Myofascial Meridians Research Articles

Fascia Acupuncture System in Veterinary Medicine

The fascia is a network that, permeating the whole organism, envelops the somatic and visceral structures, connecting the parts of the body to each other, determining their shape and offering support. This network organizes, separates and ensures the protection and autonomy of each muscle and viscera and at the same time brings them together in functional units by establishing spatial relationships and allowing communication between them. The band flows according precise paths called myofascial meridians which coincide with the paths of the of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) energy meridians. The importance of this correspondence is both in the diagnostic phase, through the palpation of specific acupoints, and in the integrated therapeutic approach between fascial manipulation and acupuncture. The work introduces an integrated system, called Veterinary Fascia Acupuncture System (VeFAS®) which allows combining the functions of the fascia with the techniques of acupuncture.

Comparison of the Effects of Myofascial Meridian Stretching Exercises and Acupuncture in Patients with Low Back Pain.

Acupuncture and myofascial meridians show great anatomical and clinical compatibility. We aimed to compare the effects of myofascial meridian stretching exercises and acupuncture in patients with low back pain. We randomized 81 subjects with acute/subacute low back pain into three groups: an acupuncture (A) group, a myofascial meridian stretching (MMS) group, and a control (C) group. We recorded the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and Roland- Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMQ) scores at baseline and weeks two and six. We evaluated posterior pelvic tilt and transversus abdominis muscle strenghth with a pressure biofeedback unit, back extensor muscle strength by the Sorenson test, and lumbar range of motion (ROM) with an inclinometer. Group A received acupuncture (BL 57 and BL 62 acupoints) and stretching exercises according to the posterior superficial line were applied to the MMS group. Improvements in the NRS score were more prominent in group A than in group C (p = 0.004). The RMQ score improvement between baseline and weeks two and six was more prominent in groups A and MMS (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). The Sorenson test showed significant improvement between the baseline and week two in groups A and MMS (p = 0.004, p < 0.001, respectively). The increase in lumbar ROM measurement in the MMS group between baseline and week two was significantly higher than in groups A and C (p = 0.009, p < 0.001, respectively). Stretching exercises according to the myofascial meridian system and acupuncture contributed to improved symptoms in the first two weeks in patients with acute/subacute low-back pain.

Effects of Acute and Chronic Stretching on Pain Control

ABSTRACT While muscle stretching has been commonly used to alleviate pain, reports of its effectiveness are conflicting. The objective of this review is to investigate the acute and chronic effects of stretching on pain, including delayed onset muscle soreness. The few studies implementing acute stretching protocols have reported small to large magnitude decreases in quadriceps and anterior knee pain as well as reductions in headache pain. Chronic stretching programs have demonstrated more consistent reductions in pain from a wide variety of joints and muscles, which has been ascribed to an increased sensory (pain) tolerance. Other mechanisms underlying acute and chronic pain reduction have been proposed to be related to gate control theory, diffuse noxious inhibitory control, myofascial meridians, and reflex-induced increases in parasympathetic nervous activity. By contrast, the acute effects of stretching on delayed onset muscle soreness are conflicting. Reports of stretch-induced reductions in delayed onset muscle soreness may be attributed to increased pain tolerance or alterations in the muscle's parallel elastic component or extracellular matrix properties providing protection against tissue damage. Further research evaluating the effect of various stretching protocols on different pain modalities is needed to clarify conflicts within the literature.

Comparing myofascial meridian activation during single leg vertical drop jump in patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and healthy participants.

