Encouraging Intelligent Movement in a Sedentary Society
Tools Facilitating Neuro-Myofascial Release at Home & in Clinic
Practitioners who have attended the British Fascia Symposium in recent years may recall the buzz generated around Energy for Health’s stand where many delegates tested the FlexxiCore products which help practitioners and their clients work deeply and effectively with fascia health. The beauty with both devices is their versatility and accessibility – including cost – for all age groups and fitness levels.
Thanks to the marvels of tensegrity, both the FlexxiCore Challenger and the FlexxiCore Passive Exerciser elicit a series of natural responses through the transmission of waves throughout the fascia. As well as triggering neuro-myofascial release, the nervous system responds to the oscillations and ripples of movement with deeper breathing and a boost to circulation.
While these FlexxiCore devices can never replicate the individual care and precise targeting of manual treatments, they effectively mimic the natural patterns of exercise itself, complementing the hands-on approach of a practitioner in a way that clients positively enjoy. As no compression or manipulation is involved, adhesions and distortions in the neuro-myofascial web are gradually released with minimal intervention.
The FlexxiCore Passive Exerciser has its origins in the martial arts and Shiatsu traditions of Japan, combining the energising and stress-releasing effects of Japanese “Goldfish Exercise” with the back-care features of the Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) devices first designed by a Canadian Orthopaedic Surgeon. CPM equipment is used by back care professionals to ease spinal problems by encouraging the flow of synovial fluid between the discs. This helps to reduce inflammation and ease pain by supplying nutrients and oxygen to the tissues, at the same time helping to expel the toxins that arise from inflammation.
These passive exercisers gently swing the feet, creating a pulsing motion in the area of the dantian energy centre, and generating a fish-like motion through the spine. As a Class 1 Medical Device that is typically used as a pre-treatment adjunct to a hands-on session so as to help the client relax physically and mentally, the FlexxiCore Passive Exerciser helps therapists to reach their desired outcomes more effectively while reducing their physical work.
The FlexxiCore Challenger is based on Whole Body Vibration (WBV) technology - a proven method of accelerating the effects of exercise with over 200 published studies covering its many beneficial effects. For example, at least 10 studies have reported WBV-induced increases in strength, power and performance in young healthy adults*. The original Power Plates® found in many gyms are sophisticated devices, but are generally unsuitable for home use - and too bulky and expensive for most practitioners to invest in. The FlexxiCore Challenger is reasonably priced, built to last, and far more versatile. It combines vibration and oscillation with different programmes that create an exercise-like experience, helping to generate elasticity in the fascia. Trials undertaken with the Challenger (42 participants - age range: 39 – 85) saw substantial improvements in just 60 days in 16 different categories of benefit, including:
Core Muscle Strength;
Energy Levels and Stamina;
Fitness/Performance Levels in Other Activities;
Posture;
Muscle & Joint Aches, Tension and Stiffness;
Toning;
Pain & Headaches;
Sleep Patterns;
Improved Balance;
Better Motivated to Exercise Generally;
Stress Release.
Lessons from COVID
During the COVID pandemic we are seeing many people reassessing their priorities. Though the media tends to view everything in terms of a quick vaccine fix, the reality is that viruses will never be “beaten.” What individuals need more crucially is the resilience to co-exist with viruses in all their mutations. Recent research** shows that patients with severe COVID-19 disease generally have shorter telomere lengths - a typical sign of aging. Studies show that telomere shortening is accelerated by lack of exercise, chronic stress, poor nutrition, and being overweight.
*Delecluse et al. 2003; Roelants et al. 2004; Ronnestad 2004; Savelberg et al. 2007; Bosco et al. 1998; Lamont et al. 2008, 2009, 2010; Di Giminiani et al. 2009; Torvinen et al. 2002.