Balance Reach Test & Exercise

I was first introduced to the balance reach test and exercise back in 2006 when I watched some Gary Gray – Gray Institute DVDs.  At the time this totally transformed my thought processes around movement assessment and exercise.  Since then I have been incorporating balance reach tests and exercises as part of both my assessment and exercise rehab plans.

In the video below you will see a single leg balance reach test using the leg as the driver in all three planes of movement (sagittal, frontal and transverse) as well as a balance reach test and exercise using the hand as a driver. These are just two examples of many different types of balance reach tests and exercises that can be incorporated to assess ones ability to control movement through range of motion and to be able to compare body sides of the body to assess global movement.

Often when it comes to prescribing balance and proprioception exercises we will see people have them stand on one leg where ones centre of gravity is maintained over their base of support.  From a functional stand point I am always keen to explore ones ability to control their centre of gravity as it moves away from their base of support as we so often do in many movements that we perform on a day to day basis.

Next time you injure yourself and you see your osteopath, physiotherapist or sports practitioner, ask yourself, is the test and or exercise look, feel and sound like it is functional.  If not, make sure you find yourself someone who will look at you move and rehab you in this way.

This blog post was written by osteopath Heath Williams of Principle Four Osteopathy.

Principle Four Osteopathy is one of Melbourne City CBD and Docklands leading osteopathy clinics.  We provide a range of services that includes hands on manual therapy, exercise prescription for rehabilitation, strength and conditioning and performance, functional movement screening and ergonomic risk assessments.

If you would like to find out more about our practice, please check us out at www.principlefourosteopathy.com.   Appointments can be made by calling 03 9670 9290 or booking online at www.principlefourosteopathy.com.