Newsletter October 2010
Volume 1, Issue 12
bpd@home
Bodywork Professional Development / +44 (0)28 9754 2105 / +44 (0)7526 925734
Building Bridges by Gilad Naaman Perry, TnuAd, Israel
If I asked you which of the five
senses is the most exceptional
from among all of them and why,
what would be your answer? I'd
guess that most of you would
answer "touch" as it is the only
sense that is not physically
connected to your head – a good
reply, but not the complete
answer. The fact is that in addition
to what you already know, the
sense of touch is the only one that
is the least affected by the ageing
process. Here is the first clue to
the rest of the article, which
stresses the importance of touch
during our entire lifecycle,
specifically in our senior years.
As we get older, we deal with
many physiological changes. One
such physical change is a
decrease in muscle mass,* which
can lead to lowered muscular
activity, calling for added efforts in
achieving what is considered
"normal functioning" (*muscle
mass is a primary source of
metabolic heat, generated by
muscle contraction that produces
normal muscular activity). Another
significant sign of aging is fat
depositions, weaker respiratory
function, inflexibility, and more.
We also encounter personal and
social limitations that include
anxiety, a sense that time is
running out, a lack of routine and
low self image in comparison to
what you once "were".
Many physiological factors can
produce positive effects to the
aging process such as lowering
fat, maintaining muscle strength,
improving respiratory functioning,
flexibility and balance, as well as
achieving good cholesterol levels,
keeping normal sugar-blood
concentration, relaxation
(endorphin release), and more.
Studies have shown that there is a
strong correlation between
physical exercise and emotional
levels – regular exercise and sport
lowers symptoms such as
depression, fear and anxiety, and
feelings of weariness and ill
health. (Ross, C.E. & Hayes,
D.,’Exercise and psychological
well-being in the community', Am.
J. Epidemiology, 1988, 127, pp.
762-71).
By staying healthy and
maintaining a good level of self-
esteem, we can maintain a well-
balanced lifestyle as we age. As
part of the aging process, we
sometimes feel a little down and
even depressed with the
limitations caused by the
physiological process. This often
causes lowered self worth and
results in our mind "falling asleep"
on us. Therefore, self-esteem
plays a central role in our daily
lives and is important for our
confidence, self image,
independence, and control over
our bodies. By taking control and
"doing for oneself" we in fact are
promoting our health and keeping
ourselves happy.
Exercise and movement allow us
to improve our aging process and
maintain a healthy mental state
and higher levels of happiness.
Regular physical activity enhances
our flexibility, strength, suppleness
in our joints, respiratory function,
concentration, coordination,
relaxation and composure, and
increased self worth.
Most importantly, emotional
support fulfils a real human need
by promoting friendship and
togetherness as a cure to
loneliness. Our first experience of
healing is through the sense of
touch. When we fell as a small
child our mothers "rubbed it better"
and so we learn at a very early
and tender stage in our
development to associate touch
with love and healing. Doctors
today are accused by their
patients of sitting at the wrong
side of the desk and never
touching the patient in therapy
only in diagnosis.
To ensure healthy social and
physiological well-being, it is
imperative that we keep the basic
instincts of touch and
communication intact. Infants and
children seek physical contact
from their caregivers, and all forms
of mature relationships between
adults require physical touch to
symbolize mutual recognition and
understanding, such as a hand-
shake, pat on the back, embrace,
etc. Movement is also a life
necessity and is as essential as
food, sleep, and touch. It plays a
significant part in shaping our
body image and self perception.
Thus, movement in combination
with the healing properties of
touch, contribute to building self
understanding that in turn creates
a positive body image, enhances
our desire to increase body action,
and helps produce positive
interactions with others at all of
life’s stages, from the foetal stage
through to the golden years.
Page 2 of 12
Today, in our hectic
modern lifestyle, the
offering and acceptance of
emotional support is
harder to come by, as
profoundly stated by the
international bestselling
author John Naisbitt in his
book High Tech High
Touch, "By relentlessly
accelerating our lives,
technology stirs profound
yearnings for a more
emotionally satisfying
existence."
Modern life has changed
human activities and
habits, which concern the
way we move, work and
even communicate. Long
durations of being seated,
for example, affect our
Upcoming workshops muscles that are forced
5-6 February 2011
into a continuous
Communication through
contracted state, and
touch and movement result in aching joints and
(TnuAd) shallow breath that cause
with Gilad Naaman Perry back, neck and shoulder
London pains. The best way to
£225 relieve these symptoms is
through regular exercise
and movements that focus
on opening the chest area
encourage deep
breathing, to help release
and relax common
physical discomforts
brought on with age such
as “dormant” joints by
stimulating blood flow to
reduce painful and
confined movement. It is a
fact that the older we get
the less we move. Look at
a young child, they never
stop moving - like a bee
seeking pollen they
continuously wander from
place to place
experiencing the world
through touch and
movement. A Grandfather
on the other hand, moves
less and less, preferring to
spend the majority of his
day - the older he gets -
sleeping in the sun and
bpd@home
enjoying the "quite life"
at the end of his days.
By stimulating our
sense of touch and
integrating regular
exercise and
movements designed to
relax, stimulate correct
breathing processes
and blood flow we will
lead a healthier and
happier lifestyle well
into our senior years.
Best wishes for an
active, healthy and
happier life.
TnuAd was founded by
Gilad Naaman Perry
(Israel). Gilad received
his M.Ed. from the
University of Leeds,
England and
specializes in
communication through
touch and movement
with emphasis on
integrating body and
soul, and exploring
communication in
general, and as it is
expressed through
physical touch and
movement.
The words Tnu Ad
mean everlasting
movement &
givingness.
Virtually every aspect of
Gilad's activities focus
on this central theme:
setting time in hectic
daily routines for
movement,
communication and
touch with loved ones
suited to all of life's
phases - from the fetal
stage through to the
golden years.
www.tnuad.com
Page 3 of 12 bpd@home

