“What are myofascial lines?”
Simply put, they are series of muscles that run through your whole body in order to allow movement.
They run all the way down your front, back and sides. Some are superficially placed, others deeper.
The above diagram shows a few of these muscle chains. The full list is:
- SBL -Superficial Back Line
- SFL – Superficial Front Line
- LL – Lateral Line
- SL – Spiral Line
- SFAL – Superficial Front Arm Line
- DBAL – Deep Back Arm Line
- DFAL – Deep Front Arm Line
- SBAL – Superficial Back Arm Line
- BFL – Back Functional Line
- FFL – Front Functional Line
- IFL – Ipsilateral Functional Line
- DFL – Deep Front Line
“Why does this matter?”
Most patients who have chronic pain have a flexibility or strength problem in their myofascial lines. Tight hamstrings disable the kinematic chain when you are walking, causing more low back flexion and more Achilles’ tendon usage and therefore tendonitis. It will also disrupt proper mechanics when lifting something at floor or below waist level. This can result in tendonitis or lumbar disc problems, etc. A proper evaluation of chronic pain must include flexibility and strength testing of the myofascial lines that affect the region of pain.
Consequently, treatment prescription must involve myofascial release, active-resisted stretches, postural correction and the prescription of proper strengthening and flexibility programs to address tight and weak spots in the chain of muscles. The body works as a whole, not in segmented fashion. Especially during work or sports movements.
see how proper use of body requires use of full body, hence the importance of muscle lines or chains (myofascial lines)
Make sure your practitioner can evaluate, target and treat (in clinic and by giving you homework) myofascial lines if you want full, long term relief.
CASE STUDY (example patient):
Patient:
45 year old male, chronic achilles pain
evaluation: tight hamstrings, weak lower back, slouched upper back posture (weak upper region of posterior chain) but perfect ankle/calf flexibility.
treatment:
- heat, electric stim, ultrasound to achilles/calves
- myofascial release to hamstrings, glutes and calves (achilles’ don’t stretch, but calf muscles regulate tendon tension)
- active resisted and relaxed stretching of obliques, glutes and hamstrings
- joint manipulation of hips, pelvis, ankles and knees
homework:
- stretching protocol aimed at front and back myofascial lines (and some lateral lines)
- strength training protocol for posterior chain (e.g.: straight legged deadlifts, core exercises, wide stance squats)
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We practice this type of holistic evaluation and treatment plan with all our patients. If you want proper care and recovery, give us a try!
or book yourself online:
https://drparenteau.youcanbook.me/