ReflexPosturology

review of article by Masi, MD, DrPH

2011-01-02T23:11:00.000-08:00

http://www.ijtmb.org/index.php/ijtmb/article/view/104/142
1st quote: The lumbar spine is stabilized and moved by sets of muscles that have varying biomechanical roles(67–70). Circumferentially, the paralumbar muscles are arranged from those closest to the spine (“local” or “core”) to those located peripherally in the pelvic and abdominal perimeters (“global” or “shell”). Optimal function requires a balanced coordination of all core and peripheral muscle groups. The core muscles provide mainly segmental stability; the more peripheral muscles control mainly global movements and general stabilization of the trunk(61,79). An insufficiency of one group, such as the core multifidus, places excessive demand on the peripheral muscles to provide chronic stabilization.
Translation: If the muscles in the spinal column and those most closely attached to it do not keep your posture balanced then the muscles further out like the abdominals will try to do it. [I have a pain under the edge of my ribs. or I have a pain at the top of my hips {ilium}]
Application: Structural Relief Therapy balances the muscle response. Typical tension train of peripheral core muscles is through the iliacus and is balanced by the adductors and peraformis. In SRT the position of the tender point on the border of the ilium indicates the level of spinal disturbance.
2nd quote: The concentration of spindles in small, short muscles acting across a joint in parallel with vastly larger and longer muscles may serve an important sensory feedback role and may function as “kinesiologic monitors”(85–87). The spindle concentrations in the small muscles of such parallel muscle combinations were estimated to be greater than those in the larger and longer muscles by a factor of between 5 and 7(86). The deepest fibers of the multifidus may serve such a proprioceptive function(87). Deep, short fibers such as these may also act as biomechanical stabilizers of movement at the joint surface and may behave as “dynamic ligaments”(76). The multifidus has a greater density of muscle spindles in the fascicles closer to the facet joints(86). Accordingly, compared with other back muscles, the lumbar multifidus is suited to provide passive and active stability to the lumbar spine(88).
Translation: If the spine is chronically twisted at a specific segment the posture reflexes are triggered to balance that position.
Application: The shortest of these muscles the rotatori have the mechanical advantage of pulling directly lateral across one segment. The others pull obliquely across multiple segments. Observation if the psoas minor is hypertonic on one side and hypotonic on the other it creates a rotational force at T11/12. This is balanced by the rotatori which becomes chronically shortened. With the client prone there will be a palpable tonicity of the multifidus over the hypertonic psoas minor trying to balance the apposing rotatori. Similar patterns will be found for levels of the psoas and coastal complexes.
Massage of the superficial layers usually will not correct the problem and may lead to a painful rebound of the problem. The correct protocol is to shorten the rotatori until it stops reporting the strain. [90 seconds in the lumbar, 2 minutes in the thoracic] This will usually improve the enervation of the involved muscle and allow an interactive retraining of the posture reflexes. A good example of this is the head nodding technique taught by Eric Dalton for the thoracic region.

New web site

2010-03-29T21:31:00.000-07:00

http://reflexposturology.weebly.com/
Has my thoughts organised by region.

reBlog from aromatherapy-essential-oils.com: Alternative Medicine

2009-10-17T01:26:00.001-07:00

I found this fascinating quote today:

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/what-is-pain-and-how-do-we-describe-it-1338521.htmlaromatherapy-essential-oils.com, Alternative Medicine, Oct 2009

You should read the whole article.

RESTLESS LEG

2009-05-18T19:21:00.000-07:00

RESTLESS LEG

Here is the summery of the forum question that prompted this article:
I have restless legs syndrome, which makes it really hard to stay asleep! Plus my brain just keeps going and going , making it hard to get to sleep in the first place
I also do yoga before bed, which REALLY helps me wind down and relax too.
I'd really like to know what other people do to help them sleep! Reply to this topic and let me know!
I've tried lots in search of an herbal remedy, but alas only yoga, herbs and meds together seem to be able to deal with the severity of my problems. Still, I'm sleeping well and have been for six weeks, and that's the important thing!

The poster is the IT specialist for the website so I am going to make some computer processes be my illustrations.

Posture reflexes work much like background processes on a computer. The sensors in your body [called propreoceptors] constantly send signals to your central processor [called cerebellum] These are processed for any needed changes in how your muscles are working. That same central processor has to also handle the processing of other critical thinking that is going on in your conscious part of your brain [cerebrum].
Now I am one of those tat is always trying to get by with an older computer with less processing speed and memory than the current standard, therefore the internet throws more at my computer than it can handle and it stalls or even locks up. When I close the lid on my laptop it often takes a long time to clear the back log and go to sleep.

