This article was written by Chris Duffin, Co-Owner and Chief Engineer at Kabuki Strength Let’s start by clarifying that this article is nothing more than a summary of my thoughts based on personal observation, coaching, and discussions with clinicians and professors over the years.  It is not summary of research or definitive fact, albeit from an anecdotal aspect I can consistently drive positive change when fine tuning based on the principles in this piece.Over the years I have observed a direct relationship between deep Neck flexors and quality of bracing and output of force production.  This relationship can be affected by a number of variables and isn’t one simple variable.  There is not one cue or position that will increase your force production or improve bracing quality, nor one sign that will let you know there is a potential problem or opportunity in addressing this area.  However, there is a set of overarching principles I have developed that will make it easy to understand and manage.  It may also explain why certain positions work for some people that don’t normally make sense, or some odd cues and even tools that we see are effective.What’s interesting to note is that at the embryotic state the deep neck flexors are attached to the diaphragm.  Digesting that may help explain why issues in this area or the control of the spinal position at the thoracic outlet are tied so deeply to bracing (use of the diaphragm) and neural output.  Many are aware of the ramifications of all the nerve outputs through the thoracic outlet,  but what I’m diving into isn’t major dysfunction but more subtle changes.  The areas that we are going to explore and fine tune to elicit change are around Over Active Deep Neck Flexors, Shoulder Position, Neutrality & Control of spine...

By Kabuki Strength