A very brief intro to ligaments

What are ligaments?

Ligaments are fibrous bands of connective tissue that connect bones to one another, stabilising and controlling movement in the joints.

They don't receive a huge amount of blood flow, so healing and adaptation to increased load is slow.

Injury to ligaments can take frustratingly long months to repair.

Decreasing hormone levels as we age also impairs the speed of remodelling.

We must learn to patiently, progressively overload the tendons to improve their strength- a physio is probably a good place to start for getting the right prescription of exercises for your joints.

A program will look something like isometric holds, followed by eccentric contractions, followed by additional loading (starting with body weight and progressing to additional weights).

When it comes to healing and encouraging circulation to the tissues for faster adaptation, massage is a non invasive and effective technique.

Dry needling is an exceptional, precise, and effective way to stimulate a specific location in the ligament for attention. 

Nutrition is also foundational for building strong healthy ligaments.

Focus on collagen rich foods whether through foods like bone broth, or through supplementing collagen.