Back Clinic Health Team. The level of functional and metabolic efficiency of a living organism. In humans, it is the ability of individuals or communities to adapt and self-manage when facing physical, mental, psychological, and social changes in an environment. Dr.Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T, a clinical pain doctor who uses cutting-edge therapies and rehabilitation procedures focused on total health, strength training, and complete conditioning. We take a global functional fitness treatment approach to regain complete functional health.
Dr. Jimenez presents articles both from his own experience and from a variety of sources that pertain to a healthy lifestyle or general health issues. I have spent over 30+ years researching and testing methods with thousands of patients and understand what truly works. We strive to create fitness and better the body through researched methods and total health programs.
These programs and methods are natural and use the body’s own ability to achieve improvement goals, rather than introducing harmful chemicals, controversial hormone replacement, surgery, or addictive drugs. As a result, individuals live a fulfilled life with more energy, a positive attitude, better sleep, less pain, proper body weight, and education on maintaining this way of life.
Many people don’t often realize that stability and balance are two of the most reliable abilities to keep the body from falling, and it is often taken for granted from the earlier stages, where infants and toddlers are learning to stand upright, to adulthood where we are walking, running or performing any physical activities. Our bodies are complex machines comprised of upper and lower portions that provide balance and stability. The lower half of our bodies helps stabilize and balance the upper half weight and allows us to move around. This is known as gait. However, when the body begins to age naturally or chronic issues begin to affect the muscles and cause an imbalance in the lower half, it can lead to many disorders associated with these imbalances. Today’s articles examine what gait is, how gait disturbances are associated with the body, and how the MET technique improves gait. We provide information about our patients to certified medical providers that offer available therapy techniques like MET (muscle energy techniques) for individuals dealing with chronic conditions associated with gait disturbances that could affect a person’s ability to walk. We encourage each patient appropriately by referring them to our associated medical providers based on their diagnosis results. We accept that education is a spectacular way when asking our providers the most crucial questions at the patient’s acknowledgment. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., assesses this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
What Is Gait?
Have you been dealing with issues when walking for a short or long distance? Do your feet or ankles seem to feel tired or ache when stepping? Or have you been dealing with mobility issues in your hips? Many of these issues are associated with gait and can cause balance disturbances in the body. So what is gait? In the book by Leon Chaitow, N.D, D.O., and Judith Walker DeLany, L.M.T, titled “Clinical Applications of Neuromuscular Techniques,” gait is defined as how you walk and how each lower body section contributes to how you walk. This includes:
Feet
Ankles
Knees
Hips
Spine
The book also mentions how a person progresses from one location to another using muscular action and gravity to make them walk. Two functional units are in a casual relationship contributing to gait: the passenger and locomotor units. The passenger unit consists of the upper extremities, like the head, neck, arms, trunk, and pelvis, to be the center of gravity when moving forward. At the same time, the locomotor unit comprises the pelvis and lower extremities, like the legs, knees, feet, and ankles, to support the weight of the upper extremities and perform structural stability and mobility to make the body move forward.
Gait Disturbances Associated With The Body
So what happens when traumatic factors or natural aging begins to affect the body and causes gait disturbances. Research studies reveal that since gait depends on the interplay of the nervous, musculoskeletal, and cardiorespiratory system which can be influenced by age and other factors that can lead to issues in the lower extremities causing falls and injuries. Many factors can lead to gait disturbances that can affect how a person walks and how it can affect the joints and muscles, which can lead to pain-like symptoms. Additional studies mentioned that gait disorder affects elderly adults, increasing their fall risk and leading to mobility issues in their hips. Muscle shortening and joint health are other issues that can cause gait disturbances in the lower extremities. When the muscles in the lower extremities are tight and weak, it can cause them to be short and be accompanied by joint dysfunction. The health of the joints in the lower extremities depends on the balancing strength of the opposing flexor muscles. When the flexor muscles lose part or all of their function, it can cause the joint to be hyperextended. To that point, it causes abnormal joint stress, corresponding to lower back pain associated with gait disorders affecting a person’s ability to walk and keep their body balanced.
An Overview Of Gait Analysis-Video
Have you been dealing with mobility issues in your joints? Do you find yourself becoming unstable every time you walk? Or do your leg muscles feel tight? If you have been dealing with these issues, it could be due to a gait problem. Many people have different ways of walking; if there are issues, they can be pointed out in an examination. When there is an issue with gait, it can indicate pain and other revealing problems that can affect the entire body. The video above explains the gait cycle and gait analysis of a person’s walk. Gait analysis is often used in a normal examination to evaluate how a person walks, their body mechanics, and muscle activity to provide insight into the issue. A person’s gait can offer many important clues that doctors and pain specialists can see and identify the problem by developing a treatment plan to improve a person’s gait and reduce pain-like symptoms.