This same situation happens with the human body. A very small sprain strain or irritated join can demand a lot of extra processing power to maintain operation. The picture of the poster shows a strong physical body and he obviously has an intelligent mind which requires a lot of his central processor during the day which may have pushed a lot of posture reflex processing into a back log of background processes to be done.
Notice that Yoga before bed REALLY helps him to wind down and relax. Yoga is one way of concentrating on those physical processes that have been stored up during the day.

Now I can get to the specific activity that I have found that processes the posture reflexes for the low back and legs and prepares them for sleep.
The tool is called a body ball or some brand name exercise ball. It should be sized so that it holds your knees and thighs at right angles when laying on your back. Lay on your back on a mat or bed with the ball under your heels. Rock the ball from side to side. Think abut making the movement with the muscles on the inside of the legs to the spine; not with the outside of the legs and and from the hips to the ribs.

When that feels relaxed shift to rolling the ball up to the thighs then out to straight knees. From there you can make the ball go in circles. From time to time test the balance by lifting the buttocks up. You should be able to lift the the low back up first then the buttocks. The goal is to normalize the signals from the low back and legs to your brain and reduce the chronic tension that stresses the nerves and blocks the movment of lymph that removes wast products from the legs that can set off cramps. Often the restless movement of the legs is a reaction to the the build up being reported to your brain.

I hope this will help. For therapists I have more detail earlier on my blog.
To learn how to incorporate magnets http://magnet-therapy-how-why.com where you also may ask questions.

Tools of the trade

2009-02-18T23:53:00.001-08:00

Discussion of tools on body work group led me to post these two replies.

How does one feel where the "issues" are with any of these
devices? Was one of the questions.
The device that I use to reduce the work load and increase the benefit is the Oster hand vibrator. The vibration is applied with the finger tips and or the palm or heel of the hand so there is constant feed back with the "issues".
With a very light touch it works for lymphatic stimulation. One layer deeper and it will restore circulation to a trigger point.
Fallowing a muscle or attachment it can do the sculpting and fascia work. resting the palm of the hand with a magnet in it vibrating on a congested area like a dowager hump can melt it away.
I often have one on each hand so that I can work reciprocal point at the
same time.

--
Hans Albert Quistorff, LMP
Antalgic Posture Pain Specialist
http://magnet-therapy-how-why.com

Hans,

I didn't know the Oster hand massager was still available. One speaker at
Convention mentioned that it was one of the few touch techniques he could
tolerate, and found it highly effective on his fibromyalgia. Don't or didn't
barbers use them frequently to finish up a haircut?
--
Be well,
Toni Roberts
Atlanta

Oster hand massager
Yes they are still available. If you enter the subject in a search
box you will get over 7 sources. I prefer the older Junior model that
is usually available on eBay. They may need some refurbishment but
that is no problem for me with my large collection of spares.
I make an adaptation to make them more secure on my hand. I buy a
the fabric store strips of Velcro, long ones with the fuzzy side and
short one with adhesive backing with the hooks. I fasten one end of
the fuzzy strip under the screw that holds the spring strap on one
side then wrap the strap around the underside of my wrist over the
thumb to stick to the hooks that are fastened under the screw on the
other side and glued to the side of the base. This keeps the unit
from sliding forward when the hand is pointing down. Not a problem for
the barbers doing the head seated but is a problem working client on
table.
--
Hans Albert Quistorff, LMP
Antalgic Posture Pain Specialist
http://magnet-therapy-how-why.com

Reflex posturology - foot to body

2008-02-11T00:02:00.000-08:00

Reflex posturology - foot to body

Walking reflex = Right arm to left leg. Left arm to right leg.

Therefore muscle reflexes involved in walking will be on the opposite foot to the body part. Reflexes of the spine are located along the first metatarsal arch with the reflexes of the head and neck located on the big toe.
To locate corresponding reflexes visualize [not actually] turning the foot so that it lines up with the opposite side of the body. The dorsal surface will correspond to the anterior of the body and the Plantar will correspond to the posterior of the body. The lateral foot will correspond to the lateral body. The little toe will correspond to the arm.

Do a body scan using the feet.