Muscles work synergistically to support the body during landing. Myofascial meridians have been described to classify muscles into functional synergies. The role that these functional lines plays in positioning the trunk and lower extremity of patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and healthy athletes during drop landing tasks remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare the front and back functional lines (FFL and BFL) muscle activation in patients with ACLR and healthy participants during single leg vertical drop jump (SLVDJ). Thirty-two male athletes (post-ACLR = 16, healthy = 16) participated (age = 23.3 ± 2.3 years). Superficial electromyography of FFL (adductor longus [AL], rectus abdominis [RA], pectoralis major) and BFL (vastus lateralis [VL], gluteus maximus [GMax], latissimus dorsi [LD]) was collected during the SLVDJ and compared at initial contact and maximum knee flexion between groups using t-tests and limbs using paired-samples t-tests. In the FFL, the AL (p < 0.05) and RA (p < 0.05) muscles were more active in the healthy group compared to the ACLR group at initial contact and maximum knee flexion. PM demonstrated greater activation in the healthy group only at maximum knee flexion (p < 0.05). In the BFL, the VL (p < 0.05) and GMax (p < 0.05) muscles were more active in the ACLR group, whereas the LD (p < 0.05) muscles demonstrated greater activation in the healthy group at initial contact and maximum knee flexion. There were no healthy group inter-limb differences in FFL and BFL activation. ACLR participants demonstrated greater non-injured limb VL, AL, GMax and LD activation (p < 0.05) and greater injured limb PM and RA activation (p < 0.05). Based on the present data, patients after ACLR may present with an alteration in BFL and FFL muscles activation during a drop jump task. Functional line muscles during dynamic activities may change lower extremity positioning and lead to increase ACL injury risk.

Pilot Study On Effect Of Ipsilateral Long Kinetic Chains On Shoulder Elevation Strength

There is growing evidence to suggest that kinetic chains extend far beyond the core muscles, following myofascial meridians that interestingly appear to overlap with classically-known acupuncture channels. Strengthening programs during the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries utilize kinetic chain exercises; however, how lower extremity strength potentially directly affects upper extremity strength has not been quantified. PURPOSE: To examine quantitatively the effect on shoulder elevation strength (SES) in the sagittal plane on ipsilateral lower extremity tibialis anterior muscle activation. METHODS: Twenty young healthy adult volunteers (half women, half men), ages 20-60 years, having no shoulder pain were recruited. Participants had baseline SES evaluated with a hand-held dynamometer applied just proximal to the radial styloid with the arm held in 90-degree elevation in the sagittal plane. The participants underwent the following interventions: SES and ipsilateral anterior tibialis muscle activation (IATMA) while standing, SES and IATMA while seated with legs dangling, and SES with ipsilateral gastrocnemius activation while seated with legs dangling. RESULTS: In females, IATMA, in standing and seated position, reduced SES by a mean percentage of 12.57 and 14.88, respectively, from baseline. SES with gastrocsoleus activation (reciprocal relaxation of anterior tibialis) reduced SES by a mean percentage of 3.93 from baseline. In males, IATMA, in standing and seated position, reduced SES by a mean percentage of 5.58 and 10.84, respectively, from baseline. SES with gastrocsoleus activation (reciprocal relaxation of anterior tibialis) reduced SES by a mean percentage of 3.3 from baseline. CONCLUSIONS: IATMA directly reduces SES; it also produces a greater decrement in SES compared to ipsilateral gastrocsoleus activation. This kinetic chain effect appears coincident with known myofascial meridians.

