Sixth International Fascia Research Congress (FRC) is coming up in September 2022. After peer review, this abstract was accepted for Poster presentation!
Induction of Hyperemia of the Neck as a Consequence of Thigh Fascia Manipulation Suggests Direct Connection
Authors:
Cathy Kim, MD
Graal Diaz, PhD
Community Memorial Health System, 147 N. Brent St. Ventura, CA
Background:
Genu Recurvatum (GR) is clinically neglected despite the degree of biomechanical dysfunction. This perspective may be a result of teleological bias, according to Thomas Kuhn, author of The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. The superficial fascia and retinacula cutis form a network, which absorbs multi-directional stresses to and from the deep fascia. Vital to bipedal movement, the thigh has high retinacula cutis content, buffering the network from deep fascia stresses. However, in GR patients, the network becomes less elastic, functionally fusing the superficial fascia and deep fascia. The superficial lamina of the neck is already adherent to the superficial fascia. Dissections have discovered that the superficial fascia between the thigh and neck is continuous. This paper presents findings that suggest a physiologic link exists between thigh and neck fascia in GR patients.
Method:
The described method was utilized in a chronic pain patient with genu recurvatum and hypertonic thigh fascia. Myofascial release on the thigh resulted in hyperemia in the cervical areas (Images 1-3). The procedure places the patient in a seated position with optimized neutral pelvis and spine; legs and feet parallel, and knees bent at 90 degrees. The patient then performs isometric contraction of the pelvic floor (kegel) and thigh muscles (by pushing into heels). Simultaneously, high-velocity myofascial glide is executed with a smooth-edged tool along the longitudinal axis of the thigh, moving from proximal to distal. Two key elements are required for this technique, fascial potentiation and high velocity, to maximize disruption of adhesions before the buffering capacity of the retinacula cutis can mitigate the applied force.
Conclusion:
A functional neurosurgeon, Dr. Breig, described that it was tension, not compression, on nerve tissue that caused symptoms and proposed creating a field called histodynamics to study the impact of tension on tissue at the cellular level. Results obtained from this intervention suggest that the thigh may translate biomechanical forces into physiological changes via fascial histodynamics, especially in GR patients. With mortality linked to gait and fall risk, these findings support the clinical value of more research into the functional relationship between the thigh and neck.
Category #2 (Anatomy of Fascia) or #13 (New Hypotheses and Experimental Research Methods)
All Authors: No disclosures.
There was no funding for this study.
Figures:
References:
- Book: A Breig. Adverse Mechanical Tension in the Central Nervous System: An analysis of Cause and Effect, Relief by Functional Neurosurgery. Almqvist & Wiksell International (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.), Stockholm and New York City, 1978.
- Book Chapter: TS Kuhn. The Structure of Scientific Revolutions: Progress Through Revolutions. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, pgs. 159-172, 1962.
- Book: C Stecco. Functional Atlas of the Human Fascial System. Elsevier, United Kingdom, 2015.