Hold a heel in the palm of each hand [client supine] and palpate with the thumb. The tuberosity of the fifth metatarsal will be the reflex point for the inferior edge of the ribs on the opposite side.

Why? The lateral bend of the spine being held by the abdominal obliques is compensated by the eversion of the foot. [peroneal muscles] You may find a counter tension of the Plantar flexors by palpation with the fingers of the other hand. Why? The correction of the center of gravity being shifted over that foot starts with the Supination of that foot and elevation of the arch.

The correction from the pelvis is mostly with the quadratus lumborum and erectors of the spine. Tenderness along the medial edge of the longitudinal arch will indicate the level of vertebral stress. Most reflexology charts show the spine superimposed on the medial border of the foot.

At this point I like to place the legs on a body ball so that the knees and hips are at right angles. In this position the outer layer of antalgic posture can start to unwind. By rocking from side to side on the ball the muscles from the thighs to the pelvis and pelvis to ribs and spine can be refreshed by contracting and relaxing under a light load. This will reduce the reflex load on the leg and foot for later treatment.

Upper body scan

The upper body is reflexed in the fore foot. As mentioned at the outset the big toe corarsponds to the head, The distal joint corresponds to the upper cervicals and the proximal joint to the lower cervicals. Therefore the position of tenderness and stiffness will give clues as to were cervical work is needed.

The second toe in my experience reflexes with the clavicle. Tension on the dorsal of the foot as reflexes of anterior cervical and pectoral muscles. Tenderness in the planter pads reflexes of the posterior cervicals and shoulder blade muscles. A tender point along the edge of the pad at the base of the toes will usually have a corresponding trigger point in the upper trapezius. With the feet on the ball, as mentioned before, both the tender reflex point and the trigger point can be held just below the pain threshold until they are canceled.

Next the little toe. It will correspond to the arm on the opposite side. The last SRT class I participated in one classmate related how when an advanced therapist worked on her little toe her rotator cuff problem went away. This is important work because many have distorted the reflexes of the little toe by the shoes they have worn which in turn has exaggerated the balance reflexes of the arm.

There is a soft area just lateral to the extensor tendon of the little toe that seems to correspond to the abdominals. I need to explore this more.

There is a lot more to learn about the reflexes of the planter foot muscles and their reflex action with the back muscles. Note correspondences and share them in the comments section.

Shoulder belt injury in car accedent

2007-11-12T02:31:00.000-08:00

Thank You for the detailed description of the accident. In 13 years working for a chiropractor I have seen a lot of these. I also measure the X-ray film so I have seen the damage at T11/12 and have it myself. This area is typically injured by the twist around the shoulder belt in a whiplash incident. The resulting muscle imbalance is the psoas minor which is both attached and enervated at this point. The resulting postural distortion is the pelvis. The reciprocal of the pelvis is the mastoids thus the need for cranial work. The Lovett's reciprocal reaction to T11/12 is C6/7 thus the cervical distortion and referred pain. The most effective treatment protocol I have developed uses a body ball under the heels with the client supine. The ball should be sized so that the femur is at right angle to spine and tibia at right angle to femur. The client can move the ball in small circles to stimulate the posture reflexes in a non threatening environment. Watch for a substitute posture train traveling up the iliacus to an abdominal oblique then up the intercoastals to substitute for one or more of the psoas minor attachments. With your fingers resting on the anterior of C6/7 during the motion study you may dicern the positional release for the scalene distortion. With the finger tips on the inferior edge of the mastoid listen for the movement reflecting the movement of the corresponding ilium on the same side. Think about the posture trains that may be engaged; for example from the adductor to the pubic to the psoas minor on one side and the IT band to the piiformas on the other. My clients develop an awareness of the compromise patterns this way and therefor the the repetitive motion stress pain becomes comprehensible and they can make sensible choices in how to deal with it. One of the first things they want is their own ball for self care.

