Matrix - a substance containing something: a substance in which something is embedded or enclosed

The above is the definition of a matrix, the picture to the left shows a matrix, as you can see it is free flowing and always in motion. Why is this so important to relieving pain?

The human body is comprised of many different tissues or substances. There are organs, bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles and a substance called Fascia. Fascia is truly the first substance that develops in the human body at the cellular level right after conception. As the cells start their development process the Fascia is what allows that movement to happen. As the embryo develops and the cells divide and the other tissues of the body develop the Fascia will become the envelope and hold everything in place. Since the body is in perpetual motion the tissue that covers everything must have that capability. Fascia is on the move 24/7 and is probably the strongest of all the materials in the body.

When there is any form of trauma to the body this covering system is what needs to change to adapt to the sudden changes that occur. Since it covers the bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles it also holds these tissues in the proper position whether it is right or wrong.

The ligaments are an extension of the Fascia system and their job has a fourfold purpose, they position the bones that form a joint, they stabilize that joint, they prepare the joint to move and lastly, control the speed of movement. What this means is that when a conscious effort to move is made the ligaments, if healthy, will set everything up to move. In cases of abrupt or sudden change in posture, like a fall or auto accident, the ligaments don't always have the opportunity to respond correctly. The Fascia responds for it and holds it in place to minimize the damage.

When proper or natural movement takes place, it is the ligament that signals the tendon as to which bony structure needs to move to fulfill the movement. When that abrupt or sudden movement happens, though there are incorrect signals and compromises to the proper movement pattern.

The muscle tissue basic job is either to shorten or lengthen, that is it. What it does need to do though, is when in its movement pattern the muscle does not have the ability to only move part way through its cycle. In cases of abrupt or sudden movement the muscle will often not complete its mission and this action is what keeps the tension on the joint which eventually ends up with pain.

The problem lays in the fact that if you only try and change one of the tissues, especially the Fascia, it will return what the brain perceives it should be. People will often ask what they need to do after a Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh® session, well the following is what I personally suggest. JOIN THE CLUB!

At Chagrin Valley Wellness Center we treat these tissues in different ways but the prime method is Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh®. We also use Acupuncture, Structural Integration, Reiki, Massage and Fundamental Movement Therapy(SM). Over the next few weeks I will discuss the protocol for all and how they integrate one with the other.

One of the most underused methods is what I refer to as Basic Massage. This is the massage practice that most are accustomed to but truly do not understand completely. At the Wellness Center we have the CVWC Club Massage and I'll explain why this is a valuable tool for most individuals. We have sharply discounted the cost of this to encourage everyone to take advantage of the program. When massage is performed correctly, and there is a lot more than just rubbing the skin, it has the ability to keep the aforementioned tissues healthy, supple and functional.

Relaxation Massage, as it is commonly referred to as, should be treated with much more respect than it is. Mainstream America has taken it and tried to enhance it by giving it many different names and have added more add-ons to it than is necessary. Massage is a very educated touch that needs to be applied with precise techniques to fully incorporate all of the positive aspects that it brings. Individuals need to have the same respect for this form of Art as they do a Monet, because when properly applied to can create a thing of beauty, YOU!

Massage when applied correctly will open many of the closed pathways or restrictions in the Fascia during the effleurage portion. When Petrissage is applied, a technique that gently lifts the muscle, breaks down minor adhesions in the tissue, and promotes better circulation. The full body should be treated to truly capture the beauty of the art, which it is when properly done.

I invite all to look in to the CVWC Club Massage as an investment to your overall health and well-being. The monthly fee is $48.00 + $3.72 tax and that includes a one hour session. If you decide you want an additional massage during the month it is an additional $50.00 +$3.88 tax. Treat your body to health and as Mark Twain once said, "If I knew I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself!"

Keep your matrix flowing freely, it not only promotes better movement but this is the same tissue that allows your internal organs to freely move and stay healthy. For further information or to join the Club, please call one of our Client Care Specialists for details @  (216)364-0152 or appointments@chagrinvalleywellness.com.

a Reason to HOPE!
by Helping Ourselves Pain Ends!
Dennis Gibbons LMT

The theme over the past few weeks has been about muscles and movement and we recently held a class on the myths of stretching. This blog will hopefully explain to you how all of this works and how with proper movement, either low or high intensity, you will be able to overcome many of the issues that we deal with on a day to day basis.

In the picture of the muscle you will see an item that is slightly offset from the muscle itself. Although in real life this growth is not like this, this is a great illustration to show you that in the nervous system we have this built in surge protector. As with your electronic equipment the need to protect from unexpected electrical surges in the power company lines, the body also needs protection to protect us from unexpected movements. 

