Wolff’s Law
A major reason behind the survival of humans is our ability to adapt. Arctic temperatures? No problem, we’ll build igloos and wear fur. Typhoon climate? Let’s build houses on stilts.
The same adaptability is evident in our physiology; that’s what German anatomist Julius Wolff (1836-1902) theorized in his work. Known today as Wolff’s Law, bone will remodel itself and become more dense –stronger- as weight loads are consistently applied. The same law can be applied to connective tissue such as ligaments and tendons. As the body receives consistent signals based on its repetitive use, it will undergo external changes to shape and internal changes to structure and blood flow.
In weightlifting, we can apply this theory to increased performance. The more consistent lifting that occurs means that the body will, by nature, experience hypertrophy; size increase. Unlike man-made things that will gradually decrease in effectiveness with use, we get stronger. The load-bearing bones will receive signals to become denser, and their structural integrity will increase. Essentially, our body knows what is best for us, and will make adjustments based on consistent activity. We truly are our own best doctors.
As martial artists, Wolff’s Law is quite relevant to our practice. In Judo and Jujitsu, constant lifting and throwing of partners necessitates load-bearing knees. In Karate, striking of the makiwara to condition the hands will, over time, increase density of the knuckles and metacarpals, and not to mention the radius and ulna through hojo undo forearm training!
Wolff’s Law also applies to non-use. Without stimuli, the body sees no need to waste resources. It simply won’t provide certain skeletal growth to bones that aren’t being challenged. It will be given what it needs to survive, but it won’t thrive….they must be given work to do!
Ensure enough Vitamin D intake, load some weight on during your exercise, and clash limbs with your dojo brothers and sisters and make Julius Wolff proud.
Until next time!