Q:Charlie, I was curious to know what kind of an evaluation procedure, in terms of identifying imbalances or weaknesses, you use when meeting with a new client. Some trainers utilize stability tools (sit-fit, wobble, ect…) as aids in evaluating their clients. Are these methods realiable? Also, does Scap influence you in this area.
A:Be careful when you do intial assessments that you distinguish between functional and non-functional imbalances or if indeed an apparent imbalance is just related to muscle status. Most of the time, when Dr.Scappitici (hereafter referred to as Cap to save ink) finds an imbalance, he can correct it with a few minutes of treatment. This would not be possible if was more than tonus relations.
I was wondering again if you could elaborate more on your work with scap and what he is currently doing now. I find that imbalances are very difficult to correct that are not tonus related. I have an imbalance in my glutes. Though it does not play much of a factor. Its something I have always had. Is this common in sprinters. Would could be done to correct a glute inbalance (one is higher). Also I have heard the Russians used to take pictures of the athlete naked and look for and correct muscle imbalances. Obviously this is the most extreme case. Have you heard anything like this?
Nude pictures were an early way of evaluating muscle development and balance. The first formal study I heard of was undertaken in Rome at the 1960 Olympics. I remember that Harry Jerome was asked to pose for the study.
Dr Scappiticci is based in Niagara Falls but is in Toronto most Tuesdays at Athletes Care, 2 King St W. He often treats international track athletes at major meets.
An imbalance my be due to a real strength difference or tightness and may be functional or not. You say you don’t notice a problem, and this is common.