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TIME FOR SOME #FATTOOLSCIENCE A randomized clinical trial out of France was recently published (June 2020), showing the improvement of patients suffering from back pain in the fingertip-to-floor test and the evolution of pain perception. Says the author: The results of this study show the significant interest of the use of the FAT Tool concerning the evolution of the Fingertip-to-floor distance and the evaluation of pain (VAS). This study also seems to show the benefits of ...using the FAT Tool on the evolution of the range of motion in inclination and extension, as well as on the patients’ quality of life. This is a promising start for the budding science behind soft tissue release and the @FITInstitute and #FatTool will continue to be at the forefront. Reference: FAT Tool, Osteopathy and Low back pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial [Translated from the original in French]

Following up on last week's post on the ITB syndrome, this video will show you the benefits of self-treatment with the FAT-Stick. Because self-care is self-love. And better movement quality! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GT_yK3ZR8Y&t=2s

Iliotibial band and the runner’s knee issues The title says runner’s knee issues and not syndrome for a reason. There are plenty of knee issues that get labeled as syndrome so it can get a bit confusing. Do you have pain in the knee? The iliotibial band could be the issue. Let’s see what the iliotibial band syndrome is. ... But first, a bit of anatomy to properly understand the situation. The iliotibial band is a thick band of fibrous tissue running down the length of the side of your thigh, from hip to knee. Although it looks like it originates on the greater trochanter, from fibers provided by the gluteus maximus and the tensor fasciae latae, in truth it originates from the external border of the iliac crest and surrounds and anchors those muscles. Interestingly, it has extensions underneath the TFL that joins the hip joint capsule, on top of serving as a lever for the hip flexion function of the TFL. I t then goes all the way down to the side of the knee to insert on the lateral condyle of the tibia, covering part of the vastus lateralis and biceps femori muscles. The main function of the ITB is to provide knee stabilization in extension and part of flexion. When dysfunctions arise, they often present themselves as knee pain, particularly localized on the side. These can be triggered or worsened while walking or running, and can be accompanied by a clicking feeling similar in action to a windshield wiper, which is one the vernacular name of the syndrome. Although a lot of practitioner starts with stretching of the band itself, this has been questioned since it is quite tough and resistant to stretching. A release can reduce pain, while not providing a long-term solution Reducing discomfort associated with the iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is best done by assessing tension and releasing it in the following structures: tensor fasciae latae, gluteus maximus, medius and minimus. It is also worthwhile to assess tension in the vastus lateralis and biceps femori, as well as the vastus medialis. The latter can be found weak in many cases of ITBS associated with bowleggedness. For those releases, use of the FAT-Tool is great option, as it provides release without putting too much friction on the skin. Lastly, one clinical pearl seldom mentioned: genu valgus is associated with overpronation of the subtalar joint, so using the Myo-Matrix Release 3D methology to re-establish proper length-tension relationship in the muscles and tissues of the foot can go a long way to help resolve ITBS syndrome.

BE MORE FLEXIBLE FOR YOUR HEART! Recent findings in a study conducted at the university of Saskatchewan showed that stretching for 30 minutes reduces blood pressure more than a brisk walk done for the same duration. Releasing tensions with methods such as FAT Tool or Myo-Matrix Release 3D go hand in hand with a personalized stretching recommended by a qualifed health practitioner. Take care of your clients and expand your offer of services by training in all of the methods... Take care of your heart and stretch! #fitinstitute #MMR Source: https://medicalxpress.com//2021-01-effective-high-blood-pr

The Calf Issue Under Your Feet Calf strains and plantar fasciitis are a runner’s bane! Yet, these two issues might be more related then you think. Although we stand on it all the time, the plantar fascia, a thick fascial structure running the length of the sole of the foot, is often overlooked. There are dozens of articles talking about how to deal with plantar fasciitis, the main concern it can cause. But did you know that there is one lesser known clinical gem it can offer...? But to find it, we need to look away from the foot. You see, the triceps surae is often tensed because of issues down the kinetic chain. Far down, like underfoot. There is a direct connection between the plantar fascia and the Achilles tendon. The latter is the joint tendon for the 3 muscles forming the aforementioned triceps surae: both heads of the gastrocnemius, the soleus and the plantaris muscles. If the plantar fascia is tight and/or inflamed, it will tend to pull on the Achilles heel, thus creating tension not only at the ankle, but also at the knee. Remember that the gastrocnemius is a bi-articular muscle that crosses the knee as well. So, whenever investigating calf strains or knee pain, it’s always a good idea to look at the plantar fascia and the underlying structure & muscles that might need release with techniques such as Myo-Matrix Release 3D.

