Anatomical linkages and muscle slings of the lumbopelvic region

The effects of the Bowen technique on hamstring flexibility over time: A randomised controlled trial

“…This suggests that changes in stability, or stiffness and tone may have occurred, not only within the MTU, but also within the 'passive' constituents, (the viscoelastic connective tissues), through alteration of reflex pathways (Solomonow et al, 1998;Schleip et al, 2006). The superficial Bowen moves that were applied to each participant in the Bowen intervention group, occurred along the posterior layer of the thoracolumbar fascia (as described by DeRosa and Porterfield, 2007), and included manual stimulation of the fascial linkage of the latissimus dorsi to the gluteus maximus. This was followed by stimulation of the hamstring and adductor muscles, with proven anatomical continuity through to the gluteus maximus and into the lumbopelvic slings (DeRosa and Porterfield, 2007).…”

“…The present Bowen study provided manual stimulation to multiple regions including; the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, pelvic attachments; latissimus dorsi, hamstrings, gluteals, hip adductors and TFL. The anatomical linkage through the presence of inter and intramuscular fascial 'slings' and compartments has enabled a deeper, more integrated approach to understanding how manual stimulation or mechanical tension may be transmitted from one region to another (Langevin, 2006;DeRosa and Porterfield, 2007).…”

“…The superficial Bowen moves that were applied to each participant in the Bowen intervention group, occurred along the posterior layer of the thoracolumbar fascia (as described by DeRosa and Porterfield, 2007), and included manual stimulation of the fascial linkage of the latissimus dorsi to the gluteus maximus. This was followed by stimulation of the hamstring and adductor muscles, with proven anatomical continuity through to the gluteus maximus and into the lumbopelvic slings (DeRosa and Porterfield, 2007). In other words, the Bowen treatment received, provided a planned direction of manual stimulation throughout the extensors of the spine, trunk and lower limbs.…”

“…Furthermore, the cellular and molecular effects of the mechanical signals through this interface have been shown to be widespread, varying from cell contraction to signal transduction to gene expression (Langevin et al, 2002). Fascia has been reported to have the following functions: (1) it provides a 3D framework for all tissues promoting alignment and stability (DeRosa and Porterfield, 2007), (2) it can respond to change in tension levels by transmission of signals to other interfaces (Langevin, 2006;Stecco et al, 2009), termed 'mechanotransduction', and (3) it provides the necessary lubricant between tissue interfaces to enable movement (Alter, 2004). Research by Hinz and Gabbiani (2007), Schleip et al (2006Schleip et al ( , 2007, Petroll (2008) and Thomasek et al (2002) have reported a fourth function, that fascia is capable of generating its own mechanical tension through the contraction of smooth muscle cells within its matrix.…”

Impairment of Postural Stabilization Systems in Musicians With Playing-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

“…30 Playing-related musculoskeletal disorders occur most commonly within the spine or the shoulderarm-hand region. 3 However, most PRMD studies in musicians rely upon questionnaire methodology and do not document specific physical findings.…”