Optimize Your Core Strength through Biotensegrity Model
Despite our simple understanding of load and how it is passed on through our bones, what actually happens is that nature uses a much much more efficient process to optimize it's integrity - BIOTENSEGRITY. This is a new approach to understanding how bodies work based on the insight that we are primarily tensegrity structures and our bones do not directly pass load to each other. Thus, forces primarily flow through our muscles and fascial structures. In fact, our bones do not directly touch each other, and are actually “floating” in the tension structure created by our fascial network.
If the body was a compression structure with the bones stacked upon each one another, L5 would have to be twice as big as it is, and the poor feet would hold the entire body’s weight.
Biotensegrity model of the spine is being demonstrated in the pictures above and below with the fascia and myofascia as the tension bands, ligaments as black knobs, and the bones as the wooden pieces. As you may see, the inner ligaments support the relationship of the bones and the outer myofascial elements act as adjustable tensioners and strain distributors, allowing for a lighter more mobile spine. This type of relationship exists throughout the body.
A weakness or injury in one part of the body causes the entire structure to shift in an effort to restore tensegral balance. The more rubber bands we have on the “spring,” the better we will be able to withstand daily life. While this analogy paints a very simple concept, it really is more complex.
What role does Pilates play in the Spinal Biotensegrity Model?
Pilates works the body as an integrated system, addressing functional movement through myofascial slings, which are complex connections of muscles, fascia, and ligaments designed to support the inner core of the trunk and significantly contribute to movement and stability of the lumbar spine and pelvis.
Strength, stability, and flexibility within myofascial slings
As a physical therapist, my job is to identify areas of dysfunction within these fascial lines with the goal of repairing or enhancing my client’s activation patterns within the interconnected fascial lines.
My goal is to not only rehabilitate the injured bodypart, but also to help my clients prevent re-injury in the future by building resilience and strength within their spinal biotensegrity structure.
Kateryna has a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy with 15 years of clinical experience. She is a STOTT Certified Pilates Instructor and loves to integrate pilates into her physical therapy treatment approach. Her mission is to help you feel and move better for life.