How The MET Technique Improves Gait
So many treatment plans can effectively improve balance and gait disorders in the body. Many pain specialists like chiropractors use manual spinal manipulation to re-align the spine to loosen stiff joints that may have contributed to imbalances in the lower extremities. MET (muscle energy technique) and physical therapy can help stretch the tight muscles and strengthen the muscle groups affected. MET and other approaches to improve gait allow many individuals to regain their stamina and adopt new strategies for their posture and movement. These therapy treatments will enable a person to feel more confident and more aware of how they walk while providing muscle strength to the affected muscles to prevent fatigue and decrease the chances of injuries in the future, as studies reveal.
Conclusion
Walking is determined by a person’s gait and how they move in different scenarios. Our bodies are comprised of upper and lower portions that correspond with gait and allow us stability and balance when we are in motion. When various issues like traumatic factors or just normal aging affect the body, the joints and muscles can cause problems with a person’s gait, leading to balance issues and fall injuries. Incorporating treatment plans to improve gait can help prevent future chances of injuries and help stretch and strengthen the affected muscles while loosening up stiff joints. This allows a person to regain their balance and improve stability in their bodies.
References
Baker, Jessica M. “Gait Disorders.” The American Journal of Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 27 Dec. 2017, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29288631/.
Chaitow, Leon, and Judith Walker DeLany. Clinical Applications of Neuromuscular Techniques. Churchill Livingstone, 2003.
Pirker, Walter, and Regina Katzenschlager. “Gait Disorders in Adults and the Elderly : A Clinical Guide.” Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Feb. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5318488/.
Van Abbema, Renske, et al. “What Type, or Combination of Exercise Can Improve Preferred Gait Speed in Older Adults? A Meta-Analysis.” BMC Geriatrics, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 July 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4488060/.
The nervous system is a network of roads that feed into highways that connect to an interstate system. The roads are the nerves that innervate the muscles and the extremities; the interstate is the spinal cord. When the system works optimally, the nerves consistently transmit signals/messages to and from the brain without any problems. The signals travel back and forth, and the traffic flows smoothly. When the activities of these nerves and cells get disrupted, the central nervous system fails to perform basic functions that can cause musculoskeletal issues, conditions, and CNS diseases. Keeping the nervous system strong can be done by adopting ways to maintain health and function.
The Nervous System
The system regulates and coordinates body activities and is made up of two major divisions, these include the following:
Central nervous system – consists of the brain and spinal cord.
Peripheral nervous system – consists of all other neural elements, including the peripheral and autonomic nerves.
The principal organs of the nervous system include:
Brain
Spinal cord
Eyes
Ears
Sensory taste organs
Sensory smell organs
Sensory receptors are located in the muscles, joints, skin, and other areas throughout the body.
A complex network of nerves, the nervous system reacts to internal and external stimuli through several physical actions to maintain vital bodily functions. These include:
The symptoms of a nervous system disorder may present like other medical conditions or problems. Always see a professional healthcare provider for proper diagnosis.
Keeping the Nervous System Strong
Nutrition To Transmit Signals
Nerves need minerals, proteins, and vitamins to send electrical impulses. Foods that contain these nutrients include:
Calcium — regulates the generated and transmitted electrical impulses. Milk, leafy greens and eggs are rich sources of calcium.
Potassium – bananas, oranges, pomegranates, and prunes, are good sources of potassium.
Dark chocolate contains tryptophan, an amino acid that produces and maintains neurotransmitters.
Vitamin B — Vitamins B1, B2, and B6 assist the nerves in sending impulses from the brain to the body.
B Vitamins Provide Nerve Protection
A myelin sheath covers the nerves for protection and provides insulation for transmitting. Worn-out or damaged myelin sheaths have been associated with illnesses like Alzheimer’s. Vitamin B12 helps repair damaged nerves and regenerate fibers. It is found in beef, poultry, eggs, and seafood.
Folate or vitamin B9 promotes Schwann cell proliferation, migration, and production of nerve growth factor. This vitamin is found in spinach, pomegranates, and beets.
Stretching and Breathing
Stress produces the hormone cortisol. Constant production of cortisol affects the nervous system, which can affect reflexes, concentration, and memory. Stretching the body and learning breathing exercises and relaxation techniques activates the part of the nervous system responsible for breathing and heart rate, decreasing cortisol levels.
Chiropractic Care and Functional Medicine
The spinal cord has multiple functions in restoring, rejuvenating, and keeping the nervous system strong. Chiropractic care has a highly responsive therapeutic effect on the nervous system because of its focus on the spine. Spinal decompression, traction, soft tissue manipulation, and other treatments help regulate and restore the function of the nervous system. Chiropractic benefits:
Reduces or eliminates pain.
Regulates respiration.
Lowers heart rate.
Improves the quality of sleep.
Increases energy.
Improves digestive function.
