I was having a mid-day dance break earlier this week, when a thought hit me...
And I decided to coin a new term.
PROPRIOCEPTIVE LIQUIDITY.
(We'll see if it catches on, lol).
It's the ability to put your body exactly WHERE you want it to be...
Exactly WHEN you want it to be there...
Without having to think too much about it.
It's what helps you...
Step in an awkward direction... without twisting your ankle.
Reach deep into the back of the closet... without throwing out your back.
Pop out of your chair and bust a move (cuz your favorite jam is on!)... without pulling a muscle.
...And maybe even do all of these things on the same day.
Unfortunately, pain, injury, and fear… all disrupt our proprioceptive liquidity.
We stiffen up.
Become cautious when we move.
And lose the smooth, easy, movement that we used to enjoy.
Even worse, if we try to go back to our normal activities too quickly,
(Without enough proprioceptive liquidity)...
The pain often comes back,
Or we get injured again,
And the cycle of pain and immobility continues.
The good news is,
Regardless of your past injuries or illnesses,
This cycle can be reversed.
You can regain proprioceptive liquidity...
That is, "anytime access" to your movement...
By gently,
And progressively,
Exposing your body to the situations that cause it to move the way you want.
Not too much, at first.
But enough to get your body to pay attention...
And LEARN.
Like this:
"Hey body, this is what I want to be able to do.
You down with that?
Great. Thanks."
Not forcing it.
Just inviting it to come along with you.
To the party YOU want to have.
And the cool thing is...
The more varied, interesting, and successful experiences your body has...
The more it learns how to adapt to any situation you throw at it...
And the more you get to enjoy "proprioceptive liquidity."
Or sweet dance moves.
Whatever you want to call it. :)
Best regards,
Melissa
P.S.
If you're frustrated with lingering pain, stiffness, or weakness in your body...
And you'd like to regain more "anytime access" to fluid and effortless movement...
For sports, dance, or just real life as a human...
Movement-based physical therapy can help you do it.
Head over to kinesipt.com/talk and book a free discovery call to get expert support and find out if we're the right fit for you