WHY THE "SUSTAINED" HOLDS (working slowly)?

When a positive outside influence (a therapist) utilizes sustained pressure, movement, and stretching, they are working to bring the body into a meditative state.

Just as the mind is capable of releasing unneeded thoughts, emotions, and behavior patterns while in a meditative state, the body too is capable of releasing unneeded and/or stuck energy, tension, or old habit patterns. We refer to this as "bound points". We work with the client to unbind these points.

WHY "LENGTHEN" MUSCLES

The primary role for muscles in the body is movement. When muscles become tight (from repetitive motion, strain, or stress) they limit blood flow, efficient movement, and function. When muscles are chronically tight, the individual efficiency and holistic balance of the body become diminished.

Utilizing movement, stretching, and practices such as yoga or Tai-chi enables an individual is able to lengthen and increase the "flow" of their own muscles. With the addition of a positive outside influence (a therapist), one is able to "lengthen" a step beyond ... resulting in more efficient movement, greater range of motion, increased blood flow, and decreased pain or discomfort. 

WHY "ŌPEN" THE FASCIA?

 Unlike the muscles that receive the information to expand or contract from the nervous system, bound fascia can only be released through elements of movement, relaxation, or a positive outside influence (such as a  therapist). When the fascia is "bound", it can put constricting pressure (up to 2,000 pounds per square inch) on sensitive areas such as nerves, blood vessels, and muscle groups. This pressure can limit range of motion, as well as cause pain, discomfort, stiffness, and general unease. 

WHAT EXACTLY IS FASCIA?

 Fascia is the most prevalent connective tissue in the body. We can conceptualize fascia as a 3-dimensional net. From the skin to the bone, it wraps around and goes through every muscle and tendon fiber all the way down to every muscle and tendon cell. Fascia is found throughout adipose and other tissues in the body as well. It wraps around blood vessels, veins, arteries, and nerves. One of its main functions is providing the capability of gliding movement throughout the body.

Fascia can become bound due to trauma, lack of motion, consistent repetitive motions or habitual patterns in the body.