Take the Neuromuscular Re-education Challenge by Dr Peter Levy, USA

Imagine for a minute that patient walks into your office with a chief complaint of inability to abduct his/her
right arm at the shoulder joint more than 15 degrees.

A comprehensive history, exam and x-rays reveal no history of trauma, bony anomalies, lesions or nerve
compromise.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
With Neuromuscular Reeducationsm there is a clear method of working through the “problem” with a high
percentage of success.
“Talk to me“ you say. With pleasure. I just hope you know your functional anatomy. Your origins.
insertions, actions and synergistic muscles for a given action….because that is the basis of this
technique…a very specific knowledge of functional anatomy.

Start, of course, with naming the three abductors of the arm at the shoulder joint. Supraspinatus handles
the 1st 15-20 degrees of abduction then the middle deltoid takes over….but can you name the 3rd
abductor? How about the long head of the biceps when the arm is externally rotated? “What” you say?
You didn’t want to have to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty. Not a problem, get your massage
therapist to do it for you or breathe in, breathe out and just get over it. In this economy you had better learn
and do something that sets you apart from a very high percentage of all other practitioners…and being
superb at Soft Tissue Injuries will do just that!
Let’s continue. If none of those 3 abductors made an appreciable difference in the missing action what 1
muscle would you go to next to have a 90%+ chance of success? SUBSCAPULARIS!
But that’s an internal rotator is the common response I hear. Quite true but look at the origin and insertion,
look at the mechanical plane of action…and think that if that muscle has adhesions,(and it generally does),
there is restricted motion and that will restrict the amount of ABduction. Frequently you will see a major
shift in that limited action and, when you do, you should be saying to yourself…if that internal rotator could
limit abduction, could there be other internal rotators that have a limiting effect on that motion. Yes….but
can you name them?

How about Latissimus Dorsi, Teres Major, Anterior Deltoid, Pectoralis Major… both Sternal and Clavicular
divisions. So you work on all of those and there is no additional functional change. Could the Middle and
Lower divisions of the trapezius be involved. Yes they could but I rarely find them to be a major issue.
What next? What then is the next muscle you would work on to have a major beneficial effect? How
about Pectoralis Minor? Ribs 3-5 to the Coracoid Process. How would that affect ABduction? Look up the
function of Pectoralis Minor and think about how it works when the arm is abducted to about 110 degrees.
This is one of those “miracle muscles”…particularly with regard to “frozen shoulder” syndrome.

Please know that in this explanation I am shortcutting the entire shoulder protocol. NOT to be done with a
patient, but as a brief synopsis of parts of a particular protocol and how a practitioner can think their way
through a problem in a logical and sequential fashion to a highly successful result.

But don’t take my word for it. Take a moment and review the two protocols by clicking the links. The first is
the Subscapularis MP3 - http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=444803185797 - and the second is
the Pectoralis Minor MP3 - http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=444797390797. Take any 10
people/patients/clients with shoulder problems involving limited ABduction and try this out. As unschooled
as your attempt might be I’ll wager you find and the patient will feel a marked change and improvement.

You could, and I have, earned over a 5 figure monthly income with this SHOULDER PROTOCOL
alone…and in this economy, or simply as a matter of personal skill and pride in one’s work, can anybody
afford to give up that kind of result, patient satisfaction and resulting income?

