Soccer, known globally as "football," is revered as the "beautiful game" for a reason—it’s a mesmerizing blend of biomechanical precision, power, and grace. With over 270 million players worldwide and an astounding fan base of around 4 billion, soccer is more than just a sport; it’s a universal language that bridges cultures and unites people. Every kick, sprint, and leap on the field is a testament to the meticulous coordination of muscles, joints, and ligaments working in harmony to create those breathtaking moments that captivate audiences and inspire athletes.
The biomechanical intricacies of soccer encompass every aspect of the game, from the explosive acceleration of a player sprinting down the pitch to the calculated precision of a goal-scoring shot. Understanding these complexities is not just for academic interest; it provides valuable insights for professionals dedicated to musculoskeletal (MSK) health.
In this article, we delve into the specific biomechanical actions that define soccer and the anatomical structures that make them possible. We will explore how Motion Specific Release (MSR) techniques can be effectively applied to these structures, enhancing player performance and significantly reducing the risk of injuries. By integrating MSR into their training and recovery routines, soccer players can achieve optimal performance and longevity in the sport they love.
Article Index:
Physical Actions & MSR Application
Kicking
Kicking in soccer is a complex biomechanical action that demands precise coordination and force generation through various anatomical structures. This movement begins with the activation of the hip flexors, extending through the quadriceps and hamstrings, and involves a series of force applications channeled through the knee and ankle. The kinetic chain created by these actions influences the final positioning of the foot, affecting external/internal rotation and pronation/supination. Implementing Motion Specific Release (MSR) techniques can target these intricate connections, optimizing alignment and flexibility, thereby enhancing the precision and power of a kick.
Primary Anatomical Structures:
Soft Tissue:
Hip flexors (Psoas Major, Iliacus)
Quadriceps (Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis, Vastus Intermedius)
Hamstrings (Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus)
Gluteus maximus
Joints:
Hip Joint (Acetabulofemoral joint): Enables rotation and alignment
Knee Joint (Tibiofemoral joint): Functions as a pivotal point for energy transfer
Ankle Joint (Talocrural joint): Provides the final transfer point, influencing rotation and pronation/supination
Biomechanics:
A coordinated sequence transfers energy from the hip, through the knee, and culminates at the ankle, facilitating smooth and efficient movement.
Kinetic Chain Influence:
The rotation of the hip affects the alignment of the knee and foot, influencing both external/internal rotation and pronation/supination of the foot during ball striking.
Manual Therapy Effects:
MSR enhances power and control by releasing restrictions, optimizing alignment, and increasing flexibility.
Running and Sprinting
Running and sprinting in soccer demand precise biomechanical coordination, engaging key muscle groups for optimal performance. This action relies on the complex integration of stride length, stride frequency, hip extension, and ankle dorsiflexion. Within this kinetic chain, the influence of hip extension on knee positioning and ankle dorsiflexion must synchronize perfectly to achieve speed and stability. Applying Motion Specific Release (MSR) targets these crucial interactions, enhancing agility and speed by improving muscle elasticity and stride efficiency, resulting in a more effective and streamlined motion on the pitch.
Anatomical Structures:
Soft Tissue:
Calves (Gastrocnemius, Soleus)
Hamstrings (Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus)
Glutes (Gluteus Maximus, Gluteus Medius, Gluteus Minimus)
Iliopsoas (Psoas Major, Iliacus)
Joints:
Hip Joint (Acetabulofemoral joint): Facilitates extension and power generation
Knee Joint (Tibiofemoral joint): Provides stability and alignment
Ankle Joint (Talocrural joint): Ensures dorsiflexion and final force transfer
Biomechanics:
A complex interplay involving the coordination of stride length and frequency, hip extension, and ankle dorsiflexion, all orchestrated to provide smooth and efficient motion.
Kinetic Chain Influence:
The synchronization of hip extension with knee positioning and ankle dorsiflexion ensures lower extremity alignment for optimal speed and stability.
Manual Therapy Effects:
Through the application of Motion Specific Release (MSR), agility and speed are enhanced by improving muscle elasticity and stride efficiency, fostering a more effective and streamlined motion on the pitch.
Jumping and Heading
Leaping to meet the ball with the head involves a series of coordinated muscular extensions, specifically utilizing the stretch-shortening cycles of the erector spinae, latissimus dorsi, deltoids, and gastrocnemius. The intricate coordination of the kinetic chain, encompassing the hip, knee, and ankle during jumping, along with neck stability during heading, ensures proper alignment and force production for these movements. Through Motion Specific Release (MSR) techniques, practitioners can target these unique biomechanical relationships, enhancing both jumping ability and biomechanical integrity during the heading action.
