In architecture, form is supposed to follow function– the style of an object or structure should reflect its purpose (says the NY Times, paraphrasing Louis Sullivan). But I’m being reminded (again) in physical therapy (for sciatica) that form in fact precedes it.
I guess we all know this– from tennis strokes to proper stance for weight lifting, getting the form right is key both to success in performance and reduction of injury risk. The “aha” moment of getting the form just right and feeling the movement as fluid or effortless or smooth or faster– it’s one of the great personal pleasures of physical activity.
One of my physical therapists (I alternate between Louis and Julian, both of whom I really like and respect) started me doing some piriformis and hip flexor stretches before doing work on the hip machine (extension, flexion, abduction). There was a noticeable reduction in the difficulty and improvement in the feel of the exercises, especially the abduction ones (moving my leg outward using the weight machine).
I mentioned this to Louis while I was using the machine. He said that this was very good information for us, that the exercises helped improve the structural form of my hips, glutes, etc, so that my muscles worked more efficiently. He said other things which I can’t quite recall, but the point was that the stretches helped my body getting in the right form for weight-bearing effort. And I think it’s helping. Yay!
I’ve still got a ways to go before I’m back to climbing stairs without pain or weakness. But this week felt like it gave me more tools for working my body and reminding it how to do its job for me. Yay again!