Got Scalenes? Whenever someone present with "Mystery Shoulder Pain Syndrome", one of the first step is to assess the neck muscles. The scalenes are often the chief culprit, as they can pinch the nerves coming out of the brachial plexus and also elevate the first rib, causing pain and upper ribs and scapular dyskinesia One of the best treatment option in every therapist's arsenal is of course some light Myo-Matrix Release 3D to make sure to restore proper lenght-tension relat...ionship to those muscles #MMR #fitinstitute

The pectoralis minor is a small, but complicated muscle. It moves the scapula but also helps with breathing when the scapula is fixed. It is also related to a lot of nerve issues as the median nerve passes right underneath and can get entrapped by a tight pec minor. Remember this when next you have a mystery carpal tunnel that resists local treatment. It may in fact be a Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) mascarading as wrist pain... #FATTool #ThoracicOutletSyndrome

FASCIA BEYOND THE HYPE, PART 1 If there is a buzzword in the manual therapy world today, it is fascia. It might be a bit of poetic justice, since anatomists of old just considered it a useless wrapping and cut it away to get to the real players: the muscles. The pendulum is now firmly swinging in the opposite direction and many people treat this tissue with a special sort of mystique reminiscent of well mysticism. It is important to remember that, although not yet 100% un...derstood, modern scientists such as Carla Stecco and family, as well as Robert Schleip and many others, have done much to improve treatment methodology as well as shed light on the biomechanics of fascia and connective tissues. Let us remember that methods such as Myo-Matrix Release 3D is based on this foundation of science. One of the most basic action of any good fascia treatment is to promote good tissue health and movement. This starts with making sure that the 3 layers of soft tissues that compose muscles slide well on one another. They are: - Endomysium, which surrounds every individual muscle fiber - Perimysium, which surrounds a group of muscle fibers in bundles - Epimysium, which surrounds individual muscles But any kind of touch-based therapy does much more than this, engaging neurology, biomechanics and anatomy in many different ways. This is why series of post will explore the implications of fascia, muscle, their relationship and give clinical gems about treatment and training.

[REPOST] The axillary area is a danger zone for many nerve issues (see our previous posts on the brachial plexus for more information). T his quick Myo-Matrix Release 3D on the distal attachment of the pectoralis major muscle complements your FAT-Tool release of this area very well to ensure that all the structures glide and move efficiently and without restrictions . #MMR #FATTool... https://www.facebook.com/thefitinsti/videos/272023404220012

The pectoralis minor is a small, but complicated muscle. It moves the scapula but also helps with breathing when the scapula is fixed. It is also related to a lot of nerve issues as the median nerve passes right underneath and can get entrapped by a tight pec minor. Remember this when next you have a mystery carpal tunnel that resists local treatment. It may in fact be a Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) mascarading as wrist pain ... https://www.facebook.com/thefitinstitute/videos/2738477549743692 #FATTool #ThoracicOutletSyndrome

Got fascia? Then you better think about taking good care of it for optimal health and performance. Recent research findings show that the smooth muscle cells in fascia can contract and affect movement, although not via restrictions Indeed, one of the most interesting piece of data suggests that myofibroblasts in fascia can change the neuromuscular coordination. ... This is huge and highlights the role of myofascial release techniques such as FAT-Tool and Myo-Matrix Release 3D even more Full study here: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles//fphys.2019.00336/full #fasciascience

Who doesn't know sciatica, as it is one of the most frequent issue and a common cause of consultation. But did you know that one of the common culprit causing this issue is the lack of pressure in the abdominal cavity leading to hip hypomobility? Science has been exploring the role of intra-abdominal pressure on low back stability for a long. However, it is only recently that clues have started to come up that abdominal pressure informs hip, knee and probably also ankle, sta...bility and movement dynamics. The internal oblique and the transversus abdominis form the Intrinsic Stabilization Subsystem (or ISS for short) and work together to maintain pressure through a combination of static muscle tone, muscle contractions and tension on soft tissue like the thoracolumbar fascia. Keep this mind next time you are face with a sciatica, or any other lower body issue Image Credit: Wikipedia; Kenhub

The 3rd musketeer in the serratus group is the better known serratus anterior. This muscle is remarkable in ripped athlete because it insert, as its name imply, in digitations with the external oblique. It originates from the fleshy projections (digitations) on the lateral aspect of the first 8 to 9 ribs and inserts on the anterior and medial border of the scapula This is the punching, throwing and pushing muscle. It enables all of these movements through its action of movi...ng the scapula into upward rotation. But it is better known as a scapular stabilizer and an antagonist to the rhomboids. An under-performing serratus anterior will result in poor scapular placement, or the commonly seen winged scapula On top of functional weakness, impingement of its nerve supply via the long thoracic nerve is the main source of dysfunction. The LTN can become damaged in many life conditions: carrying a heavy bag on your shoulder for too long; breast surgery (whether cancer or enhancement) and direct hit during sports, particularly combat sports. When releasing the serratus, it is important to check for tenderness in the rhomboids and obliques and release those as well. In female clients, ask if they had surgeries before starting the treatment. Image credit: Kenhub.com, Wikipedia.com