MUSCLE SPASTICITY AND ITS INTERACTION WITH MYOFASCIAL SYSTEM OF CHILDREN WITH CENTRAL PARESIS

Traditionally, the problem of muscle spasticity was considered by experts as a kind of local problem associated with the inhibition or traumatisation of the central motor neuron in a certain part of its path. According to this approach, only the first stage of the causal relationship of the two systems was reflected: the nervous and the muscular systems. In the following, intrasystem relations of the muscle and muscle complex appeared according to the type of harmonization or destructivization of the activity of this system. To resolve this problematic situation, the article examines the original theory of Thomas V. Myers about “anatomical trains” or “myofascial meridians” as an integral musculoskeletal system of the human body, which forms the basis of its anatomy and motor activity. Key ideas of tensegrity as a structure of balanced compression-tension of the musculoskeletal system are identified, and it is necessary to rush to the targets, carrying out the correction of motor disorders of the tender age children with paresis of central type by means of physical education. For deeper understanding of the activities of these mechanisms of children myofascial status harmonization, the main myofascial lines were briefly characterized: surface back line, surface frontal line, lateral line, spiral line, arm lines. On this basis, working hypothesis was formulated as for using the holistic myofascial system capabilities of the child’s body to correct both the tonic state of individual spastic muscles and to improve the general children motor status. To check the formulated hypothesis, the directions of the implementation of correctively directed physical education of tender age children with central paresis of different localization levels were indicated. An attempt was made to use the basic knowledge of the myofascial meridians functioning to increase the efficiency of diagnosing the state of musculoskeletal formations of children with spastic paresis, developing strategies and tactics for correcting their tonic state, methods and techniques for adjusting the balance of compression and tension of these structures to improve children motor activity and to improve the efficiency of their basic motor regimes mastering. There was made a fundamental conclusion that the correctional work by means of physical education should be preceded by preparatory work aimed at normalization of the whole myofascial system of a child with a spastic type of movement disorders, which can be carried out using purely medical techniques and the techniques based on the means of children physical education. Prospects of the scientific and practical development of the problem indicated in this article are highlighted separately.

Comparison of Effects of Different Myofascial Meridians Methods on Pain and Postural Control of College Students with Forward Head Posture

Comparison of Effects of Different Myofascial Meridians Methods on Pain and Postural Control of College Students with Forward Head Posture

A study on the Myofascial Meridians and Foot Three Yang Meridian Muscle Circulation, Effects and Healing Method

A study on the Myofascial Meridians and Foot Three Yang Meridian Muscle Circulation, Effects and Healing Method

New opinion on the mechanism of Dazhu (BL 11) for gonalgia with flexion-extension dysfunction

The effect of Dazhu (BL 11) for gonalgia with flexion-extension dysfunction is remarkable, and its mechanism of action is interpreted as the influential point of bone treating bone diseases. However, through the exploration of a variety of literature, the relevant classical research, the views of senior experts, and combined with the author's experience, we put forward some new ideas and views for reference. Through in-depth analysis about pathogenesis of gonalgia with flexion-extension dysfunction and the functional attributes of Dazhu (BL 11), combining meridian tendons differentiation and myofascial meridians, we consider that Dazhu (BL 11), with its unique "location" advantage, plays the role of regulating multiple viscera, meridians, meridian tendons and myofascial meridians, which is the mechanism for gonalgia with flexion-extension dysfunction.

Platelet-rich plasma versus dry needling of myofascial meridian trigger points in the treatment of plantar fasciitis

BackgroundPlantar fasciitis (PF) is the most common cause of heel pain, which results from repetitive trauma with degenerative changes in the plantar tissue. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and dry needling showed promising results as regards pain resolution and healing effect, and hence our aim was to compare their efficacy in the treatment of chronic PF.Patients and methodsThirty patients diagnosed with unilateral PF were subjected to full clinical assessment for foot function using the foot function index (FFI) and assessment of trigger points along the meridians. Ultrasonographic examination of plantar fascia thickness, echogenicity, and power Doppler was carried out. Patients were divided randomly into two groups of 15 each: group A received a single injection of PRP at the plantar fascia, and group B was treated with dry needling protocol in myofascial meridians trigger points along the superficial back line. Follow-up after 6 and 12 weeks included clinical re-evaluation, FFI determination, and ultrasonography. Our results showed a significant improvement in the clinical outcome of the FFI in group B (P<0.03) and a highly significant improvement in the clinical outcome within the PRP group by the 12th week (P<0.009). A significant decrease in thickness, heterogeneity, and Doppler signals (P<0.04, P<0.003, and P<0.03, respectively) was observed within the PRP group at the 12th week.ConclusionPRP injection is a promising line of treatment for chronic PF with documented ultrasonographic healing effect. Dry needling is a simple and safe technique for treating pain associated with PF, yet it is more invasive and less effective compared with PRP injection.