Dr Peter Levy will be teaching Neuromuscular Re-education for BPD on 19/20 February 2011 in
London and 17/18 September 2011 in Dublin. Places limited. For more information please contact
BPD or you can contact Peter Levy direct on drpjlevy@cox.net / 001-805-637-8033
Page 4 of 12
Movement and Rehabilitation of the Body by Sol Petersen, NZ
Low Back Pain and the
Bulging Disc Myth – Pt1
In his book, How to Live to
be a Hundred or More,
George Burns says, “You
know you’re getting old
when you stoop to tie your
shoelaces and wonder
what else you could do
while you’re down there.”
In western societies low
back pain is ubiquitous,
affecting up to 85pc of
people at some time in
their life, and can range
from a mild, dull, annoying
pain, to persistent, severe,
disabling pain in the lower
back. The US National
Institute of Health reports
back pain is the most
frequent cause of activity
limitation in people
younger than 45 years-
old. Pain in the lower back
can restrict our mobility
and interfere with normal
functioning and inspite of
great medical advances –
the exact cause of
diagnosed low back pain
is found in very few cases.
This is the first of three
articles that will consider
causes, rehabilitation and
dealing with chronic back
pain.
Is damage and
degeneration of the disc
the cause of low back
pain?
For many years a
common explanation for
low back pain has been
that pain may be caused
when a protruding disc
puts pressure on spinal
nerves. Following this
rationale, it is then logical
to use magnetic
resonance images or x-
rays to ascertain if there is
infact a disc protrusion.
Theoretically, at this
point, if a herniation or
protrusion is
discovered, the next
logical conclusion would
be that this was the
cause of the pain and
then a surgical or non-
surgical intervention
could be considered. A
1994 study in the New
England Journal of
Medicine suggests that
this may be very
misguided thinking.
According to the study,
healthy people without
any back pain tend to
present ‘disc bulging’
and ‘disc protrusions’ as
often as those with
back pain. The
commonly assumed
causal relationship
between disc anomalies
and back pain therefore
appears extremely
questionable in the
majority of cases. Only
the extremely rare
situation of a total disc
“extrusion” seems to
show a positive
correlation with back
pain. (Ref;
http://content.nejm.org/
cgi/content/short/331/2/
69).
The role of posture
and the lumbar fascia
in back pain
There is increasing
evidence that
deformation, injuries
and micro tears in
fascial and muscular
tissues of the low back
may play an important
role in the origin of pain.
With the discovery of
contractile cells in
fascia and acupuncture
points present at fascial
bpd@home
tension points, fascia
research is a rich area
of discovery. According
to fascia researcher Dr
Robert Schleip, “One
theory is that in our
longer sitting positions
at work and home
where the spine is held
in a fl exed posture or in
bending over for long
periods, that the lumbar
fascial structure is
elongated to the extent
that it loses some of its
integrity and becomes
temporarily vulnerable.
When we return from
the overstretched, fl
exed position the
sudden shift could
produce a segmental,
myofascial instability
and infl ammation that
produces a pain
response.” Schleip says
the receptors in the
fascia are like our sixth
sense, the source of
our sense of self in
space (proprioception)
as well as our inner
sensing (interoception)
and thus the seat of our
very embodiment
(Schleip’s website is a
great resource for
clinicians –
www.somatics.de).
It is important to
remember that the tail
tucked under, slouched,
seated position that is
so familiar, is a posture
that is at the end of
range of motion for the
lumbar spine.
Page 5 of 12 bpd@home

For anyone with back pain that is disc-related or flexion intolerant, the
slouched sitting will definitely make one’s back worse. If we want the lumbar
spine to accept compressive forces (and the weight of our upper body
amplified by gravity is a very real compressive force), then we need to learn
the lesson that all Olympic weightlifters understand. Weightlifters learn how to
brace their abdominals and fl ex, not their spines, but their hips as they squat
with a neutral lumbar spine. Maintaining an upright head/chest posture takes
compressive pressure off the lumbar spine.

• You can feel it with your thumb by changing your posture and noticing when
the lumbars switch on and off. Training hip flexion with a neutral spine for
bending, reaching and sitting to standing motion is a primary way to prevent
back injury and one of the basic steps in restoring healthy function in low
back pain recovery

Body-Mindfulness – a principle for daily life and high performance

Marie Laure is a performer for Cirque de Soleil. Her special balance and
acrobatic performance with her partner requires enormous core strength and
endurance. One might assume that this may translate into physical body Upcoming workshops
tension or toughness in her muscle tissue. On the contrary, as a therapist 28-29 May 2011
during their tour, I experienced her soft tissues to be unusually supple and Applied Structural
her physique hardly bulked up at all. Integration (SI) Skills:
Spine & Upper Limb /
This is very much in line with what Stuart McGill said in an interview when he Shoulder Girdle
was asked what the main principle for great athletes was. His comment, “The with Sol Petersen
Dublin
ability to contract and relax a muscle quickly and to train the rate of muscle
£225
relaxation.” This refined the awareness I call Body-Mindfulness. But it is as
important for each of us as it is for the top athletes if we want to cultivate a 21-22 May 2011
Applied Structural
resilient body. If we are recovering from a back injury, we need to develop a
Integration (SI) Skills:
whole new mindfulness in the body sense and in new motion patterns.
Spine & Lower Limb / Pelvis
with Sol Petersen
I asked Marie Laure about this body awareness and her art. She said, “In my London
performance, when I am in the moment, I am relaxed, yet focused. I’m not £225
thinking about the past, about what I did last time or what I must do. I feel. I
feel the change of temperature or simply how Yves, my partner is. He doesn’t
need to speak. I feel what he needs, what we need and I feel the mood of the
audience. I know I am free to do what I want and to take my breath when I
want to. I can create because freedom is there and since every single
moment of life is different, I try to stay connected to these subtle changes and
take care about too much controlling. A ‘mistake’ at times can open a new
avenue and a new way of thinking to embrace. Yes, I think this Body-
Mindfulness is the way I keep fluidity and flexibility in my mind and in my
body.”

