What exactly is proprioception? You could call it body sense or
kinesthetic awareness – it is the brain’s ability to sense the
relative positions and movements of the different body parts.
Because of proprioception, you know exactly where your hand is
in space as you move it around, even though your eyes are
closed. All coordinated movement depends on proprioception. When
proprioception is compromised, say from a neurological disease
or drunkenness, seemingly simple activities like walking or even
standing can become impossibly difficult. It should be obvious
that elite level movement in sport or dance requires an elite
level of body sense. For example, there is no way to land a
backflip onto a balance beam without knowing exactly what your
body is doing at all times. Accurate body sense is also
essential for feeling good in your body and being free of pain.
As discussed below, problems with proprioception can be a major
source of pain. Improving your proprioception is an excellent
goal for anyone who wants t