The A-Frame, the Peg Leg and the Teeter Totter

2007-04-11T01:20:00.000-07:00

The A-Frame, the Peg Leg and the Teeter Totter

Description of posture patterns and what to expect for each type.
The A-Frame[anterior lumbar tilt]
Description:
Upper body anterior to hips but over feet; feet wide apart often turned out; knees may be locked (stable but damaging) or unlocked (Unstable and fatiguing); Head may be forward (degenerative)or upright (adaptive); arms and shoulders may be internally rotated (depressive) or held back (aggressive).
Probable cause:
Swollen lumbar joint capsules, torn ligaments or disc bulging which is being held away from nerve roots by pushing it posterior.
Anatomy:
The A-Frame is formed by the femurs with the adductors forming a scissor truss to the ramus of the pubis. The femurs are stabilized by the tensor fascia, Quadratus femoris, piriformis, iliacus and various other muscles of the sacral-pelvic floor.
Expectation:
Any of the above may be hypertonic, eschemic, or have trigger points. The Psoas is often hypotonic due to disturbance of its enervation at the lumbar nerve roots. Depending on knees being locked or unlocked and degrading of tarsals and arches the tension chains will cross the knees and ankles in various patterns to be discussed later. The quadriceps and hamstrings will be under tremendous load and will tend to be hard and anaerobic. Also the erector spenai are under heavy load and will probably be hypertonic. Posture chains will continue to the skull but I will discuss them under lateral lean.
The Peg Leg [lateral lumbar tilt]
Description:
Upper body over one leg with weight predominantly on that heel and other leg with lesser weight carried or balanced on toe,otherwise similar to half the A-frame (in other words a lean-to [the pun makes it easier to remember]). Variations are left or right and with anterior or posterior component. Manifestation will be what is commonly referred to as an antalgic gait; in other words limping like they have a peg leg.
Probable cause:
Unilateral disc bulge or joint capsule inflammation, possible unilateral ligament tear or laxity. The proprioceptive response may tilt toward the disc damage to push the pulpus internal away from the nerve root, or the lean may be away from the disc damage and ether anterior or posterior to push the bulge away from the nerve root.
Expectation:
If the lean is over the leg with the affected nerve root, weight bearing will be more painful and shorter duration; lean away from the affected nerve root will probably allow for longer weight bearing but more severe cramping when not weight bearing.
Posture chains:
Due to the heel toe stance and the leg and arm opposite the lean being held abducted the posture tonicity has to be radically different on each side of the body. The righting reflex also will cause the thoracic and or the cervical spine to have hypertonicity opposite the lean. If the client has sufficient flexibility to compensate for the lumbar lean with a counter thoracic lean then the cervical hypertonicity will be on the same side as the lumbar contraction. Repetitive use trigger points then will be found in lateral aspects of the abducted leg, arm and compensated side of the neck, these can track slightly anterior or posterior depending on the additional lean component. The adductors of the femur and humerus on the opposite side will also be subject to repetitive use stress and the corcobreccei or terries may develop trigger points or it may extend out to pectorals and latisimus. Observation and palpation be your guide.
CranioSacral:
With a compensated scoliosis [thoracic correction for the lumbar lean with cervical correction to head level] the distortion of the ilium will be mirrored by the mastoids. [superior anterior ilium will be matched with inferior anterior mastoid, etc.] Therefore there will be a distortion of the cranio sacral rhythm.That is why Upledger teaches a ten step protocol to restore the CSR. My protocol is to estimate if the major trigger points and counter strains are anterior.If so to start with the client supine check the mastoids and ilium distortion and position the legs to start the unwinding. If the major complaint is upper body I work from the top down. If the distress is in the lower extremities I work from the feet up. If the major contractions are posterior I start with the client prone check the mastoid and hips and use a wedge bolster under the anterior ilium.
The Teeter Totter[posterior lean]
Description:
Shoulders posterior to hips, head anterior to shoulders, sacroiliac joints often locked, knees usually locked when standing with toes constantly wiggling to try to maintain balance and arms may also be held in balancing positions.
Probable causes:
Lumbar and or lower thoracic fixations, upper thoracic excessive kyphosis, anterior neck contractions or a combination.
Observation:
If not extreme many will think this person has good posture but wonder why they are so nervous, fidgety or irritable.
My protocol is to start supine release the anterior cervical and illiosacral joints and possibly the abdominals then go to prone and try to balance or free the fixations of the spine.
Conclusion:
This is by no means fully researched or documented but my observations over ten years with input from Chiropractic X-ray measurement, Paul StJohn's videotapes and lecture, Upledger's CranioSacral and STRAIN COUNTERSTRAIN by Lawrence H. Jones, DO.
I hope this contributes to the integration of postureology with various therapeutic modalities that assist in restoring homeostasis. HAQ
Hans A. Quistorff, LMP
Antalgic Posture Pain Specialist

Let me gather my material and spellcheck

2007-03-22T23:52:00.000-07:00

It is midnight so please wait for my next post.
Hans Albert Quistorff, LMPAntalgic Posture Pain Specialist