Sol Petersen is a rehabilitative therapist, movement coach and

psychotherapist who specialises in Structural Integration, Integral
Aquatic Therapy and Tai Ji. He is co-founder of Mana Retreat Centre in
Coromandel, New Zealand, where he lives and practises. Sol will be
coming to the UK and Ireland to teach for BPD in 2011.
Page 6 of 12 bpd@home

Understanding the iliopsoas by Greg Morling, Australia

One of the most enigmatic muscles in the human body is the iliopsoas (also
known as the psoas). Travell and Simons name it the 'hidden prankster,' (1)
and I suspect that a significant number of massage and other tactile
therapists are puzzled about how to manage this prankster in the clinical
setting. In researching and reading the vast amount of literature written about
this significant muscle, it appears that just like one of Pablo Picasso's cubist
paintings, it possesses many angles and ambiguities that make it both
fascinating and profoundly difficult to address and treat in practice.

Some of the conditions involving the iliopsoas muscle include lower back
pain, sacroiliac pain, sciatica, disc trauma, scoliosis, hip and knee pain,
menstrual pain and digestive problems. We may also include biomechanical
problems such as pelvic tilt, leg length discrepancies, kyphosis and lumbar
lordosis.

Location
The psoas major, psoas minor and the iliacus muscles combine to become
the iliopsoas. Psoas minor is present in roughly 40% of the population (2). If
present, psoas minor assists in the superior rotation of the pelvis - an action
opposite to psoas major. Psoas minor is, as Koch describes it, '... a vanishing
“Movement is muscle, disappearing as we evolve from a semi-flexed to an up-right being'
(3). Psoas major and minor both insert on the lesser trochanter of the femur
initiated in the trunk (4). They are considered part of the posterior abdominal wall due to their
and transmitted to position and their role in cushioning the abdominal viscera. Koch sees the
the legs through iliopsoas as the 'keystone of a balanced, well-organised body' (3).

the medium of the There are two psoas major muscles attaching to each side of the transverse
processes of all lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5) and the body of T12. All lumbar
(ilio)psoas.”
vertebrae are innervated by branches of the L1-L3 lumbar spine nerve roots.
~ Ida Rolf Iliacus originates in the superior two thirds of the iliac fossa and the anterior
ligaments of the lumbosacral and sacroiliac joints. It inserts at the lesser
trochanter of the femur. There has always been an anecdotal relationship
between iliopsoas dysfunction and inguinal pain and this will be discussed
later.

Function
Iliopsoas is considered by most therapists and physiologists to be the main
hip joint flexor - it flexes and laterally rotates the thigh as is exemplified when
kicking a football. The iliopsoas muscle works in tandem with iliacus, rectus
femoris, pectineus, tensor fascia latae and sartorius (5). Acting from its
insertion at the lesser trochanter of the femur, it flexes the trunk, such as
when rising from a supine position.

As well as flexing the hip, the iliopsoas can assist with extension of the
lumbar spine, thereby increasing lumbar lordosis when an individual stands in
normal lordosis. It also plays a significant role in maintaining an upright
posture (1).

Ida Rolf wrote that, 'The psoas does not bulge forward; it lengthens and falls
back within the abdomen [as it flexes]' (6). There is some controversy
concerning exactly what the iliopsoas achieves when it flexes. Some say that
you can actually feel it leap forward as the leg flexes but I dispute this and
agree with Rolf’s assertion. From my own practical dissection research at the
University of New South Wales it is quite obvious that there is a huge amount
 Page 7 of 12 bpd@home

of viscera and muscle that lies anterior to the deep iliopsoas muscle.

Do not expect consensus or accord when the function of the iliopsoas muscle arises in discussion amongst
therapists. It may be more useful to ask how important the iliopsoas is when hip flexion is required, and does
it have other, more significant, functions to perform?

Professor Nic Bogduk, an Australian researcher from Newcastle University, has been a major influence and
world authority in this area over the past ten years and asserts that, 'Biomechanical analysis reveals that the
iliopsoas has only a feeble action on the lumbar spine with respect to flexion or extension' (7). He believes
that the psoas has its major function as a stability muscle for the lumbar spine through axial compression (7).
Mottram and Comerford (8) agree with Bogduk and develop his theory further by arguing that this axial
compression fixes the spine in neutral alignment while longitudinally pulling the head of the femur into the
acetabulum.

Yoshio et al (9) also conclude that the primary role of the psoas major is lumbar stability and that it
contributes very little to hip flexion. They further argue that the primary function of the psoas is at the hip for
stability. Moreover, the psoas may be considered to be clinically deficient if it fails to segmentally hold the
vertebrae in place at the level of pain in clients who have segmented lumbar dysfunction (hypermobile
segments).

