Muscular, articular, and neural factors all play a role in the development of postural dysfunction. Dysfunction in any system creates predictable patterns of dysfunction throughout the kinetic chain. Dysfunction in the kinetic chain is rarely an isolated event. A dysfunction in the kinetic chain is typically part of a chain reaction that involves some key links with numerous compensation and adaptations developing. Muscle imbalances are caused by postural stress, pattern overload, repetitive movement, lack of core stability, and lack of neuromuscular efficiency. Most postural dysfunction can be prevented by teaching proper static and dynamic postural alignment during functional activities.
There are basically two types of muscle imbalances: flexibility and strength imbalances between two opposing sides of the body or muscle groups. Flexibility imbalances occur when you have one very tight muscle and the other one overstretched. Strength imbalances happen when you have weakness in one muscle and the other muscle is stronger. This also applies to one side of the body compared to the other side. These imbalances affect your posture and lead to the kinetic chain having faulty movement patterns. Correcting these imbalances is a must to reaching optimum fitness. Fitness professionals should be aware of that. To attain your best results you have to correct these imbalances. When you start an exercise program without correcting these imbalances it aggravates these conditions. Sooner or later you will be in pain.
