Looking Around The Body

I am often asked why I look further afield in the body for restrictions to movement. A recently published article by Calgaro et al (2023) is another piece of evidence as to why I do. It investigated whether stretching hamstrings or inner thigh stretching could influence neck flexion (chin to chest movement). 

A bit of background: 

There is evidence building that there are fascial connections throughout the body that can influence and restrict movements.  These connections are called myofascial sequences.  Wilke et al (2016) have demonstrated that movement further away from the body can contribute to the correct functioning of the movement system.  The aim of this study was to start to map these sequences of connection throughout the body by investigating whether and how much certain stretches in the leg could influence movement of neck flexion.   

The details: 

The authors found young, active, injury free men and women aged between 18-32 years.  They had their neck flexion range measured in a seated position with a digital measure, after which they completed a stretch in their hamstrings for 30 seconds, 3 times on each leg.  Then the participants’ neck range was measured again – on average there was, a 6 degree improvement! 

A week later, the participants returned to be measured, perform a 1.5 minute adductor wall-based stretch and then were re-measured.  Interestingly, the neck flexion had returned to same start measurement as the week before.  After stretching the adductors (inner thighs), neck flexion increased 2 degrees. 

What does this information tell us? 

The specificity of stretches may be important, especially if we want to focus on myofascial sequences in our treatments and movements. This study shows that by stretching your hamstrings you will improve your ability to move your chin closer to your chest, if you stretch your inner thighs, not so much.   

It helps us to understand a bit more about myofascial sequences around the body.  Evidence is showing that both stretching and myofascial release can improve range of joints at the other end of the body, however, researchers aren’t sure if this involves specific groups of muscles or general movements.  There is clearer evidence about a myofascial sequence being down the backs of our bodies, with further investigations looking to map out other potential sequences. 

How does this information impact a Fascial Manipulation treatment? 

This is another piece of evidence supporting that if there are movement restrictions elsewhere in the body; it can impact how you move and where you feel pain. In the Fascial Manipulation technique, I ask about all your historical injuries and infections to see if these could be influencing your current pains and movement restrictions. In treatments, I will then ensure that your fascial tissues all over your body are moving well and not densified or stuck.  

To read the full article: Calgaro et al (2023) Link: https://lnkd.in/d8eWwpe8