Improves cognition and clarity.
Improves balance and coordination.
Increases flexibility and mobility.
Reduces or eliminates headaches and migraines.
Hyperhomocysteinemia
References
Archibald, Lennox K., and Ronald G. Quisling. “Central Nervous System Infections.” Textbook of Neurointensive Care 427–517. 7 May. 2013, doi:10.1007/978-1-4471-5226-2_22
Bhagavati, Satyakam. “Autoimmune Disorders of the Nervous System: Pathophysiology, Clinical Features, and Therapy.” Frontiers in neurology vol. 12 664664. 14 Apr. 2021, doi:10.3389/fneur.2021.664664
Gyer, Giles, et al. “Spinal manipulation therapy: Is it all about the brain? A current review of the neurophysiological effects of manipulation.” Journal of integrative medicine vol. 17,5 (2019): 328-337. doi:10.1016/j.joim.2019.05.004
Jessen, Kristján R et al. “Schwann Cells: Development and Role in Nerve Repair.” Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in biology vol. 7,7 a020487. 8 May. 2015, doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a020487
Powers, Scott K et al. “Disease-Induced Skeletal Muscle Atrophy and Fatigue.” Medicine and science in sports and exercise vol. 48,11 (2016): 2307-2319. doi:10.1249/MSS.0000000000000975
The human body has numerous musculoskeletal muscles that allow the host to do various movements without pain or discomfort. Each muscle group has tendons, muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues surrounding the skeletal joint and protecting the skeletal structure. Each muscle group in the body allows different functions, from turning the neck from side to side to enabling the legs to provide motion when walking. Now naturally, the body ages over time, which can lead to muscle weakness in the muscle groups and affect the connective tissues, or various disruptors can develop in a healthy body that can also affect the muscles and connective tissues. Fortunately, the multiple muscle groups and connective tissues are affected by overlapping risk profiles. In that case, there are many treatments and techniques that many pain specialists utilize to restore the body and relieve pain-like symptoms associated with musculoskeletal disorders. Today’s article examines connective tissues, how conditions can affect the connective tissues, and how the MET technique stretches or strengthens the body’s connective tissue. We provide information about our patients to certified medical providers that offer available therapy techniques like MET (muscle energy techniques) for individuals dealing with chronic conditions associated with disorders affecting the body’s connective tissues that can correlate and develop with overlapping pain profiles. We encourage each patient appropriately by referring them to our associated medical providers based on their diagnosis results. We accept that education is a spectacular way when asking our providers the most crucial questions at the patient’s acknowledgment. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., assesses this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
What Are Connective Tissues?
The human body is a multiplex machine that is composed of many tissues that surround the skeletal joints and vital organs with the basic functions that the body produces. Research studies reveal that, as the name has implied, connective tissues in the body refer to the several different body tissues that connect and support the other tissues by binding them to the body. Now there are three different categories that connective tissue can be broken down into:
Loose connective tissue
Dense connective tissue
Specialized connective tissues
These three different connective tissue categories have functions that allow the body to perform properly and provide support to the rest of the musculoskeletal system. The dense connective tissues make up the body’s tendons and ligaments that move the hands and feet while having a higher collagen fiber density. The loose connective tissues help keep the vital organs in place. And finally, the specialized connective tissues are composed of adipose tissues, cartilage, lymphoid tissues, etc. When the body begins to age naturally or is dealing with issues affecting the connective tissues, it can develop musculoskeletal disorders associated with the connective tissue.
Disorders Affecting The Connective Tissues
Have you been experiencing muscle pain or weakness in your body? Do your hands or feet feel tired? Or do you feel stiffness and pain in your joints? Many pain-like symptoms are associated with musculoskeletal disorders affecting the body’s connective tissues. As stated earlier, when the body begins to age naturally, the various muscles in the body can develop into musculoskeletal disorders associated with the connective tissues. Aging can affect connective tissue function as the cartilage from the specialized connective tissues has less elasticity and changes the proteoglycan both quantitatively and qualitatively, according to the book, “Clinical Applications of Neuromuscular Techniques,” written by Leon Chaitow, N.D., D.O., and Judith Walker DeLany, L.M.T. Additional research studies have revealed that environmental factors associated with the body’s immune system can affect the connective tissues. This is known as connective tissue disorder, and it can be comprised of numerous conditions that can affect the immune system and cause overlapping symptoms in the musculoskeletal system. This includes some of the following:
Inflammation in the joints causes them to lock up
Muscle weakness where myofascial entrapment affects the muscle fibers
Fatigue
Vitamin deficiency
An Introduction To MET- Video
Have you been feeling stiffness in your muscles or joints? Does it hurt when you are bending over and lifting heavy objects? Or are you feeling tired constantly? When the body deals with these issues, it can affect more than the muscles and connective tissues. This can lead to symptoms of stiffness and aches in the joints while restricting the range of motion to the muscles. When this happens to the body, many pain specialists utilize MET (muscle energy technique) and relieve those symptoms. Studies reveal that MET is a manual treatment for soft tissue, helping mobilize the joints and stretch tight muscles and fascia to improve circulation to the connective tissues and drain the lymphatic system. The video above introduces how MET is used on the body.
