Technical Tuesday Gastrocnemius
The gastrocnemius and the soleus are the two major muscles
of the calf, and both join onto the Achilles tendon (the strongest and thickest
in the body). The word comes originally from the Greek, meaning “stomach of the
leg” referring to the way the muscle bulges to form the shape of the calf.
The gastrocnemius actually branches at the top – behind the
knee – and the two branches are called the medial and lateral heads. When this
muscle flexes during plies or any time the knee bends (for example during
walking), it creates traction on the femur, pulling it toward the tibia in the
lower leg and allowing the knee to bend (plie). It also allows for plantar
flexion of the ankle.
Dancers constantly use this muscle, and because it is
worked, it gets stronger. But if it isn’t also stretched, it gets tighter and
overuse injuries in this area are common. And, the tighter the calf, the more
it irritates the Achilles tendon – not good!
Therefore, dancers must always work (as equally as
possible), on both strength and stretch in the calf.
From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:
Anatomical Secret #2ec:
“The Gastrocnemius if one of the two major muscles that make
up the calf (the other is the soleus).”
Link of the Day:
Quote
of the Day:
“Practice makes comfort. Expand your
experiences regularly
so every stretch won’t feel like your first.”
― Gina Greenlee
so every stretch won’t feel like your first.”
― Gina Greenlee
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