IMMORTAL FITNESS MARTIAL ARTS

You've all heard that quote at some point in time.  Now, western science is providing detailed explainaitons as to how deep tissue enhances biomechanical efficiency.  A recent study from ULM University, Dept. of Physiology and the International Society of Biomechanics has studied Active Facsial Contractility and their influence on musculoskeletal dynamics.

What the heck is Fask-eya?

Myofascial (pronounced my-oh-fash-ah) refers to the body's connective tissue. Connective tissue (aka fascia) is a complex web that goes head to toe, side to side, front to back, and is also in layers. It puts everything in our body (bones, muscles, organs, and joints) in relation to everything else. It is a whole system.

Just like all the membranes of an orange that give the orange its shape, the myofascial web is the stuff that shapes and supports the physical body. It's meant to be fluid, flexible, and resilient. However, it tends to shorten, thicken, or stick to itself in response to emotional, mental, and physical trauma. Trauma in one area sets up a progression of compensation patterns and distortions which, over years, cause further distortions and compensations. This explains how a person can mildly strain his/her back, and, 10 years later, bend over to pick up a pencil and end up with a chronic back problem.

However, with proper posture, corrective excercises, and martial training, we can develop and enhance our fascia tissue to be firm, pliable, and durable!

So what was the study about?

Traditionally, fascial tissue was considered to have a passive role in the transmission of kinetic energy.  Think about two kids sitting on the edge of a slide.  Fat kid named muscle slides down, bumps the facscia, and out goes the kinetic energy as butters falls off the edge of the slide. 

Muscle was thought to have the only contractile elements within the body, with fascia merely absorbing and passing the kinetic energy to the bones.  However, new studies have discovered contractile cells within the fascia, resulting in coupled force production.  Think of the slide again, only this time fat kid and fascia slide down at the same time! (poor butters)

You may download a copy of the Thesis by clicking Active Fascial Contractility 

What does all this mean?

Take care of your fascial tissue.  SMFR + Training + Flexibility = Longevity of the fascial tissue, muscles, and joints.

The stronger the fascia, the greater the structural integerity and power of our techniques.

SMFR = Self Myo Fascial Release.  We have a foam roller at the wu guan that helps smooth out the knots within our fascial tissue. 

Here are a few sample techniques:

	Adductor Self Myofascial Release 1. Extend the thigh and place foam roll in the groin region with body prone (face down) on the floor. 2. Be cautious when rolling near the adductor complex origins at the pelvis. 3. If a "tender point" is located, stop rolling, and rest on the tender point until pain decreases by 75%
Quadriceps Slef Myofascial Release 1. Body is positioned prone (face down) with quadriceps on foam roll 2. It is very important to maintain proper core control (abdominal drawn-in position & tight gluteus) to prevent low back compensations 3. Roll from pelvic bone to knee, emphasizing the lateral (outside) thigh 4. If a "tender point" is located, stop rolling, and rest on the tender point until pain decreases by 75%.
	Iliotibial Band Self Myofascial Release 1. Position yourself on your side lying on foam roll. 2. Bottom leg is raised slightly off floor. 3. Maintain head in "neutral" position with ears aligned with shoulders. 4. This may be PAINFUL for many, and should be done in moderation. 5. Roll just below hip joint down the outside thigh to the knee. 6. If a "tender point" is located, stop rolling, and rest on the tender point until pain decreases by 75%.

San Diego Personal Trainers are available for Postural Assessments, SMFR Instruction, Corrective Training (for joint pains), and Performance Enhancement!  Call (619) 917 - 9017 to schedule an appointment!

For more info. on SMFR, simply ask any of our trainers before class or during class breaks.