The MET Technique On Connective Tissues
Research studies reveal that since the muscles and joints are being held together by connective tissues, using the MET technique allows pain specialists to stretch the muscles and joints to release tension and other symptoms associated with pain. When pain specialists use the MET technique on the body, it can help strengthen the weaker muscles while paying attention to how short the muscles are affecting the body. While the MET technique can help support the muscles with combined physical therapy, it can help stretch the tight muscles and overworked connective tissues. This allows the body to be restored and get back to normal. Many pain specialists like chiropractic care allow the MET technique to stretch the trapped connective tissues and free the body’s structures to correct postural imbalances.
Conclusion
The body’s connective tissues support each muscle, organ, and skeletal structure. When issues affect the body, the various muscle groups, and connective tissues start to develop overlapping symptoms associated with pain. When pain-like symptoms affect the body, many people will go to a pain specialist and be treated using the MET technique to restore the muscles and body and return to normal.
References
Chaitow, Leon, and Judith Walker DeLany. Clinical Applications of Neuromuscular Techniques. Churchill Livingstone, 2003.
Kamrani, Payvand, et al. “Anatomy, Connective Tissue.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 24 Jan. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538534/.
Page, Phil. “Current Concepts in Muscle Stretching for Exercise and Rehabilitation.” International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Feb. 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3273886/.
Rao, Vijay, and Simon Bowman. “Latest Advances in Connective Tissue Disorders.” Therapeutic Advances in Musculoskeletal Disease, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Aug. 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3728978/.
Thomas, Ewan, et al. “The Efficacy of Muscle Energy Techniques in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Subjects: A Systematic Review.” Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 27 Aug. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6710873/.
Every day, the body is in constant rest or active motion when needed, from working to exercising and getting adequate rest to repeat the cycle. However, as the body is in this dynamic/rest motion, unintentionally, many individuals will be hunched forward, causing their posture to be slouched for long periods. To that point, it can cause the surrounding neck, shoulder, and back muscles to be pulled and overly stretched, causing pain when the individual gets out of the reclined position. When a person is constantly being hunched over, the action alone could lead to poor posture, which can cause misalignment to the spine and be associated with many chronic conditions that affect their way of life. Fortunately, various treatments can help alleviate poor posture and its associated symptoms. Today’s article examines what defines good posture, the influences that can affect body posture, and how treatment techniques like MET (muscle energy technique) can help improve posture. We mention our patients to certified medical providers that provide available therapy treatments like MET (muscle energy techniques) for individuals suffering from chronic conditions associated with poor posture that can correlate with overlapping risk profiles. We encourage each patient when it is appropriate by referring them to associated medical providers based on their diagnosis or needs. We understand and accept that education is a marvelous way when asking our providers crucial questions at the patient’s request and acknowledgment. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., uses this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
What Defines Good Posture?
Have you been experiencing referred pain in your neck, shoulders, or lower back? Do you feel pain when stretching after being hunched over throughout the day? Or have you noticed that your neck is slanted, which causes your head to poke in front of your shoulders? Many of these issues are correlated with poor posture. Many of us have heard the saying from our parents, “Stand up straight!” And this is a reminder that having good posture correlates with good spinal health. The book, “Clinical Applications of Neuromuscular Techniques,” written by Leon Chaitow, N.D., D.O, and Judith Walker DeLany, L.M.T, mentions that posture is used to describe the static state of the spine. There are two different types of posture: static and dynamic. Static posture is when the body is in motion, while dynamic posture is when the body is resting. So good posture allows the spine to naturally curve with minimal pain affecting the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions.
Influences That Affect Body Posture
As stated early, many of us unintentionally hunch our bodies over time. This is one of the issues as we constantly look down on our phones, and as we get older, it can affect our ability to balance ourselves. Research studies reveal that improper posture can affect static and dynamic balance as we age. This means that when we are constantly hunched over as older adults, we are more prone to the risk of falling and causing long-term disability to our bodies. Additional research studies also mentioned that chronic conditions like forward head posture (which correlates to constantly looking down at the phone) could cause a persistent and abnormal contraction of the neck and shoulder muscles to become dysfunctional. To that point, it can cause pressure on the muscles, fascia, and nerves in the cervical-thoracic regions of the body. When bad posture affects the body over time, it can develop into musculoskeletal disorders if not treated immediately.