What are some of these unexpected movements that I am referring to? Well with winter weather here I am quite confident you didn't practice walking on slippery surfaces. Or that cough you developed when the weather changed and those hard, consectutive sneezes from that cold you had, these are all unexpected movements. Other forms of movement that can often compromise individuals are repetitve use injuries. Muscle when held in a specific position for any prolonged period of time will fatigue and become dysfunctional.
 
Is it wrong to stretch then. I don't want to hurt myself? Once again there needs to be a purpose behind it, to stretch because we think we should normally is not a good reason. Knowing the parameters is also important. Once you have reached a point, in any form of movement, where the tissue is starting to burn you are approaching an end point and you should stop.

Is there a difference in the burn I experience when exercising? Yes there is, when under load or duress with weights or even in Pilates, you will experience a build up of lactic acid. This build up will cause the workout burn. When you feel a "burn" when performing isolated or combined stretching, this normally indicates a slight tear to the connective tissue. Be aware of these differences.

We will continue this journey next week, until then remember by Helping Ourselves Pain Ends.

One last note, Jarvis held his first circuit movement class and the participants were estatic, call to sign up for his next one, Tuesday afternoons from 4p - 5p,
216-364-0152 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            216-364-0152      end_of_the_skype_highlighting to make your appointment.

a Reason to HOPE!

Dennis

We recently held an informational class on "Stretching" and it was a huge success. Myself, Josh Trentine, and Al Coleman from Overload Fitness discussed the terminology of stretching and how it is used in today's world. The participants asked many stimulating questions, which added to the dynamics of the class. Informational classes of this nature should be for the participants and not the presenters, and that is what we had. Thanks to all that attended. The Wellness Center will be holding another session on February 12, 2013. Also, in the near future you will be able to go to our web site and watch some video of the class.

The topics that were discussed went from Fibromyalgia, Tennis Elbow, Breast Cancer surgery, dance, and other forms of exercise. We discussed the physiological changes to the connective tissue, muscle, and skeleton when individuals over "stretch".

Many will ask the question, "Am I hurting myself when I do Yoga?" . If done properly and in movement the answer is no. When I speak of movement I don't just mean walking, running, or some other form of cardio work. Any time movement is done correctly the brain should be able to adapt to it and will prevent unusual injury. There is a section in your brain where movement is rehearsed and planned out. Often times we see someone else perform a movement and attempt to mirror it but more often than not our body is not able to emmulate it. If you suffered previous trauma your body will not respond the same as someone elses. What the rehearsal part of the brain does is coordinates the movement for its body. You may not be able to bend as far or reach as high but if you let your brain figure it out for you, it will get you there.

It is important to remember that muscle has very limited movement qualities, it is there for the dynamics of movement and follows the commands of other tissue. 
Many say that when they feel the burn of the muscle tissue when stretching it brings relief to them. Two items here, first the burn hopefully isn't to the muscle tissue because that type of burn would normally indicate some form of tearing to the fiber. The second item is that in order to have a muscle move there needs to be a specific chain of command that the tissue follows. Once the brain determines that movement is going to take place it must first decipher that movement. That is where the rehearsal part of the brain takes over and actually choreographs the movement. Once this is set in motion there are many items that need to take place for the movement to actually happen. I do not want to go into great detail about the physiology here but understand many nerve connections are necessary for even the simplest movement.

The study of movement is a very complex process but what we have been able to do in both our therapies, and that includes our Fundamental Movement Therapy(SM) classes, is to take the inhibited movement in the body and remove the obstacles. If you have questions about your painful issues please do not hestitate to call the office to discuss them with one of our exerts. Remember we have Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh®, Acupuncture, Structural Integration, Reiki, Reflexology, and Therapeutic Massage. Also, to help strengthen and encourage proper movement check out our studio that is equipped with Pilates equipment.

Over the next few weeks I will continue to write about the process of muscles in movement and how the body needs to function so that it remains efficient and hopefully your pain ends,

a Reason to HOPE!

Dennis

These two pictures of Kevin were taken during the recent certification classes we are presently holding. The top is the before picture and the bottom is the after picture. It is in these pictures that we were able to balance both his cranium (skull) and his upper neck. He played hockey and suffered multiple concussive blows. Although he didn't display many of the after effects, these traumas had affected his body's ability to function at a high level. By performing some release techniques that affected the matrix to reconform itself the structure, including the Trigeminal nerve was able to truly move within its own skin. We are taking reservations for the next class and because of the depth of the knowledge and the content we limit the class size. Call 216.364.0156 or email kathy@chagrinvalleywellness.com. Questions or comments respond either to this blog or call me at 216.364.0159.