The Serratus Muscles You DON’T Know The serratus family is larger than many people think. On top of the well-known serratus anterior muscle, there are 2 more members: the superior posterior serratus, and the inferior posterior serratus. Those muscles are small, but they can have powerful impact on your posture and performance. Anatomically, they are no larger and thicker than a slice of prosciutto each. As the name indicates, they insert into digitation, hence the name serr...atus (which has the same origin as serrated). These 4 muscles (2 on each side) are both accessory respiratory muscles and help maintain the erector spinae in their groove. However, the posterior serratus muscles can easily become eccentrically overloaded and tight, which will disrupt the length/tension relationships of other surrounding muscles. The superior posterior serratus is situated underneath the rhomboid group. It originates from the spinous process of the 7th cervical and the 1,2 &sometimes 3 thoracic vertebrae. It also arises from the aponeurosis of the ligamentum nuchae and the supraspinatus ligament, making is an important player in the tension of those membranes Angling down, it forms 4 digitations that each attach to the posterior upper border of the 2,3,4 &5 ribs, just beyond their angles. The inferior posterior serratus arises from the spinous process of T11 to L2 and the thin aponeurosis stretched between them, as well as the supraspinal ligament. It then runs at a slight angle up to attach to the posterior lower border of the lower 4 ribs, a little beyond their angles. Image credit: KenHub

GOT RHYTHM? Scapulo-humeral rhythm, that is! This mechanical component of the shoulder joint complex is a major contributor to shoulder health. Releasing the serratus and the latissimus/scapula border is crucial to achieve the adequate range of motion necessary for the scapulo-humeral rhythm to be optimal

Got shoulder issues? One fact often ignored in therapy setting is that weak/long muscles need to be released first, before being strengthened in order to re-establish proper function. Using a few strokes of FAT-Tool on your rotator cuff muscles will be a great addition to your shoulder treatment and your quest for a bigge bench press #FATTool #RotatorCuff

The axillary area is a danger zone for many nerve issues (see our previous posts on the brachial plexus for more information). T his quick Myo-Matrix Release 3D on the distal attachment of the pectoralis major muscle complements your FAT-Tool release of this area very well to ensure that all the structures glide and move efficiently and without restrictions . #MMR #FATTool

So our latest posts pertained to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome or TOS for short. This came right after a post bout aforearm release with the FAT-Tool. The reason is that TOS can often be mistaken for other issues, carpal tunnel being one of them Although technically the TOS is a pinching of the nerves & blood vessels coming for the neck and providing innervation and irrigation to the upper limb, the reality is that those structures can be impinged in various spot along the way. Le...t's count them: - Right out to the cervical spine (nerves only) - Under the clavicule (wiki image) - under the pectoralis minor (see our previous post on how to release his muscle) - Around the elbow - In the carpal tunnel, right before the wrist Make sure you assess those areas in case of wrist & hand issues. And when in doubt, most of them can be easily and painlessly released with the FAT-Tool #fattool Image source: Wikipedia

Last week we talked about how the brachial plexus was involved in possible carpal tunnel-related pain and the thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). This is only part of the issues that can involve the brachial plexus, as it is a highly complex structure. This nervous network is composed of branches coming out of C5-T1. It is in charge of sending motor impulses in your shoulder, elbow and wrist muscles as well as receiving sensory input from the hand, forearm and arm. In a word: n...o brachial plexus, no upper limb! Like any complex structure though, it is vulnerable. The brachial plexus can be injured if the nerves are stretched, compressed or damaged by traumatic events. In the latter case, they can be torn or ruptured, which lead to loss of the related afference/efference from the spinal cord and the central nervous system. No Bueno! Those are fortunately rare occurrence though. Mostly, the frequent cases involving the brachial plexus will be some form of restriction. In the neck, the nerves go through the anterior and middle scalene muscles. This is the first area to be release with a FAT-Tool treatment. The nerves then pass under the clavicle, which is the second location where they can be impinged. The FAT-Tool and MMR 3D matrix protocols are designed to increase mobility of those segments and make sure that restriction does not happen at the beginning of the chain. So the first step to fix brachial plexus issues is to make sure the scalenes are not tight and that the clavicle moves properly. In our next post, we will explore the other problematic areas for the nerves that come out of the brachial plexus as well as how to release them