Anatomical Structures:
Soft Tissue:
Erector spinae
Iliocostalis (lumborum, thoracis, cervicis), Longissimus (thoracis, cervicis, capitis), Spinalis (thoracis, cervicis, capitis)
Latissimus dorsi
Deltoids (Anterior, Medial, Posterior)
Gastrocnemius, Soleus
Joints:
Hip Joint (Acetabulofemoral joint): Facilitates powerful extension
Knee Joint (Tibiofemoral joint): Ensures stability and alignment during jumps
Ankle Joint (Talocrural joint): Provides final force transfer for leaping
Cervical Spine: Stabilizes the neck during heading
Biomechanics:
Involves a complex utilization of stretch-shortening cycles within key muscles, coordinated extensions, and precise control to meet the ball accurately.
Kinetic Chain Influence:
Coordinated interactions between the hip, knee, and ankle during jumping ensure proper alignment and force production. Neck stability during heading affects spinal alignment and ensures the right application of force.
Manual Therapy Effects:
Application of Motion Specific Release (MSR) targets and enhances the unique biomechanical relationships within the body, improving both jumping ability and biomechanical integrity during the heading action.
Turning and Twisting
Turning and twisting are essential movements in soccer, allowing players to execute quick directional changes and evade opponents. These actions rely on the dynamic stability and control provided by key muscles such as the obliques, adductors, abductors, and rotator cuff muscles. The biomechanics of these movements involve complex rotational forces at the hips and shoulders, with hip flexibility significantly influencing knee and ankle alignment during rapid turns. The coordination of this kinetic chain directly affects internal and external rotation, making it a critical aspect of a player's agility and responsiveness on the field. Motion Specific Release (MSR) techniques can significantly enhance these abilities by increasing flexibility and optimizing the biomechanical relationships involved, thereby improving reaction times and fluidity in these vital soccer actions.
Anatomical Structures:
Soft Tissue:
Obliques (External Oblique, Internal Oblique)
Adductors (Adductor Longus, Adductor Brevis, Adductor Magnus, Adductor Minimus, Gracilis, Pectineus)
Abductors (Gluteus Medius, Gluteus Minimus, Tensor Fasciae Latae (TFL))
Rotator cuff muscles (Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor, Subscapularis)
Joints:
Hip Joint (Acetabulofemoral joint): Facilitates rotational flexibility and control
Knee Joint (Tibiofemoral joint): Affected by hip alignment, crucial for stability during turns
Ankle Joint (Talocrural joint): Works in coordination with the knee for precise movements
Biomechanics:
A nuanced balance of dynamic stability and control, hinging on complex rotational forces at the hips and shoulders, allowing for rapid changes in direction.
Kinetic Chain Influence:
Coordination in the kinetic chain, especially the rotational flexibility at the hips, directly affects knee and ankle alignment, impacting internal/external rotation during rapid turns. This coordinated action is vital for agility and responsiveness on the field.
Manual Therapy Effects:
Application of Motion Specific Release (MSR) techniques enhances flexibility and optimizes biomechanical relationships, improving reaction times and fluidity in essential soccer actions like turning and twisting.
Motion Specific Release (MSR)
The Motion Specific Release (MSR) treatment system is a dynamic fusion of science and art, rooted in multidisciplinary practices. This method integrates elements from various fields, including chiropractic, osteopathy, physiotherapy, fascial research, osseous adjusting, traditional Chinese medicine, functional exercise programs, and more. With this broad spectrum of methodologies, MSR offers a comprehensive approach that addresses intricate musculoskeletal issues through a blend of artistic creativity and systematic rigor.
MSR & Soccer/Football
In the context of soccer, MSR procedures can be tailored to address the specific biomechanics of actions such as running, jumping, and turning. By understanding the unique kinetic chain interconnections within each movement, practitioners can formulate corrective treatments that enhance functionality.
Targeting restrictions in both soft tissues and joints, Motion Specific Release (MSR) plays a critical role in enhancing an athlete's performance, particularly for soccer players. This comprehensive approach can significantly improve various aspects of a player's abilities, including mobility, strength, proprioception, and even nervous system recruitment. While not exhaustive, the following list highlights some of the primary structures and activities in soccer that benefit from MSR, encapsulating many of the most vital components of the game.
Primary Structures Activated in Soccer/Football
Below each section are demonstration videos of commonly used MSR procedures. Note: For a complete listing of MSR procedure videos, please log into MSR-Pro.
Upper Extremity:
Rotator cuff muscles (Turning and Twisting)
Deltoids (Jumping and Heading)
MSR - Rotator Cuff Demonstration Video
In this video, Dr. Abelson demonstrates Motion Specific Release (MSR) procedures for releasing the Rotator Cuff. The Rotator Cuff, comprising four muscles — supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis — functions primarily to stabilize the shoulder joint and facilitate its wide range of motion.