5 Way To Improve Posture- Video
Have you felt muscle strain on your neck, shoulders, and back? Have you felt relief when you stretch after being hunched over? Do you feel unstable when walking? These issues could be correlated with your posture if you have been experiencing these issues. When it comes to the body, it is important to make sure that maintaining good posture is not just to please your parents but to have a healthy spine. When we are constantly hunched over, it can cause the muscles and connective tissues to have gravitational strain and shorten the length of the muscles. However, realizing that you have poor posture early on can be treated. The video above shows the five best ways to improve your posture and how to strengthen the back, neck, and shoulder muscles from developing chronic conditions. Exercise alone can not be the only solution; combining it with chiropractic therapy allows the body to be fully restored with various techniques to reduce pain-like symptoms.
How The Met Technique Helps Improve Posture
So how would chiropractic care help with improving posture? Many chiropractors use techniques like MET (muscle energy technique) and spinal manipulation to help restore the body to realignment. Studies reveal that the combinations of MET and stretching can help lengthen the short muscles and restore range of motion to the body. Chiropractors use their hands and various tools to help realign the spine from subluxation and return the body to normal while freeing the tense muscles. Chiropractic care decreases the body’s risk of back injuries while reducing wear and tear on the muscles and joints, contributing to poor posture.
Conclusion
Overall, it is important to maintain good posture to prevent unwanted chronic issues from causing pain-like symptoms to the body. Recognizing the problems contributing to poor posture, treatment, and exercise can help stretch and strengthen the back muscles from hunching over. Maintaining good posture allows the body to be pain-free and prevents many unwanted symptoms from developing.
References
Chaitow, Leon, and Judith Walker DeLany. Clinical Applications of Neuromuscular Techniques. Churchill Livingstone, 2003.
Cohen, Rajal G, et al. “Lighten up! Postural Instructions Affect Static and Dynamic Balance in Healthy Older Adults.” Innovation in Aging, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 24 Mar. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7092748/.
Lee, Joon-Hee. “Effects of Forward Head Posture on Static and Dynamic Balance Control.” Journal of Physical Therapy Science, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Jan. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4756019/.
Phadke, Apoorva, et al. “Effect of Muscle Energy Technique and Static Stretching on Pain and Functional Disability in Patients with Mechanical Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Hong Kong Physiotherapy Journal : Official Publication of the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association Limited = Wu Li Chih Liao, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 14 Apr. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6385145/.
Postural dysfunction happens when unhealthy postures are practiced and maintained for prolonged periods. This can occur in any sitting, standing, or lying down position and is a major factor in musculoskeletal injuries. Injuries related to poor posture are normally caused by overuse that builds up over time. When the body starts to go out of alignment, the muscles must work harder to compensate, which further strains the body. This stress can lead to soft tissue injury and excess joint wear and tear. These injuries start as minor aches and pains in the short term. However, if left untreated, they can lead to chronic conditions. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can rehabilitate the body to optimal function and provide postural training.
Postural Dysfunction
Posture is how the skeleton and muscles hold the body in a healthy position while standing or sitting, affecting breathing, muscle growth, and mobility. Practicing healthy posture means:
The bones are properly aligned.
The muscles, joints, and ligaments function correctly.
The organs, like the stomach, kidneys, and GI tract, are in the right position and can work efficiently.
The nervous system can operate at its full potential.
This allows the body to have:
More energy.
More room for the lungs to expand.
Experience less stress.
Alleviate muscle fatigue.
Achieve physical fitness.
Imbalance Causes
Unhealthy body positioning causes imbalances in muscle strength that pull the body out of alignment. This leads to muscles becoming tight/shortened and others becoming weak/lengthened, and it can also cause internal organ problems. For example, individuals that slump excessively cause the abdomen to compress, crowding the stomach and intestines, which leads to digestive issues. Postural dysfunction can be caused by the following:
Stress and strain from day-to-day activities.
Job responsibilities that involve sitting/standing for long periods and/or repetitive tasks like bending, lifting, reaching, twisting, etc.
Unhealthy driving position.
Non-supportive footwear.
Joint stiffness usually of the neck, upper and lower back, and hips.
Sedentary habits.
Lack of physical activity and exercise.
Muscle tightness.
Muscle weakness.
Weakened core stability.
Inadequate or failed post-surgical recovery.
Effects
Decreased blood circulation resulting in fatigue.
Overuse Injuries.
Breathing difficulties.
Balance issues.
Knee pain.
Joint misalignment.
Increased strain on the spine.
Compression of discs and joints.
Neck pain.
Lower back pain.
Less space for nerves to move due to compression.
Nerve problems.
Piriformis syndrome.
Shoulder impingement.
Chiropractic Rehabilitation
Chiropractic treatment for postural dysfunction provides adjustments, massage and decompression therapy, targeted stretching and exercises, retraining movement patterns, and nutritional and health coaching. Personalized treatment plans can include the following:
Targeted stretches and exercises to maintain posture correction.