In refuting both Bogduk and Yoshio et al, Myers presents another argument. He states that the psoas is a
major flexor of the hip and may well operate on the lumbar spine as one muscle but with opposing functions
and forces within it--not unlike the deltoid that engages one or all of its three compartments during movement
(10). He argues that while the iliopsoas certainly acts as an extensor of the lumbar spine and a flexor of the
hip, it may not be true that all the fibres that make up the muscle are involved in any one action. Several,
sometimes conflicting functions, may be present within the iliopsoas muscle. I am not convinced that this
theory has validity as close inspection of the psoas major does not reveal any similiarities with the deltoid in
appearance or structure.

Myers further suggests that if we work on the inner fibres of psoas, we affect fibres connecting to L4 and L5,
and if we treat the outer fibres of psoas, we affect T12 and L1 (11).While there is no evidence to suggest that
this may be so, Myers’s does provide an interesting basis for the practical work I suggest is appropriate to
treat a dysfunctional iliopsoas.

Walking
Let us be clear about this: the legs do not originate movement in the walk of a balanced body; the legs
support and follow. Movement is initiated in the trunk and transmitted to the legs through the medium of the
(ilio)psoas.
--Ida Rolf (12)

Like Rolf and others, Gracovetsky (13) considers the spine to be the 'primary engine' of walking. He contends
that an efficient gait is driven by the action of the spine rather than the legs. The psoas major and minor, as
one unit, are the only muscles, besides the piriformis, that connect the vertebral column to the legs. 'A free,
pendulum movement of iliopsoas muscle, uninhibited by dysfunction or pain, will give the leg its free swing.
The iliopsoas links the vertebral column to the legs, inside to outside, axial to appendicular, and respiration to
walking ... and provides the most important initiation of walking' (11).

The iliopsoas muscle acts continuously in peaks during the walking cycle. Of the three muscles (iliacus,
psoas major and psoas minor) that make up the iliopsoas, the iliacus provides the major force for anterior
propulsion (1).

Respiration
The iliopsoas muscle is closely connected to the respiratory process at the diaphragm--the main muscle of
respiration. It also has an intimate connection with the medial and lateral arcuate ligaments which lie around
the top of the psoas minor and psoas major respectively. Both psoas minor and psoas major also connect to
the central tendon of the diaphragm.
 Page 8 of 12 bpd@home

Psoas major in particular, has chest when iliopsoas is not prankster; it possesses the
intimate anatomical attachments to counterbalanced with the sensitivity of the most talented
the diaphragm and the pelvic floor. abdominals. The quest for the massage therapist and should be
This unique anatomical position 'body beautiful' has led, according treated with the upmost respect. It
allows iliopsoas to act as a link to Koch, to an overemphasis on will be 'clinically compliant' when
between the diaphragm and the the development of the abdominal bullied by painful overstretching,
pelvic floor and that could mean muscles in order to develop a 'six- and unkind prodding, but then, as
that iliopsoas plays an important pack'. This corresponds to a loss Bruce Stark says, 'go back to
role in stabilising the lumbar spine of balance between the abdominal where it was' before it walked its
during certain phases of the muscles and the psoas. She legs into your clinic!
respiratory cycle (14). contends that this process is a A contracted iliopsoas muscle may
contributor to the loss of 'core stay contracted due to postural
Innervation And Visceral integrity.' Furthermore, Koch notes habits brought on by a sedentary
System that an overloaded pushup and sit- lifestyle or an unbalanced standing
Iliopsoas is positioned posterior to up exercise program that or sitting posture. The way we
the bladder, the reproductive strengthens the abdominals, also stand, walk and sit can distort the
organs and some intestinal weakens the psoas muscle, iliopsoas muscle. 'A deteriorated
viscera. The kidneys lay each side unbalances the relationship iliopsoas ... chronically flexes the
of psoas major and psoas minor. It between these two major muscle body at the level of the inguinal
is imperative that massage groups and tenses the back region, so that it prevents a truly
practitioners do not palpate deeply muscles. erect posture,' wrote Ida Rolf (17).
into this region due to the
sensitivity of these organs lying I found no real evidence to support Sitting through the day will cause
under the iliopsoas. There is an Koch's view and some, like Myers the psoas major muscle to shorten
interrelationship between these for example, argue that, 'You so that we stay biomechanically
body parts, the iliopsoas muscle could have washboard abdominals balanced for a seated posture.
and the supplying nerves, in and still support the lumbar spine Krost writes that, 'Over time, we
particular, the ilio-inguinal nerve adequately (10). He contends that develop a 'normal' way of holding
which arises from the L1 lumbar there are four 'gullies' around the the iliopsoas that is dysfunctional.
vertebrae. spine--the erector spinae muscles Unresolved trauma can also keep
posteriorly and the iliopsoas the psoas short and reactive' (18).
The ilio-iguinal nerve emerges muscle anteriorly fill these gullies,
laterally from the psoas major and support and balance the Reactive Response To
muscle and then passes anterior lumbar spine (15). The inference Perceived Danger
to the posterior abdominal wall, here is that the abdominal muscles It is well-recognised by scientists
running around the trunk and have little influence, if any, with that when the body experiences
inferiorly through the inguinal balancing the core. shock, trauma or great danger, it
canal. It terminates on the inner can go into a 'freeze' (19). Not
anterior aspect of the inguinal The common description of the unlike the mouse trapped in the
region, supplying sensation to this iliopsoas muscle as core muscle cat's claws, the human too, may
area and the transverse only is, in my opinion, a limiting be in a state of immobility when in
abdominals. It has always been one. Bruce Stark, from the Sydney shock. This is one of the three
argued that psoas tightness will Orthobionomy Training Institute is primary responses available to
lead to movement dysfunction another Australian, and a world reptiles and mammals when faced
around the hip and pelvis and that leader in orthobionomy. He with an overwhelming threat. The
this can lead to pain around the describes the psoas as the 'body other two, 'fight' and 'flight' are
lower abdomen and inguinal conductor'. He insists that, without better known to us. With shock,
region. first developing a trusting the mouse goes into the immobility
'relationship' with this psoas state as a last ditch survival
Balancing The Core conductor, far less clinical success strategy: there may be a possibility
There is some discussion in the will be achieved with the other that the cat will be distracted and,
literature about the counterbalance body structures that are influenced
between iliopsoas and the rectus by it (16).
abdominal muscles. Koch (3)
writes about the 'chest out/belly in In my view, kindness shown to the
posture' caused by a shift in 'maestro' will result in a far longer
gravity superiorly towards the and sweeter symphony. The
iliopsoas is more than a core or a
 Page 9 of 12 bpd@home