Core:
Obliques (Turning and Twisting)
Erector Spinae (Jumping and Heading)
Iliopsoas (Kicking, Running and Sprinting)
MSR Erector Spinae Demonstration Video
In this video, Dr. Abelson demonstrates Motion Specific Release (MSR) procedures for releasing the Erector Spinae Muscles. The erector spinae muscles, a critical component of the posterior chain, function primarily to maintain upright posture and control movement during spinal extension, lateral flexion, and rotation.
Lower Extremity:
Quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus maximus (Kicking)
Calves, hamstrings, glutes (Running and Sprinting)
Gastrocnemius (Jumping and Heading)
Adductors, abductors (Turning and Twisting)
MSR Quadricep Demonstration Video
In this video, Dr. Abelson demonstrates Motion Specific Release (MSR) procedures for releasing the quadricep muscles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, soccer, or football as it is known globally, is much more than a sport; it is a complex interplay of biomechanics, requiring precision, power, and grace. The intricate coordination of muscles, joints, and ligaments involved in every kick, sprint, and jump highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to musculoskeletal health. Motion Specific Release (MSR) offers such an approach by integrating techniques from various fields to address the unique biomechanical demands of soccer. By targeting restrictions in both soft tissues and joints, MSR enhances player performance, reduces injury risk, and supports the longevity of athletes in the game.
Whether you are an amateur, professional, young, or old player, MSR procedures can be tailored to the specific movements and actions in soccer, such as running, jumping, turning, and twisting. By understanding and optimizing the kinetic chain involved in these actions, practitioners can improve a player's mobility, strength, proprioception, and overall functionality. This holistic approach not only enhances an athlete's physical abilities but also contributes to their confidence and effectiveness on the field. As soccer continues to captivate millions worldwide, the integration of MSR into training and recovery routines ensures that players can perform at their best while minimizing the risk of injury.
References
Bompa, T. O., & Haff, G. G. (2009). Periodization: Theory and Methodology of Training. Human Kinetics.
Brukner, P., & Khan, K. (2016). Clinical Sports Medicine. McGraw-Hill Education.
Clarkson, H. M., & Gilewich, G. (2012). Musculoskeletal Assessment: Joint Motion and Muscle Testing. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Cook, G. (2010). Movement: Functional Movement Systems: Screening, Assessment, and Corrective Strategies. On Target Publications.
Dvorak, J., & Junge, A. (2000). Football injuries and physical symptoms. A review of the literature. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 28(5_suppl), 3-9.
Enoka, R. M. (2008). Neuromechanics of Human Movement. Human Kinetics.
Guimberteau, J. C., & Armstrong, C. (2015). Architecture of Human Living Fascia: The Extracellular Matrix and Cells Revealed Through Endoscopy. Handspring Publishing.
Hertel, J., & Saliba, S. (2015). Evidence-Based Rehabilitation: A Guide to Practice. SLACK Incorporated.
Lees, A., Asai, T., Andersen, T. B., Nunome, H., & Sterzing, T. (2010). The biomechanics of kicking in soccer: A review. Journal of Sports Sciences, 28(8), 805-817.
McGill, S. M. (2015). Biomechanics of the Spine: Basic Concepts, Spinal Disorders and Treatments. Elsevier Health Sciences.
McMillian, D. J., Moore, J. H., Hatler, B. S., & Taylor, D. C. (2006). Dynamic vs. static-stretching warm-up: The effect on power and agility performance. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 20(3), 492-499.
Myers, T. W. (2014). Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual and Movement Therapists. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Paoli, A., Bianco, A., & Palma, A. (2019). Training strategies to improve muscle power: Is Olympic-style weightlifting relevant? Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 51(4), 686-694.
Prentice, W. E. (2013). Principles of Athletic Training: A Competency-Based Approach. McGraw-Hill Education.
Schleip, R., & Müller, D. G. (2013). Training principles for fascial connective tissues: Scientific foundation and suggested practical applications. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 17(1), 103-115.
Zatsiorsky, V. M., & Kraemer, W. J. (2006). Science and Practice of Strength Training. Human Kinetics.
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DR. BRIAN ABELSON, DC. - The Author
With over 30 years of clinical practice and experience in treating over 25,000 patients with a success rate of over 85%, Dr. Abelson created the powerful and effective Motion Specific Release (MSR) Treatment Systems.
As an internationally best-selling author, he aims to educate and share techniques to benefit the broader healthcare community.
A perpetual student himself, Dr. Abelson continually integrates leading-edge techniques into the MSR programs, with a strong emphasis on multidisciplinary care. His work constantly emphasizes patient-centred care and advancing treatment methods. His practice, Kinetic Health, is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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