Fix Posture
References
Korakakis, Vasileios, et al. “Physiotherapist perceptions of optimal sitting and standing posture.” Musculoskeletal science & practice vol. 39 (2019): 24-31. doi:10.1016/j.msksp.2018.11.004
Lee, Yongwoo, and Ki Bum Jung. “Effect of Physiotherapy to Correct Rounded Shoulder Posture in 30 Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Korea Using a Telerehabilitation Exercise Program to Improve Posture, Physical Function, and Reduced Pain, with Evaluation of Patient Satisfaction.” Medical science monitor: international medical journal of experimental and clinical research vol. 28 e938926. 27 Dec. 2022, doi:10.12659/MSM.938926
Shih, Hsu-Sheng, et al. “Effects of Kinesio taping and exercise on forward head posture.” Journal of back and musculoskeletal rehabilitation vol. 30,4 (2017): 725-733. doi:10.3233/BMR-150346
Snodgrass, Suzanne J et al. “Relationship between Posture and Non-Contact Lower Limb Injury in Young Male Amateur Football Players: A Prospective Cohort Study.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 18,12 6424. 14 Jun. 2021, doi:10.3390/ijerph18126424
Zhao, Mingming, et al. “Driver posture monitoring in highly automated vehicles using pressure measurement.” Traffic injury prevention vol. 22,4 (2021): 278-283. doi:10.1080/15389588.2021.1892087
Environmental factors can affect the body and lead to chronic conditions involving the musculoskeletal system. When issues like stress, physical inactivity, and traumatic events affect the muscle groups in the upper and lower extremities, it causes the various muscles to tense up and be succumbed to multiple injuries that could potentially develop trigger points. Now trigger points can cause overlapping risk profiles and pain-like issues that can affect a person’s mobility and stability. However, many ways can alleviate the pain-like symptoms associated with trigger points affecting the musculoskeletal system. Many pain specialists use techniques to stretch the tense muscle and release the trigger point nodule in the muscle fibers. Today we will look at how myofascial trigger point formation affects the body, how MET (muscle energy techniques) are used to relieve trigger point formation, and how chiropractic care uses the MET technique on trigger points. We mention our patients to certified medical providers that provide available therapy treatments like MET (muscle energy techniques) for individuals suffering from chronic conditions associated with trigger point formation on the musculoskeletal system. We encourage each patient when it is appropriate by referring them to associated medical providers based on their diagnosis or needs. We understand and accept that education is a marvelous way when asking our providers crucial questions at the patient’s request and acknowledgment. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., uses this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
Myofascial Trigger Points Affecting The Body
Have you been dealing with pain in different locations in your body? Do you feel that your muscles feel tight or tensed constantly? Or do you feel muscle strain when lifting or carrying heavy objects? Many of these pain-like issues correlate with myofascial trigger points affecting the body. According to research studies, myofascial pain syndrome or trigger points are hard palpable nodules discrete along the taut skeletal muscle band that can be painful when active or compressed. Now trigger points can cause the affected muscles to be hypersensitive, which to that point, can spread pain when being touched, known as referred pain. A great example would be if tense shoulder muscles have a cluster of trigger points and, when touched, send pain to the neck.
Trigger points in the musculoskeletal system can be present in soft tissues that can cause dysfunction and promote pain in the affected muscle area. Trigger points are developed in any scenario, from trauma like an auto accident to repetitive motions for extended periods. Two features can cause trigger point formation that can create these nodules: active and latent trigger points. Active trigger points, according to “Clinical Applications of Neuromuscular Techniques,” written by Leon Chaitow, N.D, D.O, and Judith Walker DeLany, L.M.T, mentioned that when pressure is applied to active trigger points it can cause referred pain associated with symptoms of painful sensations to the affected muscle. While latent trigger points, when pressure is applied to them, can cause referred pain that a person experienced in the past and occurs recently. Latent trigger points can also develop into active trigger points correlating to overlapping risk profiles. The book also stated that when the fascia and connective muscle tissues have been overused or strained, it can lead to trigger point formation development.
MET Trigger Point Therapy-Video
Have you been dealing with referred pain in different areas of your body? Do you feel that your muscles are tense and aching? Or do you feel muscle strain when lifting or carrying heavy objects? If you have been dealing with these issues, they are correlated to trigger point formation in your musculoskeletal system. Why not try MET or muscle energy technique therapy? Studies reveal that muscle energy techniques were developed originally to treat soft tissue, stretch tight muscles and fascia, and mobilize joints while improving blood circulation and draining the lymphatic system. So how do trigger point formation can be treated with MET techniques? Well, since trigger points can cause tight, hypersensitive spots that can be located in various taut muscle bands, MET techniques from pain specialists can help stretch and break up the tight nodules in the muscles to achieve muscle restoration at full resting length. The video above demonstrates how MET is used as trigger point therapy.