in that instant, the unreasonable, war causes a lack of

mouse may awake from therefore, to assume integrity in the
its frozen state and that iliopsoas is the relevant intervertebral
make a hasty escape. muscle that holds this discs of the lumbar
The mouse is able to reactive response spine causing
discharge the vast energy to protect the nagging lower back
amounts of reactive, body from harm. pain.
compressed energy The possibility of
during its escape. eliciting the fear reflex Agnew writes that,
Levine (19) believes response with invasive 'The psoas presents
that there is a palpatory techniques is several problems
substantial similarity something that we need associated with lower
between animal and to be aware of as a back pain. Because
human experience in clinical possibility. To of its attachment
relation to this reactive take this one logical along the thoracic
response, except that step further; invasive and lumbar spine,
humans find it far more massage techniques flexion of the hip
difficult to shake off the such as direct finger causes a pull on the
residual effects of the frictions, could have the discs at this
immobility response unfortunate effect of attachment. This is
than their animal further traumatising the also known as the
counterparts. iliopsoas muscle. psoas paradox,
where the lumbar
Koch says that the Dysfunction And Pain spine is hyper-
survival response is Symptoms extended as the hip is
activated when the Typically, a flexed. Also, the
iliopsoas muscle is dysfunctional iliopsoas iliopsoas muscle will
palpated (20). Some of muscle can be caused tilt the pelvis
us in clinical practice by injury, poor posture, anteriorly when
may have experienced prolonged sitting or limited, and this
overt emotional and/or stress. It can alter the places another vector
strong physical biomechanics of the force along the
reactions from clients pelvis and refer pain lumbar spine.
when we use direct down the anterior part
palpation techniques to of the thigh and This is one of the
the psoas major. It vertically along the reasons why most
could be argued that lower to mid vertebral herniated discs occur
direct palpatory column. Along with pain at L3, L4 and L5'
techniques may trigger in the posterior hip, (22). It is my
reactive compressed sacrum and piriformis, contention that not
energy originating from the iliopsoas muscle only can there be disc
unresolved trauma that can torque the spine to degeneration from
is present in the the right or left, pull it the action of the
iliopsoas. forward, and twist the shortened psoas, but
pelvis into various there can also be
The iliopsoas muscle is distortions. destabilization at the
an essential part of the Krost (18) states that, hip and back where
instinctive fear reflex 'Frequently the the psoas makes its
and, as such, it is very iliopsoas will shorten distal and proximal
sensitive. It should also and pull the spine connections.
be noted that this and/or pelvis to our
muscle is responsible dominant side. This can
for taking the body into cause scoliosis,
a foetal position to kyphosis, lordosis and
protect the vulnerable spasms in back
organs of the body from muscles attempting to
a deadly blow or fall resist the pulling of the
(21). It is not iliopsoas.' This tug of
 Page 10 of 12
Nearly fifty years ago, Michele (23) response. (27)
wrote a 550 page book on the
The Iliopsoas may be studied on
iliopsoas muscle in which he
stated that, 'Any or all defects of both a biomechanical and
the spine and the hip joint psychosomatic level. It is unique in
structures should be evaluated in that it represents the body/mind
connection in a single muscular
terms of disturbance of function of
the iliopsoas muscle.' His insight structure. It also supplies us with a
was not overstated. He was also, palpatory challenge; how should
as far as I know, the first to we now treat this muscle on a
recognize the functional therapeutic basis in our clinical
practice? It is hoped that this
relationship of the iliopsoas
muscle to both the spine and the article, based on meta-analysis of
hip. the available literature will help to
inform practitioners as to new, less
Discussion invasive palpatory techniques to
My inference is that the major treat a dysfunctional iliopsoas and
function of the psoas is very much some of the associated
a stabilizing one. It plays its part in pathologies such as chronic back
flexion but stabilization is its forte. pain, sciatica and even persistent
