Anatomy Trains...ever heard of them?
Anatomy trains are myofascial maps … basically they help show us how different muscle groups across the body work together to help us move efficiently! The anatomy trains map out a set of connective tissues in the myofascia (dense, tough tissue that surrounds and covers muscles) that forms an outer tensional network that pulls on the skeleton to help keep it upright and moving properly.
The body is made up of an intricate system of these fascial chains. The chains connect and create a map from the top to the bottom and across the body to create movement, force, speed, control and deceleration. Imbalances in these chains can create dysfunction and pain.
Most of us have been taught that a singular muscle pulls on a bone to move the skeleton. As we learn more and more about the body…we have discovered that the concept of a muscle contracting only to pull its ends together is actually far too simple and does not cover the intricacy of human movement. Muscles attach to other muscles along their sides, attach to and affect nearby ligaments, attach to nerves and neurovascular bundles that serve that muscular tissue, and all of these connections play a larger role in mobility, dysfunction, and pain than most people realize.
Many don’t address the fascial chains when there’s impaired movement or pain present. Oftentimes, they will only look at individual muscles, the site of the pain, or general movement patterns. This is why most PT treatment plans don’t work… they’re not addressing the root problem!
More often than not, these “Myofascial Meridians” AKA “Fascial Chains” or “Anatomy Trains” play a larger role in PT treatment plans and exercise prescription than many would think. Addressing all of these chains in conjunction with the specific site of pain, weakness, or disability helps to restore motor control, improve stability, and increase the efficiency of movement patterns.
In our next blog post, we will discuss the different fascial chain systems and how they impact movement.
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Email: courtney@plusforte.co
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