A close-up view of the fascial system within the human body
Introduction
In the realm of spatial medicine, there’s a dynamic conversation emerging about the intricate relationships within our bodies. Professionals like personal trainers, yoga instructors, and other movement specialists are diving deep into understanding how our bodies occupy space and what it means for our overall function.
The Limitations of Traditional Thinking
A Fascial Man next to a traditional classroom skeleton supported by a metal rod
For decades, we’ve been taught the biomechanical view of the body, where muscles attach to our skeleton and enable movement. This perspective, like a classroom skeleton firmly fixed on a rod, presents a rigid and isolated interpretation of our dynamic body systems. Just as we don’t have a rod supporting us from within, our body’s mechanisms are far more intertwined and fluid than previously imagined.
Fascia: The Overlooked Connection
A magnified image of fascia fibers
Enter fascia, the connective tissue network that holds the key to our body’s true functionality. While we’ve acknowledged the role of certain tendons and ligaments, like the Achilles or the anterior longitudinal ligament, we’ve largely missed the bigger picture. These aren’t isolated structures. They’re part of an expansive, interconnected network that envelops our entire being. It’s not just about each part, but how all these parts synergize to create our holistic, functional selves.
Challenging Kinesiology: A Critique
A high-performance athlete in motion and a developing embryo
Traditional biomechanics has its gaps. It struggles to expound on the nuances of high-performance sports, the marvel of human embryology, or the profound interplay between emotions and physicality. But with the concept of the neuromyofascial web – a fusion of neurology, myology, and our newly coined term, ‘fasciology’ – we begin to see the body in its full, interconnected glory.
The Evolution of Training Approaches
Ballistic stretching, jump roping, and barefoot running
Training paradigms are ever-evolving. Take, for instance, ballistic stretching. Once shunned since the days Jane Fonda introduced us to aerobics, it’s now seeing a renaissance. Activities with a bounce element, like jump roping or barefoot running, are no longer just exercises but crucial tools for training fascia for optimal elasticity.
Fascia and Elasticity
A comparison of collagen fibers in young vs. aged fascia
Dive deeper into the world of fascia, and terms like ‘crimp’ emerge. It signifies the natural waviness of collagen fibers in our connective tissues. As we age, this crimp tends to straighten, leading to reduced elasticity. Watch a child bounce and play, and then observe an elderly person’s movement. This contrast paints a vivid picture of how fascial elasticity diminishes over time.
Aging and the Fascial System
A bouncing child and a slow-moving elderly person
Certain aspects of aging are inevitable. For example, regardless of how healthily we live, reading fine print in dim light becomes challenging as we approach our fifties. However, the elasticity of our fascia is, to a large extent, within our control. Proper training can keep our fascia young, making our bodies react and move with youthful vigor.
Implications for Treatment and Training
A therapist working on a client’s fascial system
With this profound understanding of the fascial system, both treatment and training methodologies undergo a transformative shift. Therapies that once focused on isolated symptoms now look at the body as a cohesive unit. Training regimens, too, evolve from mere muscle targeting to whole-body fascial engagement.
Conclusion
The entire fascial system glowing from within the body, connected and communicating
It’s high time we embraced a holistic understanding of our bodies. The fascial system, with its expansive, interconnected nature, is pivotal to our movement, our health, and our understanding of ourselves.
Call to Action:
The Adaptive Bodywork Team
For professionals in the world of bodywork, from trainers to physiotherapists, delving deep into the fascial system’s intricacies offers invaluable insights. As John Sutherland, founder of Adaptive Bodywork Structural Integration, I urge you to continue your exploration, integrate these concepts into your practices, and experience the transformative results firsthand.
Note: This comprehensive overview aims to shed light on the fascial system’s significance, providing readers with a renewed understanding of our bodies and the profound implications on movement and training. Here at Adaptive Bodywork, we’re committed to pioneering this knowledge, ensuring optimal health and functionality for all.
Start your journey to structural well being with a comprehensive 90 minute Adaptive Bodywork Session or make it a project with a 3, 6 or 12-series.
Together we’ll explore what’s holding you back.
Together, we’ll set you on a path to a more balanced and integrated life.
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Start your journey to structural well being with a comprehensive 90 minute Adaptive Bodywork Session or make it a project with a 3, 6 or 12-series.
Together we’ll explore what’s holding you back.
Together, we’ll set you on a path to a more balanced and integrated life.
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Montreal, Quebec, H1W 2C4, Canada
1-514-830-5444
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