The research by Bogduk, Mottram inguinal pain, to name just a few.
and Comeford, and particularly Further research to discover more
Yoshio, all cited and referenced in about this enigmatic muscle, the
this article, allude to this assertion. Iliopsoas, is also strongly
The role of the iliopsoas in the fear recommended.
response is also an area for
consideration. As tactile therapists Greg is a massage therapist and
we should be aware that invasive past president of the Australian
and/or painful palpatory Association of Massage
techniques may result in the Therapists. He also presented at
creation of a fear response in our the World Massage Conference
clients/patients. Dr Pascal Carive, 2009.
Head of Psychology at the Medical References
Faculty at the University of NSW
(1) Travell J, Simons D. Myofascial pain
argues that even the mere and dysfunction: the trigger point manual.
‘thought’ by your client/patient that Williams & Wilkins, 1991.
this muscle is to be palpated may (2) Biel A. Trail guide to the body. Books
of Discovery, 1997.
be sufficient to trigger the fear (3) Koch L. The psoas book. Felton, CA:
Guinea Pig Publication, 2007.
(4) Riggs A. Deep tissue massage: a
visual guide to techniques. North Atlantic
Books, 2007.
(5) Schuenke M, Schulte E, Schumacher
U. Thieme atlas of anatomy. New York:
Thieme, 2006.
(6) Rolf IP. Rolfing. San Francisco: Rolf
Upcoming workshops
Institute, 1977.
26-27 February 2010 (7) Bogduk N, Pearcy M, Hadfield G.
Understanding the Iliopsoas Anatomy and biomechanics of the psoas
workshop major. Clinical Biomechanics, 1992.
(8) Comeford MJ, Mottram SL. Movement
with Greg Morling and stability dysfunction: contemporary
London developments. Manual Therapy
£225 2001;6(1):15-26.
(9) Yoshio M, Murakami G, Sato T. The
function of the psoas major muscle:
passive kinetics and morphological studies
using donated cadavers. Journal of
Orthopaedic Science 2002;7(2):199-207.
(10) Myers T. The opinionated psoas, part
2 (serial on the internet). [Cited on
bpd@home
12.12.08]. Available from
http://www.massage therapy.com.
(11) Myers T. The opinionated psoas, part
1 (serial on the internet). [Cited on
12.12.08]. Available from
www.massagetherapy.com.
(12) Rolf I. Rolfing, the integration of
human structures. New York: Barnes and
Noble, 1977.
(13) Gracovetsky S. Interview with
Professor S. Gracovetsky. The spine
engine: a unified theory of the spine?
[Cited on 13.12.08]. Available from:
www.somatics.de/Gracovetsky/Interview.p
df.
> (14) Richardson C, Jull G, Hides J,
Hodges P. Therapeutic exercise for spinal
stabilization: scientific basics and practical
techniques. Churchill Livingston, 1999.
(15) Myers T. Anatomy trains. Churchill
Livingstone, 2001.
(16) Conversation with Bruce Stark from
the Sydney Orthobionomy Training
Institute in December, 2008.
(17) Rolf I. Rolfing: re-establishing the
natural alignment and structural
integration of the human body for vitality
and well-being. Healing Arts Press, 1989.
(18) Krost PB. Psoas release techniques
e-manual. Self Published, 2008.
(19) Levine P. Waking the tiger. North
Atlantic Books, 1997.
(20) Koch L. Iliopsoas: the flight and fight
muscle for survival. Positive Health
2005;108.
(21) Koch L. Psoas health: trauma
recovery protocol. Massage & Bodywork
On-line Magazine. [Cited on 3.12.08].
Available from
www.massageandbodywork.com.
(22) Agnew T. Treating low back pain: are
you treating the symptom? [Cited on
15.12.08]. Available from
www.downeastschoolofmassage. net.
(23) Michele AA. Iliopsoas. Ill: Springfield
Publishers, 1962.
(24) Fowlie L. Heat and cold as therapy:
physiological effects of heat. Toronto:
Curties-Overtzet Publications, 2006.
(25) Koch LA. Fluid core: redefining core
strength. Positive Health on Line. [Cited
on 10.1.09]. Available from
www.positivehealth.com.
(26) Rich K. The iliopsoas muscle: the
great pretender. Dynamic Chiropractic
1997;15(5).
(27) Levine P. Discussion at NSW
University, Sydney on 7.10,09
Page 11 of 12 bpd@home

2010/11 Conference Collaborations

THE CHARTERED SOCIETY OF PHYSIOTHERAPY (CSP)
CONGRESS 2010

BPD are delighted to collaborate with the CSP to promote

their upcoming Congress and international scientific
programme. Sign up now to two-days of sessions covering
five themes:
! Musculoskeletal
! Cardio-respiratory
! Neurology
! Leadership and education
! Health, work and wellbeing
plus a series of professional sessions.