Remote effects of lower limb stretching: preliminary evidence for myofascial connectivity?

ABSTRACTThe skeletal muscles and the fibrous connective tissue form an extensive, body-wide network of myofascial chains. As fascia can modify its stiffness, strain transmission along these meridians is supposable. The goal of this trial therefore was to collect pilot data for potential remote effects of lower limb stretching on cervical range of motion (ROM). Twenty-six healthy participants (30 ± 6 years) were included in the matched-pairs intervention study. One group (n = 13) performed three 30 s bouts of static stretching for the gastrocnemius and the hamstrings, respectively. An age- and sex-matched control group (CG; n = 13) remained inactive. Pre- and post-intervention, maximal cervical ROM in flexion/extension was assessed. A repeated measures ANOVA revealed systematic differences between groups (P < .05). ROM increased following stretching (143.3 ± 13.9 to 148.2 ± 14°; P < .05) but remained unchanged in the CG (144.6 ± 16.8 to 143.3 ± 16.8°; P > .05). Our data point towards existence of a strain transfer along myofascial meridians. Further randomised controlled studies on conditions, factors and magnitude of tensile transmission are warranted.

The Use of Dry Needling and Myofascial Meridians in a Case of Plantar Fasciitis

ObjectiveThe purpose of this case report is to describe the use of dry needling based on myofascial meridians for management of plantar fasciitis. Clinical featuresA 53-year-old man presented with bilateral chronic foot pain for more than 2 years. After 2 months of conventional treatment (ultrasound, plantar fascia and Achilles tendon stretching, and intrinsic foot strengthening), symptoms eventually improved; however, symptoms returned after prolonged standing or walking. Almost all previous treatment methods were localized in the site of pain that targeted only the plantar fascia. Initial examination of this individual revealed that multiple tender points were found along the insertion of Achilles tendon, medial gastrocnemius, biceps femoris, semimembranosus, and ischial tuberosity. Intervention and outcomeDry needling of the trigger points was applied. After 4 treatments over 2 weeks, the patient felt a 60% to 70% reduction in pain. His pressure pain threshold was increased, and pain was alleviated. The patient returned to full daily activities. The rapid relief of this patient’s pain after 2 weeks of dry needling to additional locations along the superficial back line suggests that a more global view on management was beneficial to this patient. ConclusionDry needling based on myofascial meridians improved the symptoms for a patient with recurrent plantar fasciitis.

0347: The Fascial Net- a Whole Body Communicating Network

In this presentation, I would like to present to you an insight into the fascial continuum in the body, and suggest how an understanding of the myofascial meridians could potentially enhance and assist us in the evaluation and diagnosis of injuries and other disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system.

Myofascial Meridians as Anatomical Evidence of Acupuncture Channels

Background: Conceptually, acupuncture Principal Meridians course through the myofascial layer of the body and send branches to one another and the organs they influence. Recent literature has described the concept of “myofascial meridians” as anatomical pathways that transmit strain and movement through the body's muscle and fascia. Objective: To qualitatively explore the relationship of acupuncture Principal Meridians to myofascial meridians that have been identified by analysis of human anatomy. Design and Setting: The 12 acupuncture Principal Meridians were qualitatively compared by visual estimation (using computer software with human figure outlines) with the 9 myofascial meridians to determine whether any correlations existed in their described distributions. Main Outcome Measure: Overlap of Principal Meridians and myofascial meridians on the simulated human anatomical model. Results: In 8 (89%) of 9 comparisons, there was substantial overlap in the distributions of the anatomically derived myofascial meridians with those of the acupuncture Principal Meridian distributions. In addition, the “spiral” myofascial meridian can be described as a combination of 2 acupuncture meridians. Conclusions: The strong correspondence of the distributions of the acupuncture and myofascial meridians provides an independent, anatomic line of evidence that acupuncture Principal Meridians likely exist in the myofascial layer of the human body.