Inhalation: Anterior and Posterior Scalenes; External Oblique; Psoas Minor and Adductor Magnus (pubic attachment), concentric contracture
Exhalation: Posterior Scalene, Internal Oblique, Psoas Major and Adductor Magnus (ischial tuberoisty attachment) eccentric contracture
When we determine that there is minimal movement in the vertebral articulations we will balance these structures to make sure that the rib cage is functionally able to move and does not create the conumdrum of not being able to move properly as it is recruited to perform rotational functions.
Tensegrity is the combination of two words, tension and integrity. As we go through our daily lives we have many instances where both are challenged. Could it be that the winter winds are howling and we need to brace ourselves against them so as not to be blown over? Could it be carrying that bag of trash out that is probably a little heavier than it should but why waste another bag? How about these young mothers who are carrying those car seats and have to distort their bodies in order to strap the car seat down and buckle it in? There are many scenarios that we can share but I think you get the idea that often in our day to day acitivities we alter the tension because of outside forces and the body's ability to counteract these abnormal tensions. What happens though when we move to abruptly, or if the weight shifts and we try to counter-balance it? The tension alters itself automatically to make sure we don't lose our balance. These abnormal changes in tension happen even as we sleep and will eventually alter the posture of the skeleton enough that joints, ligaments, or soft tissue becomes compromised.
As the skeleton posture's tension is altered the ligaments will create an alteration to the joints so that they remain somewhat functional. As the ligaments change they need to move the skeleton into proper position which now places the tendon and muscle into an isometric contracture. As these isometric contractures fatigue the individual will experience muscle spasms, sometimes so slight that they are unnoticeable, until we move in one of the format's mentioned above. The brain tries to right itself but often is not able to recruit the proper structure because of these other anomalies that have compensated for this improper tension that has developed. We now have a problem!
One region that becomes very protective is the spine, it will do what it deems necessary to protect the spinal cord and its lifeline. Over the years we have many of these issues and a plethora of problems develop and that is probably the main cause of low back pain, fibromyalgia and other degenerative issues with the spine, including stenosis. As we continue on with this blog I will be addressing these issues and will demonstrate some of the ways Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh® or Fundamental Movement Therapy(SM) helps to not only eradicate but bring the brain back into a balance so that it does not have to fight off and rebalance all of these improper tensions.
If you have any specific questions concerning these issues please feel free to let me know so that we are able to address them. You can reach me at [email protected] and I will get back to you with your answer and you just might see that in the next blog. We will get back to Keri's spine (from blog dates 1-12-12), in the next blog. Enjoy and may we all share in the blessings that have been given to us.
Dennis Gibbons LMT