STRUCTURE DICTATES FUNCTION Function 3 of 3

The final of a 3 part series on Function.  I could write a 10 part series, but I will save you all the boredom!

So… we’ve discussed what Function isn’t.  So how do we create it?  What are the parts involved?

Without plunging deep in the proverbial ‘rabbit hole’ we will keep it simple.

I’m going to argue the following

Structure Dictates Function!  Most of us have heard and/or used this before.  Its been a mantra of mine since I first graduated Chiropractic school.  Not until recent did I truely understand what 10% of this means.

The Structure:  primarily starting with the Pelvis.  (Without making this into an anatomy lesson, I will attempt to make this brief and poignant)

• Based upon Tensegrity = Force of Compression (using bones) combined with Tension (using ligaments and fascia)
  

  Human as a Tensegrity Model!

                                                                  copyright  T. Flemons 2006  www.intensiondesigns.com

Therefore…  The pelvis is literally the ‘center’ of the balance of the entire Tension and Compression (tensegrity) system!

Specific Example.  Scapula is directly influenced by the Pelvis via 1 direct link!  How is that?  Simple.  Latissimus Dorsi (lat) is continuous with the thoracolumbar fascia which is connected directly to the pelvis (1).  Continuous with the Latissimus Dorsi is LeBlanc’s Fascia, which connects directly to the scapula.

What does that mean for a patient or athlete?  A pelvis that is not properly balanced will directly cause a shoulder issue (of many varieties;  labrum tears, tendonitis, impingement, scapula dyskinesis, etc)

The basic KINETIC CHAIN theory that we have all learned or heard about, needs some clarifications.  Mainly that the CHAIN is not the ‘shin bone connected to my thigh bone’ approach, but better explained…’the shin bone is held in relationship to my  thigh bone via a vast complicated network of fascia and ligaments and muscles’ AND the mechanics of the knee (joint between the shin and thigh bones!) is NOT ONLY determined by the bony interface, but also highly influenced by the tension in the system in the anterior, posterior, medial and lateral sides (to simplify)…

This explains many more complicated interactions of the body that Dr Guy Voyer has been introducing to many Therapists, Doctors and High Level Trainers in the US and Canada.  If the structure isn’t properly balanced and mobile, proper Function isn’t achievable.

So if you’ve given up on your Shoulder, Lowback, Neck, Headache Pain OR you are desperately trying to get your 95mph fastball back, 4.1sec 40…or ….  Give us a call and find out exactly the disturbance in your Tensegrity system that is causing your pain!

In Health

Jason Amstutz DC, RTP, CCSP, CSCS

Somatherapy and Somatraining Student of Dr Guy Voyer.

DrAmstutz@LINKMedicalCenter.com

Fascial System Shortening and Dysfunction (Part 2 of 2)

Fascial System Shortening Part 2

The last blog regarding the Fascial System or Network dealt mainly with proper nutrition, hydration and supplementation of your soft tissue.  The highlights were calcium, magnesium and potassium teamed with dark green leafy veggies and proper hydration.

This article focuses on making structural changes via:  Myofascial release techniques, Rolfing, Deep Tissue Massage, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue techniques, et. al. which all primarily focus on the fascia of the musculoskeletal system either directly or indirectly.

• Fascia and Tensegrity – defined as…Fascia is the fascinating biological fabric and glue that holds us together.  Tensegrity is a model for understanding the geometry of the body, on both a micro- and macro- scale, that leads to many new insights in terms of body connectivity, the relation between stability, structure and movement and how this relates to proper Function and Biomechanics.

This seemingly new Fascial Awareness, if you will, is gaining greater and greater popularity and acceptance in the U.S. as performed by massage therapists (Rolfers, Deep tissue etc), chiropractors, physical therapists, strength coaches, trainers, Osteopaths, etc. etc.

The importance of the Fascial Anatomy and proper FUNCTIONALITY is paramount to any and all musculoskeletal related pain, dysfunction, lack of performance, recurring injuries etc.  If your therapist or physician is not accounting for the Fascial System in your treatment protocol, you may want to find someone who does.

The treatments/ ways to effect the Fascia System are many and diverse.  

Rolfing, Deep Tissue massage (and others) use the therapist hands primarily as way to ‘manipulate’ the Fascia. 

Yoga and others, teach specific myofascial stretches for the Fascial Anatomy (whether you know it or not!)  With the most specific, in my opinion, being the Myofascial Stretching taught by French Osteopath/Medical Doctor Guy Voyer who promotes educating the patient/client in how to specifically alter their Fascia with prescribed stretches and exercises to promote superior Functionality and Structure!

If you are reading this and are in the Southern California Region, I offer you to call and make an appointment at Stark Sports Med. Group and see if your recurring injury(s) are a result of imperfect fascia!  949-722-7070

If you are outside the area, please take the time to research your therapist or physicians to make sure that the Fascia is accounted for in your treatment plan!

Jason W. Amstutz DC, RTP, CCSP

Clinic Director @ STARK

DrAmstutz@StarkRehab.com

Fascial System “Shortness” Part 1

Fascial System “shortness”  PART 1 of 2
Most ongoing tightness is due to FASCIAL length shortening and NOT nerve-muscle issues!
How many of you have had ‘tight hamstrings’ your entire life, but no matter how much you ‘stretch’ them, they never seem to get any longer?  Many I’m sure.

** (side note:  another foundational challenge with chronically tight hamstrings is actually too much anterior pelvic tilt…keep up with the ManDown blogs to find out how to solve!)**

The more sitting, exercise, lifting, running etc that one does, the greater the need to ‘re-stretch’ the fascial systems.

This fascial shortening occurs all over the body and in very predicable patterns and sequences.  Less predictable fascial issues occur as a result of specific sprains, contusions, surgeries and seemingly ‘pulled muscles’.

As the tightening gets worse, the body mis-alignment gets worse and subsequently uses up more of your nutrients and minerals!

Fascia itself can vary in consistency from a gel-like almost liquid (Healthy, hydrated and nourished) to putty-like and dry/leathery/sticky (unhealthy, dehydrated and mal-nourished)

What can you do?  First and foremost, anyone suffering from overall PAIN throughout their bodies need a major dietary overhaul (yet another separate Man Down Blog)…  The basics… more raw fruits and vegetables and more water.  More specifically, muscles need calcium-magnesium-potassium to function properly and a depletion makes the MUSCLES tight, even when the fascial isn’t bunched up.

Fascia Supplements and Nutrition –
1.  green leafy vegetables and seaweed are high in calcium and magnesium which are also building blocks for the fascial system of the body.  Green leafy vegetables(magnesium primarily) are excellent tissue cleansers and rebuilders, which are very important for the liver (which cleanses the blood and rebuilds tissue!)  They are also high in Calcium which helps relax muscles, assists with depression or anxiety.
2.  EPA/DHA from Nutraceutical grade Fish Oil are also important for anti-inflammation and proper cellular rebuilding (primarily cell membranes of all tissue and cells).  We use EPA/DHA 6:1 from Metagenics!
3. Water, water and more water!  We could all use more water in our bodies and proper fascial health is no different.  So add another reason to drink more water!

It really can be that simple.  But remember, we are talking about adding these nutritional and supplemental changes on a CONSISTENT basis, and NOT for a couple of days or weeks!
Try this approach for at least 30 days and see how much better you feel overall, less painful you are when getting a massage!  Tightness will be dramatically reduced in your fascia and with the proper FASCIAL STRETCHING program you will be on your way to higher functioning and performance.

Yours in Health.

Jason W. Amstutz DC, RTP, CCSP
Stark Sports Med Group