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adiemus · 04-18-2008, 10:24 PM

"There are, in fact, movements, exercises, and stretches that do not necessarily produce pain, but that are known (through research) to produce slow, progressive damage to ligaments, tendons, and joints over time"
ummm.... sorry but I really have to jump in - joint degeneration particularly in the spine occurs more as a result of genetics than physical demands. If you have the genetics for degeneration, and carry out physical activity you will notice it more than if you are sedentary, if you don't have the genetics and do activities you will be unlikely to develop problems unless you have a major joint disruption which occurs mainly as a result of forceful trauma. The notion that we can develop unnoticed deterioration of our bodies is a fallacy, unless you think grey hair and wrinkles are 'damage'!
For references: Sutton, AJ et al. (2001) A case controlled study between low and moderate levels of physical activity and osteoarthritis of the knee. Annals of Rheumatic Diseases (60), 756-764
This study demonstrated that there was no relationship between physical activity (comparable with bellydance) and knee OA.
Cymet TC. Sinkov V. Does long-distance running cause osteoarthritis?. [Review] [32 refs] [Journal Article. Review] Journal of the American Osteopathic Association. 106(6):342-5, 2006 Jun.
This study found that although radiological changes are found in long distance runners, report of pain does not increase and running may provide joint protection.
alichman L. Hunter DJ. Lumbar facet joint osteoarthritis: a review. [Review] [131 refs] [Journal Article. Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't. Review] Seminars in Arthritis & Rheumatism. 37(2):69-80, 2007 Oct.
This study found that increased age, osteoarthritis in the body generally, and congenital (born with) changes to the facet joint orientation were predictive of facet joint OA, but not related to exercise level.
acobsen S. Sonne-Holm S. Rovsing H. Monrad H. Gebuhr P. Degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis: an epidemiological perspective: the Copenhagen Osteoarthritis Study. [Comparative Study. Journal Article. Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't] Spine. 32(1):120-5, 2007 Jan 1.
BMI longitudinally and at index evaluations, age, and angle of lordosis were significantly associated with degenerative spondylolisthesis in women. In men, no individual risk factors for degenerative spondylolisthesis were found, save increased age.

I could go on, but there are so many it gets a bit hard to cut and paste them all.

But if you are interested, this article is written specifically about performing artists: Hansen PA. Reed K. Common musculoskeletal problems in the performing artist. [Review] [27 refs] [Journal Article. Review] Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Clinics of North America. 17(4):789-801, 2006 Nov.

The upshot is, activity and movement are healthy, acute pain is a good sign to stop and think about what you're doing, but not always an indication of injury, you can blame your parents for your osteoarthritis (and your age!), and unless you and your body encounter a hard surface with significant impact as in trauma, you'll probably be fine.

'Good' posture is the starting point for movement - so 'good' posture is one that is dynamic, able to change depending on the movement requirements, is flexible, is biomechanically efficient, and for which you are fit enough to maintain. For our dance type, soft knees, neutral pelvis, elongated spine, rib cage in neutral and normal, balanced spinal curves seems to be the most efficient.

04-18-2008, 10:24 PM	#20 (permalink)
adiemus Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Christchurch, New Zealand Posts: 993	"There are, in fact, movements, exercises, and stretches that do not necessarily produce pain, but that are known (through research) to produce slow, progressive damage to ligaments, tendons, and joints over time" ummm.... sorry but I really have to jump in - joint degeneration particularly in the spine occurs more as a result of genetics than physical demands. If you have the genetics for degeneration, and carry out physical activity you will notice it more than if you are sedentary, if you don't have the genetics and do activities you will be unlikely to develop problems unless you have a major joint disruption which occurs mainly as a result of forceful trauma. The notion that we can develop unnoticed deterioration of our bodies is a fallacy, unless you think grey hair and wrinkles are 'damage'! For references: Sutton, AJ et al. (2001) A case controlled study between low and moderate levels of physical activity and osteoarthritis of the knee. Annals of Rheumatic Diseases (60), 756-764 This study demonstrated that there was no relationship between physical activity (comparable with bellydance) and knee OA. Cymet TC. Sinkov V. Does long-distance running cause osteoarthritis?. [Review] [32 refs] [Journal Article. Review] Journal of the American Osteopathic Association. 106(6):342-5, 2006 Jun. This study found that although radiological changes are found in long distance runners, report of pain does not increase and running may provide joint protection. alichman L. Hunter DJ. Lumbar facet joint osteoarthritis: a review. [Review] [131 refs] [Journal Article. Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't. Review] Seminars in Arthritis & Rheumatism. 37(2):69-80, 2007 Oct. This study found that increased age, osteoarthritis in the body generally, and congenital (born with) changes to the facet joint orientation were predictive of facet joint OA, but not related to exercise level. acobsen S. Sonne-Holm S. Rovsing H. Monrad H. Gebuhr P. Degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis: an epidemiological perspective: the Copenhagen Osteoarthritis Study. [Comparative Study. Journal Article. Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't] Spine. 32(1):120-5, 2007 Jan 1. BMI longitudinally and at index evaluations, age, and angle of lordosis were significantly associated with degenerative spondylolisthesis in women. In men, no individual risk factors for degenerative spondylolisthesis were found, save increased age. I could go on, but there are so many it gets a bit hard to cut and paste them all. But if you are interested, this article is written specifically about performing artists: Hansen PA. Reed K. Common musculoskeletal problems in the performing artist. [Review] [27 refs] [Journal Article. Review] Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Clinics of North America. 17(4):789-801, 2006 Nov. The upshot is, activity and movement are healthy, acute pain is a good sign to stop and think about what you're doing, but not always an indication of injury, you can blame your parents for your osteoarthritis (and your age!), and unless you and your body encounter a hard surface with significant impact as in trauma, you'll probably be fine. 'Good' posture is the starting point for movement - so 'good' posture is one that is dynamic, able to change depending on the movement requirements, is flexible, is biomechanically efficient, and for which you are fit enough to maintain. For our dance type, soft knees, neutral pelvis, elongated spine, rib cage in neutral and normal, balanced spinal curves seems to be the most efficient. __________________ He wahine, he taonga- Every woman is a treasure(Maori proverb)