There are a number of professionals and fellow biomechanics researchers that, through their experience and research results, have contributed to the academic knowledge and terminology that is contained in this thesis. The following is a brief overview of each of the persons and their specialities. Coach Sarah Krolick graduated with her degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science, but she is currently the Cross Country Graduate Assistant for Southeastern University. She was a cross country runner during her undergraduate program, but she still follows her passion for running to this day. Sarah particularly gives insight into biomechanics in relation to endurance running. She first points out that perfect form is dependent on each
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In order to understand what myofascia release therapy is, one must first understand what fascia is and its function in the body. Fascia looks like a spider web that is "covering and interpenetrating every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein, as well as, all of our internal organs including the heart, lungs, brain and spinal cord"; it is one connecting piece with no gaps throughout the entire body (MFR Treatment Centers and Seminars, 2015). Normal fascia is relaxed and shortened, like muscles, it plays a key role in stability and range of motion of the joints (The Therapy Tree, 2016). Therefore, having fascia working at its optimal level is necessary when performing everyday movements as well as more strenuous physical activities. When fascia is injured or damaged in any way, it can make movement painful and at times unbearable. To elaborate, fascia becomes inflexible when it has been through physical trauma or inflammation, causing tension and pain in the surrounding tissue area (Cutler, 2010). A physical therapist will use the myofascia release therapy to expel the tension in the tissue and restore comfortable movement. To preform this technique a PT will start by stretching out myofascial areas until the PT finds a barrier, or trigger point, that is stiff and inflexible (The Therapy Tree, 2016). Then, the PT will stretch that specific area and hold pressure for 90 to 120 seconds. There may be throbbing of the area before pressure is released. The object of this technique is not to break through the barrier; it is important to be gentle so not to increase injury to the area. The PT will continue this process until motion and softness has been restored to fascia. Pediatric physical therapist have found that children, specifically, benefit from myofascia release therapy. Many of the
In order to understand what myofascia release therapy is, one must first understand what fascia is and its function in the body. Fascia looks like a spider web that is "covering and interpenetrating every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein, as well as, all of our internal organs including the heart, lungs, brain and spinal cord"; it is one connecting piece with no gaps throughout the entire body (MFR Treatment Centers and Seminars, 2015). Normal fascia is relaxed and shortened, like muscles, it plays a key role in stability and range of motion of the joints (The Therapy Tree, 2016). Therefore, having fascia working at its optimal level is necessary when performing everyday movements as well as more strenuous physical activities. When fascia is injured or damaged in any way, it can make movement painful and at times unbearable. To elaborate, fascia becomes inflexible when it has been through physical trauma or inflammation, causing tension and pain in the surrounding tissue area (Cutler, 2010). A physical therapist will use the myofascia release therapy to expel the tension in the tissue and restore comfortable movement. To preform this technique a PT will start by stretching out myofascial areas until the PT finds a barrier, or trigger point, that is stiff and inflexible (The Therapy Tree, 2016). Then, the PT will stretch that specific area and hold pressure for 90 to 120 seconds. There may be throbbing of the area before pressure is released. The object of this technique is not to break through the barrier; it is important to be gentle so not to increase injury to the area. The PT will continue this process until motion and softness has been restored to fascia. Pediatric physical therapist have found that children, specifically, benefit from myofascia release therapy. Many of the