MET Techniques On Trigger Point Formation
So how do MET techniques work on trigger point formation in the musculoskeletal system? According to research studies, MET techniques utilize soft tissue manipulation to improve the myofascial system’s and joints’ functional parameters. Many pain specialists, like chiropractors, use this technique and other tools to help restore the body’s natural range of motion in the joints while providing a pain-reducing effect to the numerous musculoskeletal disorders. Additional research studies also mentioned that MET/NET (neuro-emotional) techniques could help relieve pain sensitivity from the affected muscle area.
How Chiropractic Care Uses MET Techniques On Trigger Points
So how would chiropractic care utilize MET techniques on an individual with trigger points? Due to its effectiveness and drug-free approach, chiropractic care can help smooth out the muscle and fascia by applying pressure with their hands or special tools to relieve trigger point pain. With MET techniques, chiropractors can help release muscle stiffness, tightness, and shortness to restore the body and re-align the spine. With continued chiropractic treatment, the body can reduce the future formation of trigger points in the muscle fibers while preventing further issues from developing.
Conclusion
Trigger point formation can occur in different muscle areas in the body, leading to overlapping risk profiles associated with pain. When the body is dealing with referred pain caused by trigger points, it can cause numerous issues affecting a person’s daily activity. Luckily, pain specialists like chiropractic care can incorporate techniques like MET and spinal manipulation to re-align the body, stretch out the stiff muscles, and promote a restored range of motion back to the musculoskeletal system. By going through daily treatments, the body can begin to heal naturally and prevent future injuries.
References
Bablis, Peter, et al. “Neuro Emotional Technique for the Treatment of Trigger Point Sensitivity in Chronic Neck Pain Sufferers: A Controlled Clinical Trial.” Chiropractic & Osteopathy, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 21 May 2008, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2427032/.
Chaitow, Leon, and Judith Walker DeLany. Clinical Applications of Neuromuscular Techniques. Churchill Livingstone, 2003.
Shah, Jay P, et al. “Myofascial Trigger Points Then and Now: A Historical and Scientific Perspective.” PM & R : the Journal of Injury, Function, and Rehabilitation, U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4508225/.
Thomas, Ewan, et al. “The Efficacy of Muscle Energy Techniques in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Subjects: A Systematic Review.” Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 27 Aug. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6710873/.
Wendt, Michał, and Małgorzata Waszak. “Evaluation of the Combination of Muscle Energy Technique and Trigger Point Therapy in Asymptomatic Individuals with a Latent Trigger Point.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 14 Nov. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7696776/.
The various muscles, tendons, and ligaments inside the body surround the skeletal joint to provide movement and multiple actions to allow the host to be mobile. The body also has various muscle groups, with soft tissues surrounding the vital organs to help support the body. Since the human body is mobile, many factors can cause issues to the body’s host and lead to chronic overlapping risk profiles that can correlate with pain in the joints and muscle tissues. When these factors are causing pain in the musculoskeletal system, various treatment techniques can help reduce the pain-like symptoms and help restore the body. MET, or muscle energy technique, is one of the different treatment techniques used by pain specialists like chiropractors, massage therapists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists on many individuals with musculoskeletal pain. Today’s article looks at the musculoskeletal system, how the issues affect the muscles, and how muscle energy technique is utilized to reduce muscle pain associated with the musculoskeletal system. We mention our patients to certified medical providers that provide available therapy treatments like MET (muscle energy techniques) for individuals suffering from chronic conditions associated with the musculoskeletal system. We encourage each patient when it is appropriate by referring them to associated medical providers based on their diagnosis or needs. We understand and accept that education is a marvelous way when asking our providers crucial questions at the patient’s request and acknowledgment. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., uses this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
An Overview Of The Musculoskeletal System
The musculoskeletal system plays a huge role in the body, consisting of numerous muscle groups, tissues, ligaments, joints, and organs controlled by the central nervous system. The central nervous system provides the motor-sensory function to the musculoskeletal system, allowing the body to rest and move around. What the central nervous system does to the musculoskeletal system, according to research studies, it is revealed that these two systems have a relationship with each other as they are interconnected. Besides the various muscle groups that help surround the skeletal joints and provide mobility to the body, we will look at the connective tissue associated with the facial system and how muscle activity is affected by chronic issues.
Connective Tissue & The Fascial System
Regarding the musculoskeletal system, the connective tissue is one of the single abundant materials that allow each muscle group to be connected to its specific body region. The connective tissue comprises the body’s bones, muscles, blood vessels, and lymph nodes while embracing all the soft tissues and organs. The body’s connective tissue also works with the fascial system, giving the body the fundamental requirements. The fascial system is the structural form of the body since the fascial system is composed of connective tissues. With these two systems connecting and working together, it allows the muscles in the body to respond to various actions thrown at in different environments. The fascia web allows all muscle tissues to exist in isolation and interwoven with other structures to provide mobility.
