wonder merely, if in a case where there is a bony impingement along the lines of the Tibula and talar glide if this wouldn't work along the same lines as the distraction method commonly used as a non-invasive treatment. An osteophyte or spur might be better served by a heel lift. I don't know the answers, just thinking out loud...Unless they can't.
There are a whole bunch of structures in the foot whose relationships are way more complex than generally understood. While flexibility can be gained by stretching, there are more factors in play than whether someone actively tries to improve flexibility. I've done wall sits and ankle flexibility exercises since I rowed crew in college. I can increase my ankle flexion to a certain point then it stops.
Joint ROM can be affected by the soft tissues but also the shape of the bony interfaces. Your elbow does not move past parallel because there's kind of a locking mechanism, some people have other joints like that which impede movement.
It's really a mistake to think *everything* can be solved in the gym. Different peoples' tissues have different levels of collagen and elastin, etc., which affects what we can do. Research has shown stretchy people are more likely to have pelvic organ prolapse (female organs fall out when you age). So individual flexibility is a way more complex process than most realize.
I do need to add that we all can and should improve our flexibility with the appropriate physical regimen but we can't all get to the same level of flexibility, not to mention it takes time so if a new skier tries to take up the sport they're supposed to be sent away to get in ski shape for a season before they're allowed to come back?
Everybody is at least a little different in terms of their natural gifts. Now for me I have the hardest time understanding how some people can't understand math and science. Biostatistics-easy peazy, Calculus- a breeze, Biochemistry - no problem, Literature 101 - PROBLEM.
So just like those things we all have different aptitudes, I don't use a calculator to balance my checkbook, but am looking for a good writing/grammar program, because clearly I need that, I'm strong so don't need help there, but do need some flexibility aids.
What if I tried to take away your calculator?