Adapting to Life's Changes: Unlocking the Power of Proprioceptive Training
Embracing Change Through Proprioceptive Movement Training
Life is full of change, and our ability to adapt often determines how smoothly we navigate these transitions. While we naturally adjust to daily shifts in our bodies, some changes happen so quickly that our brain struggles to keep up. When the brain receives information that no longer matches our current reality, it can activate protective mechanisms. While these responses are sometimes necessary, they often manifest as symptoms—like muscle tightness or inefficient movement patterns—that interfere with daily life.
One of the most overlooked neurologically driven symptoms is exactly this: muscle tension and movement inefficiency. These issues affect nearly everyone, but they’re often misinterpreted as “just part of aging.” I see this frequently in clients experiencing life changes, such as:
Frozen shoulders in women going through menopause.
Hernias in men over 50.
Falls and loss of balance in older adults.
Unfortunately, our culture and medical system often treat these challenges as inevitable. But in many cases, the brain just needs updated information to recalibrate. By remapping the body, the brain can process changes more effectively, mitigating symptoms and improving quality of life.
This is where movement and exercise become essential—especially practices that focus on providing the brain with high-quality information rather than simply repeating exercises. Prioritizing movement that engages the brain can help us not only adapt to life’s changes but also avoid injuries and setbacks.
Why Proprioception Matters
Proprioception—the sense of your body’s position and movement in space—is a crucial part of this puzzle. My mentor, Meghann Koppele-Duffy, co-founder of The Neuro Studio, often reminds me: “People don’t have bad proprioception; they just need a change in proprioception.”
Proprioception works like a GPS for the body, but if the brain doesn’t have clear landmarks or points of reference, it’s left to guess. This guesswork can lead to inefficient movement patterns and even injuries. The good news is that by providing the brain with new proprioceptive information, we can dramatically improve movement and resolve many of these challenges.
I’ve seen this firsthand while working with clients who have neurological disorders. Time and again, clients are told by medical professionals that they’ll never regain certain abilities. Yet, by shifting proprioceptive input and updating the brain’s “map” of the body, they connect to new movement patterns they thought were impossible. These moments are powerful proof that many movement challenges can be mediated with focused proprioceptive training.
Practical Applications of Proprioceptive Training
One of the most fascinating aspects of proprioceptive work is how it brings clarity to complex movement challenges. For example:
Frozen Shoulder: When the brain loses the ability to differentiate between the joints of the spine, jaw, and shoulder, it often “freezes” the area to protect it. By using proprioceptive training to clarify these distinctions, I’ve been able to restore movement to even the most stubborn shoulders.
Hernias in Men Over 50: Hernias often occur when the brain cannot differentiate between the pelvis, femur, and spine. This lack of clarity weakens the surrounding tissue, increasing the risk of injury. Unfortunately, surgical repairs often address the immediate issue but fail to update the brain’s map, leaving individuals vulnerable to recurrence. Proprioceptive training can break this cycle by creating a stronger, more cohesive map of the body.
Everyday Changes Call for Updated Maps
Even seemingly minor changes—like weight fluctuations, fatigue, or eating a big meal—can shift the brain’s point of reference. When this happens, the body struggles to adapt unless it receives updated proprioceptive information.
For example, if you grew up as an athlete but now spend most of your day at a desk, your brain needs different information to handle the challenges of a sedentary lifestyle. By training with updated maps, you can build a movement practice that supports your current reality rather than relying on yesterday’s patterns.
Take Charge of Change
Change is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to derail your life. Proprioceptive training provides the brain with the tools it needs to adapt, helping you move efficiently and avoid injuries. Whether you’re facing the challenges of aging, a sedentary lifestyle, or recovering from an injury, updating your body’s map can be transformative.
Don’t let change catch you off guard. Reach out today to start building a movement practice that educates your brain, enhances your adaptability, and keeps you moving through life with ease.
