The Quality and Quantity of Flexibility within Posture
(December 2004)
by Mr. Marc Jones DO (UK), BSc(Hons)Ost, Osteopath (UK)
The basic tenets of osteopathy are based upon structure and function and this can also be expressed with regards to flexibility:
structure (quantity of flexibility)
function (quality of flexibility)
Too much flexibility is called hypermobility and too little is hypomobility, but this is all dependent on the joint or tissues in question - shoulders are supposed to be mobile and hips are supposed to be stable.
When assessing patients with their variety of presenting complaints, I am trying to diagnose which tissues are causing their pains. Sometimes, it is not a case of a single ligament, muscle or joint and consequently it must be described as being a 'functional' problem.
By functional, we mean that no single tissue is damaged, but when all of the anatomical and physiological processes function together, they create a pain or problem. Osteopathically we call this a 'dysfunction'.
By altering the quality and quantity of flexibility of certain parts of the human body, I can, as osteopath, often decrease the pain and problems of the dysfunction even though there is no torn muscle or ligament to be found either through X-ray, MRI or any other test.
This is why British-trained osteopaths have 'hands-on' training every day for four years, rather than just relying on medical tests alone.
'Dysfunction' is a principle that some of the general public, as well as some in medicine, do not seem to be able to conceptualise or grasp that easily sometimes. It is quite frustrating when a patient tells me they have been told that they have a single ligament strain or tendinitis when this is clearly not the case.
The body will always take the line of least resistance and this is why loose joints usually break down and become painful and why stiff joints seize up and become painful.
So, how does one deal with dysfunctions due to flexibility?
A shortened tissue can be lengthened, but a loose tissue cannot be shortened (unless you really want to have a sclerosing injection or prolotherapy). With loose tissues, osteopaths can settle them down, but they will also try to find other areas of your body that are contributing to the problem so that the loose area does not need to work too hard.
The quality of movement of both tight and loose tissue is also important, as if the quality of movement is smoother, the body will function more efficiently and with less drama.
Unfortunately, some of these dysfunctions can take time to resolve. Many years of postural changes and adaptations do not miraculously disappear in the space of a single month with a few "clicks" here and a few "rubs and stretches" there with two or three treatments per week when only one per week over a couple of months is more appropriate.
If you have problems due to poor posture or repetitive strains, give consideration to osteopathic treatment. If you are very stiff and tight, be prepared for some stronger techniques that may cause some aches and pains for the first few treatments as the body gradually starts to change and adapt to it's new - and hopefully pain free - posture.
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Copyright © Marc Jones - Osteopath (UK), Osteopathy Vancouver 2003 onwards
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