Abnormal tension is an underappreciated source of pain and dysfunction in the body. Left unaddressed, this tension can lead to injury and compromised movement patterns that leave your patients and clients with lasting pain.
In this blog, we’ll outline four sources of abnormal tension that often fly under the radar and the steps you can take to resolve it.
Unexplained Pain? It Could Be Abnormal Tension
If you need to help the people you work with improve their function and address abnormal tension, you must understand what we consider “normal.” Tension is essential for human function. When tension is in balance, it allows for efficient, healthy movement. It comes in different forms: holding, active, resting, passive. All these forms of tension typically function in harmony, letting us carry out tasks.
Abnormal tension occurs when this harmony is disrupted. Instead of building up gradually as the soft tissues lengthen, abnormal tension builds up abruptly, making everyday tasks or activities painful. If your patients or clients suffer from abnormal tension, one or a combination of these four leading causes is likely to blame.
1. Trauma
Any injury, trauma, or chemical injury can cause abnormal tension or dysfunction. Consider old sports injuries, injuries sustained in a car crash, or other trauma that your clients or patients might not even think impacts their wellbeing anymore.
2. Overuse
Using the same muscles too much, whether from running, weightlifting, or even riding a bike, can cause stress and dysfunction.
3. Misuse
Repetitive, inefficient movements can contribute to an individual’s pain and abnormal tension. Understanding and implementing the right corrective exercises can help resolve this kind of tension.
4. Disuse
Not using a muscle group enough, especially if you have an office job where you need to sit for extended periods, can also lead to problems.
Resolve Abnormal Tension With Gray Institute’s Functional Soft Tissue Transformation Course
At Gray Institute ®, we understand that addressing the root cause of dysfunction in the body requires a holistic understanding of how the body works. Our courses are based on the scientific truths of Applied Functional Science® (AFS) and give you the tools you need to help clients and patients improve their function and reach their goals.
One of the foundational tools in our AFS toolkit is Functional Soft Tissue Transformation (FSTT). FSTT is a comprehensive movement testing and treatment process that centers on the individuality of each client.
In FSTT, we assess abnormal tension by utilizing a global-to-local motion palpation process. In global motion, “held” regions are reacting to the brain’s response to protect. Once identified, the held region leads the practitioner to assess and address dysfunction through a local movement excursion test, leading to a palpation assessment of the relative tissue motion of the region exhibiting abnormal tension.
This process is an efficient and effective way to address abnormal tension in the body. Ready to learn more about our process and how it can make a difference for your patients or clients? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
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Ready to Get Started? Enroll Today at Gray Institute
If you’re ready to learn how the body truly moves and how to help it heal effectively, it’s time to consider enrolling at Gray Institute. Using the truths of AFS, we’ll equip you with the tools you need to assess and understand the body and how it moves. This includes all the ways the body acts as an interconnected Chain Reaction ®, how it moves in real life, and effective ways to apply AFS principles and get results.
To learn more about our Functional Soft Tissue Transformation specialization, please visit the course page, or speak with someone from Gray Institute by reaching out to us! Simply send us a message using our quick and easy contact form to get started.
We look forward to speaking with you!