Full details at http://www.cspcongress.co.uk/

ASICS uksem INTERNATIONAL SPORTS & EXERCISE

MEDICINE CONFERENCE

BPD are delighted to announce their collaboration to Upcoming Conferences

promote the inaugural ASICS uksem international sports &
15-16 October 2010
exercise medicine conference in London from 24-27
The Chartered Society of
November 2010.
Physiotherapy (CSP)
Congress 2010
Bodywork Professional Development presenter Robert
Liverpool
Schleip will be presenting the 'Role of Fascia in Injury,
£395
Proprioception & Soft Tissue Pain' on Thursday 25
24-27 November 2010
November 2010.
ASICS uksem International
Sports & Exercise Medicine
For a full Conference Programme go to
Conference
http://www.uksem.org/pdf/UKSEM_Conference_Programme
London
.pdf
£500
26-27 March 2011
SMTO CONFERENCE: FIBROMYALGIA: CLINICAL SMTO Conference:
APPROACHES FOR MANUAL THERAPISTS Fibromyalgia: Clinical
Approaches for Manual
A two-day hands-on conference taking place in Therapists
Edinburgh in March 2011. BPD is delighted to offer a Edinburgh
special offer delegate rate for non-SMTO members of £200 (BPD delegate rate)
£200.

To book contact SMTO on 01224 822956 or

info@scotmass.co.uk

Bodywork Professional Development is delighted to collaborate to

promote these events – check out the website/facebook page for
events in 2011 as well as special offers!

It is exciting that another key bodywork association have said that,

‘without doubt we would be most interested in working with your
organisation. I have read your newsletter and website both of which
look extremely professional.’

Remember we welcome any feedback/suggestions – so do get in

touch!

10 Beechvale Road
Killinchy
Co Down
BT23 6PH
Phone:
+44 (0)28 9754 2105
+44 (0)7526 925734
E-Mail:
info@bodyworkcpd.co.uk
…extending your
manual therapy
skills
We’re on the Web!
See us at:
www.bodyworkcpd.co.uk
Check out our workshops,
products and selection of
articles
Choice - Health & Wellbeing!
Oct Nov 2010 Issue 7
(formerly Today's Therapist)
Out in select retail outlets soon.
Subscribe at
www.choicehealthmag.com
Upcoming CPD events in 2011
London
! 5/6 Feb ~ TnuAd: Communication through touch and movement ~ Gilad
Naaman Perry
! 19/20 Feb ~ Neuromuscular Re-education ~ Dr Peter Levy
! 26/27 Feb ~ Understanding the Iliopsoas workshop ~ Greg Morling
! 5/6 Mar ~ Biotensegrity: Principles and Clinical Application ~ Stephen Levin &
Daniele-Claude Martin
! 12/13 Mar ~ Understanding and Assessing Sports Injuries ~ Cameron Reid
! 19-21 Mar ~ Integrative Fascial Release (IFR) Foundations ~ Steven Goldstein
! 2-4 Apr ~ Integrative Fascial Release (IFR) Intermediate ~ Steven Goldstein
! 7-12 Apr ~ CORE Myofascial Therapy Certification (6-days) ~ George Kousaleos
! 30 Apr/1 May ~ Treatment Plans for Common Complaints & Injuries in a Body-
work Practice using Deep Tissue Massage & Myofascial Release ~ Art Riggs
! 28/29 May ~ Fascianating Fascia ~ Robert Schleip
! 11/12 Jun ~ Applied Structural Integration (SI) Skills: Lower Limb/Pelvis ~ Sol
Petersen
Brighton
! 13/14 Nov ~ Soft Tissue Work – Formulating a Treatment Plan Through An
Understanding of Injury Mechanics ~ Jerry Powell
Edinburgh
! 29/30 Jan ~ Postural Assessment and Correction ~ Graham Blakeley
! 26/27 Mar ~ Fibromyalgia: Clinical Approaches for Manual Therapists ~ Steven
Goldstein
! 21/22 May ~ Understanding and Assessing Sports Injuries ~ Cameron Reid
! 14-19 Jul ~ CORE Myofascial Therapy Certification (6-days) ~ G. Kousaleos
Belfast
! 6/7 Nov ~ Postural Assessment and Correction ~ Graham Blakeley
Dublin
! 3/4 May ~ Deep Tissue Massage & Myofascial Techniques for the Spine, Ribs &
Pelvis ~ Art Riggs
! 28/29 May ~ Applied Structural Integration (SI) Skills: Upper Limb/Shoulder
Girdle ~ Sol Petersen
! 23/24 Jul ~ Sports & Performance Bodywork: A 4-system approach ~ George
Kousaleos
Stockport
! 18/19 May ~ Soft Tissue and Movement Strategies for Resolving Trauma to the
Lower Body: An Integrated Approach ~ Art Riggs
All workshops are hands-on providing you with techniques to add to your bodywork
toolbox. You will receive a handout to take home and a Certificate of Attendance for
your CPD portfolio.
CPD Entitlement:
2-day workshops are equivalent to 14 hours or 10 CPD points
3-day workshops are equivalent to 21 hours or 15 CPD points
6-day workshop is equivalent to 42 hours or 30 CPD points.