OK, let’s now return to my 3 dimensions on my Rubik’s Cube; each of these 3 dimensions intrinsically interacts with the other two, and more fundamentally, if we determine to treat just one dimension (e.g. the neuro-musculoskeletal dimension, through remedial massage), we are potentially missing key information that can significantly affect the presented situation. Here are 3 common examples that I find in my practice to illustrate this point:
- Neural tension or tethering in the shoulder e.g. the median nerve – a normally hidden “hammer” – can cause thoracic immobility which in turn can lead to the pelvis not functioning properly, which we now know is a direct cause of knee pain and injury.
- Cellular Health issues (tissue acidity or inflammation, or reduced levels of key minerals such as magnesium or potassium) – very significant ‘hammers’ – can be the cause of recurrent neuro-musculoskeletal issues, so soft tissue work alone is unlikely to provide a robust, sustainable solution.
- A previous physical or emotional trauma at some point in a client’s life (an ‘historical hammer’) can actually cause the central nervous system to “lock in” particular neural messaging in the body that ultimately manifests itself as back pain for example, so again, addressing the palpatable muscular tension or spinal immobility is not going to result in a robust, sustainable solution.
The fourth dimension I eluded to earlier in this article is “Awareness and Understanding” on the part of the client.
If we can help the client clearly understand WHY things are happening then they can start to take control and make lifestyle, exercise or nutritional changes for themselves, which then means that, together, we have a fighting chance of actually solving their life affecting or stubbornly reoccurring symptoms once and for all.
Furthermore, a client who understands that their problem is likely to be multi-dimensional, especially if they have tried several 1-dimensional approaches or seen several therapists previously and not obtained the clarity or solution they are seeking, is more able to make informed decisions on what the best route to recovery might be.
In summary therefore, my clients generally come to me when they have hit a brick wall with solving their problem. We work together to unlock the root cause(s), build a bespoke strategy and then work together to solve the problem and achieve their objectives.
Here at Unity Body MOT we provide totally unique intensive (1 to 3 month) and slightly less intensive but longer-term (6 – 12 month) bespoke Programmes to solve the client’s issue and help them achieve their objectives. We also run awareness and training days at Studios, Health or Sports Clubs and Gyms where we provide training on the absolute latest injury thought leadership to the instructors and coaches and also provide initial screening to clients at the venue, picking up the key markers (or hammers) that could potentially lead to injury or pain in the future.
About the Author: Simon Wellsted
