There are many mechanisms involved in this complex system, and we will explore the most important of them and their relevance to therapists in the workshop. Recognising when the system might not be working to full advantage can lead to many effective, novel and interesting new ways to help clients.
A much-improved vision of the many roles (and there are MANY!) the fascial tissues play in the body has developed in the literature over the recent years. One of those roles, which I think is very important for movement and manual therapists, is its contribution to healthy and efficient movement. We all know that muscles contract and pull on bones via the fascial tendons, but that is only part of the story. Much human movement begins by going in the opposite direction - this loads elastic energy into the fascia as well as tightening it in preparation for the pull of the muscles’ contraction.
Interesting fact
The Thoracolumbar fascia - the diamond shaped tissue joining the lats and gluteus maximus can add about 30% efficiency to the contraction of the erector spinae!
Key Research
The role of the thoracolumbar fascia in force transfer - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7701385?dopt=Abstract
The role of the thoracolumbar fascia in increasing efficiency of contraction - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23916105
Author: James Earls is a writer, lecturer and bodyworker specialising in Myofascial Release and Structural Integration. See him at camexpo: Anatomy trains and functional movement (Sep 24, Taster Workshop), Active fascial release (Sep 24, Taster Workshop), and Myofascial efficiency and tensegrity (Sep 25, Taster Workshop)
camexpo returns to Olympia, London, on 24-25 September 2016. To register your ticket, please visit www.camexpo.co.uk/register-to-visit-camexpo-2016 – and quote priority code CAMX524.
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