We have all experienced or treated patients whose symptoms after a whiplash accident far exceed what could reasonably be explained by the velocity of the accident.  Full-blown symptoms have been frequently seen at automobile speeds below 10 to 15 mph.

Most victims of even relatively minor motor vehicle accidents usually describe a sense of detachment and shock.  The major symptoms of the whiplash may not appear for 48 hours and then may progressively worsen for many days, weeks or even months despite extensive care. 1

In both the forward and backward motions involved, the front of the brain (which has the consistency of well-set Jell-O) slides forward and impacts against the rough and jagged edges of the eye orbits.  The orbito-frontal areas are particularly susceptible to hematomas, contusions, and intercerebral hemorrhages.  Particularly if the head is turned to either side at the impact, a phenomena called shearing may occur.

Psychoneuroimmunology research implies that “every cell in the body can communicate with every other cell.”  The reason that myofascial release and myofascial unwinding have been so effective with whiplash victims and other post traumatic injuries may be explained by the fight/flight/freeze response developed by Dr. Peter Levine. 2

He postulates that the fight/flight/freeze response is seen in animals in response to life-threatening experiences.  In other words, the preyed upon animal will flee or attempt to fight, but if run to the ground will enter a freeze response where it assumes a state of immobility while physiologically still manifesting high levels of activity of both the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems.  2

Myofascial release and myofascial unwinding release the contracted tissue, the tissue memory, and allows healing to commence.  Dr Levine goes on to say that if the animal survives the attacks, it will go through a dramatic period of discharge of this high-level autonomic arousal through the motor system.  This discharge involves trembling, profuse sweating and deep breathing.  This type of discharge is frequently seen after a deep myofascial release, followed by substantial improvement.

In the case of a motor vehicle accident, a holding pattern develops to protect the body against impact.  As a result of the freeze response, this holding pattern is maintained indefinitely, manifesting sustained muscular contraction with resultant myofascial pain and tightness.  1

This explains why traditional therapy’s focus on symptoms is not enough for a complete resolution of the problem.  Myofascial release and myofascial unwinding release the muscular contractions, the myofascial restrictions and the holding patterns maintained by the “freeze response.”

The fight/flight/freeze response answers many questions we therapists encounter with our trauma victims.

Myofascial Release can resolve the instinctual “bracing patterns” that impede progress.

Reference:
1.  Robert Scaer, MD, Bridges Magazine, Observation on Traumatic Stress, The Whiplash Model.
2.  Levine, P., Walking the Tiger, Healing Trauma Through the Body

PT . OT .  SPEECH TODAY Vol.  5, No. 40

About the Author:

-John F. Barnes, PT, conducts myofascial release treatment in  Paoli, PA and Sedona, AZ.  Additional information on Myofascial Release Treatment Centers and Seminars can be obtained by calling 1-800-FASCIAL

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I am sure that you have heard of or experienced the flight or fight response, but have you ever heard of the freeze response?

For years, I have taught that one of the many benefits of Myofascial Release and Myofascial Unwinding is the release of the holding or bracing patterns of the mind/body complex.  It seems that during times of trauma the subconscious develops a protective pattern that becomes locked into the mind/body complex like a “frozen moment in time.”

I believe that it is these “holding patterns” that have frustrated therapists using traditional therapy in their efforts to help their patients have a speedy and complete resolution of their problems.

In his informative book “Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma,” Peter Levine, PhD, develops an intriguing model that may explain the effectiveness of Myofascial Release.

The behaviors of fleeing, fighting and freezing are so primitive that they are thought to predate the reptilian brain.  These survival tools are found in all species from spiders and cock-roaches to primates and human beings.  When neither flight nor fight will ensure the animals safety, there is another line of defence; immobility (freezing), which is just as universal and basic to survival.  No animal, not even the human, has conscious control over whether or not it freezes in response to threat. 1   When an animal or human is traumatized, it will enter the freeze response as a survival strategy.  This state of immobility is beyond conscious control and becomes a vicious cycle maintaining physiological high levels of activity of both the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems.

In humans, trauma occurs as a result of the initiation of the instinctual cycle that is rarely allowed to finish.

The duration of the immobility (freezing) response is normally time-limited; animals go in and they comE out.  If the animal is not killed and when threat is over, the animal then discharges an enormous amount of energy in the form of shaking, profuse sweating and deep breathing.  It then returns to a state of calm alertness.  The human freezing response does not easily resolve itself because the super-charged energy locked in the nervous system is imprisoned by the emotions of fear and trauma.  The result is that a vicious cycle of fear and immobility takes over, preventing the response from completing naturally.  When not allowed to complete, these responses form the symptoms of trauma. 1

Myofascial Release allows for a completion of this instinctive cycle in a safe, natural and effective manner.  Working in reverse, Myofascial Release and Myofascial Unwinding start with present day restrictions and compensations.  The release of fascial restrictions alters the habitual muscular “holding patterns.”  With Myofascial Unwinding, the therapist eliminates gravity from the system.  ****RUSS—This unloading of the structure allows the body’s righting reflexes and protective response to   temporarily suspend their influence.  The body, guided by the therapist, can move into positions of past trauma, which allow for a release of the instinctual “freeze” response in a safe, gentle and natural manner.

As this occurs, Myofascial Release techniques are utilized to eliminate structural compensations for a resolution of the patient’s long-standing symptoms.

The goal of Myofascial Release is to return the patient to a pain-free, active lifestyle.

Reference:
1. Levine, Peter: Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma. North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, CA  1997.

John F. Barnes, PT is the owner of the Myofascial Release Treatment Centers in Sedona, AZ and in Paoli, PA (suburban Philadelphia) in addition Barnes presents Myofascial Release Seminars across the country and in Canada.  He has published 2 books and produced three videos on his Myofascial Release Approach for more information on Treatment Centers, Seminars, or Merchandise please call 1-800-FASCIAL or write to MFR Seminars 222 West Lancaster Ave Paoli PA  19301 or visit our website @ www.myofascialrelease.com
PT . OT . SPEECH TODAY  Vol. 6, No. 8

About the Author:

-John F. Barnes, PT, conducts myofascial release treatment in  Paoli, PA and Sedona, AZ.  Additional information on Myofascial Release Treatment Centers and Seminars can be obtained by calling 1-800-FASCIAL

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