Muscle Activity
Everything from the connective tissues to the fascia is involved in muscle activity in the musculoskeletal system. When the various muscles start to work with the body’s most movement, it is combined with one or more muscles acting as the prime mover or antagonist, allowing synergistic muscles to assist and contract simultaneously. The various muscle groups in the musculoskeletal system allow different actions, often repeated, to become stabilizing or antagonizing muscles. A great example is looking at the upper and lower extremities of the body. The upper extremities allow the arms, neck, head, and shoulders to have mobility when it comes to bending, twisting, and turning. While the lower extremities allow the hips, low back, legs, and feet to allow, stability and flexion to make the body move. However, these muscle groups can be affected by multiple factors that can affect muscle activity and lead to overlapping soft tissue pain profiles.
Issues Affect Muscle Activity
Since the body is a complex machine, different environmental factors can affect muscle groups in various ways and cause numerous pain issues. Now when it comes to environmental factors, many negative influences do play a role in affecting the musculoskeletal system in three categories:
Biomechanical: trauma, overusing the muscles, congenital, etc.
Biochemical: endocrine imbalances, inflammation, ischemia, nutritional deficiency, etc.
Psychosocial: anxiety, depression, chronic stress, etc.
These influences can cause the muscles to tense up and restrict blood flow, causing pain and trigger points to form in the muscle fibers and making a person feel miserable. Fortunately, therapeutic techniques allow the muscles to relax and release the tension that the person is feeling.
MET(Muscle Energy Technique)-Video
What Is Muscle Energy Technique?
When people feel stressed, and their muscles become tight, they can develop pain-like symptoms that correlate with chronic issues. Fortunately, a revolution has taken place that many pain specialists like chiropractors and massage therapists take place when it comes to manipulative therapy through a technique known as MET or muscle energy technique. According to research studies, MET is an osteopathic manipulative medicine designed to improve the body’s musculoskeletal function. This technique helps target soft tissues and contributes to joint mobilization. The muscle energy technique allows the tight muscles and fascia to be stretched, improving circulation and lymphatic flow since chiropractors or doctors of chiropractic care utilize spinal manipulation to realign the body and restore joint function.
Additional studies also reveal that MET combined with chiropractic care allows pain reduction in the muscles and can increase the body’s range of motion. This technique is essential for chronic and acute low back pain, trigger point pain, and other musculoskeletal dysfunctions associated with environmental factors.
The Various Stretching Techniques Of MET
The main objective of MET is to induce relaxation of hypertonic musculature, which also stretches the muscles to reduce pain-like symptoms. Now many treatments like chiropractic care can combine different techniques to reduce pain and restore mobility to the individual. With MET, various stretching techniques can allow chiropractors to stretch the tense muscles while restoring the range of motion. Some of the stretching techniques that pain specialists use include:
Facilitated stretching: Allows chiropractors and massage therapists to use strong/light isometric contractions to treat the muscles and be actively stretched. Reduces muscle cramps, tissue damage, or pain to the affected muscle group while utilizing breathing techniques and producing sufficient post-isometric relaxation.
Active-isolated stretching: Allows chiropractors and massage therapists to stretch the affected muscle actively while using precise localization to allow the affected muscle to receive a specific extension. This allows the muscles to relax through a short repetitive contraction and retraction to increase oxygenated blood flow. This stretching technique prevents the activation of the myotatic stretch reflex on the affected muscle.
Static stretching: In yoga, the individual can maintain a position for a few minutes to allow deep breathing and slowly release contracted and tensed muscle tissues to relax. This stretch also releases myofascial trigger points from the affected muscle groups.
Ballistic stretching: This stretch provides a series of rapid, bouncing movements that allow the short muscles in the body to be lengthened rapidly.
Conclusion
When the body encounters environmental factors that can cause pain-like symptoms to the host, it can develop into pain and other chronic conditions affecting a person’s life. Many techniques like MET (muscle energy technique) allow the musculoskeletal system to stretch out tense muscles and help restore mobility to the body. Pain specialists like chiropractors can incorporate various MET stretching techniques combined with spinal manipulation to restore the body to its original state.
References
Chaitow, Leon, and Judith Walker DeLany. Clinical Applications of Neuromuscular Techniques. Churchill Livingstone, 2003.
Murphy, Andrew C, et al. “Structure, Function, and Control of the Human Musculoskeletal Network.” PLoS Biology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 18 Jan. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5773011/.
Thomas, Ewan, et al. “The Efficacy of Muscle Energy Techniques in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Subjects: A Systematic Review.” Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 27 Aug. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6710873/.
Waxenbaum, Joshua A, and Myro Lu. “Physiology, Muscle Energy – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 25 July 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559029/.
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