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Inner Spiral

1. Bicep Femoris causes external rotation, and locks the fibular head posterior.

2. Sweeping the adductor fascia posterior, encouraging internal rotation.

3. Vastus lateralis has a tendency to "hang" off the outside of the body causing external rotation.

Over the past few months I have been experimenting with Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques that many clients have given the name Inner Spiral. Traditionally a yoga concept, the inner spiral is focused in the lower extremity, spiraling the fascia, muscle, and bone to a more medial position, ultimately assisting in "tightening the "core"".

Yogis advise students to point the femur inward, pull in the abs, and release the deep gluteal muscles, some suggest the student grasp the tissue in the legs and work medially, toward the inner thigh.

From the stand point of a hands on therapist I work with the client to achieve the same results. Using classic techniques such as the "log roll" in a supine position, or the "windshield wiper" in supine we encourage the fascia, muscle, joint capsule to wind back medially. Additionally I work the tissue in a side lying position, and prone position. Using active client involvement, change occurs that much faster, resetting the bodies understanding of where the tissue's "home" is. I simply ask the client to counter rotate while I hold pressure into the tissue. After the contraction, the tissue softened as the client relaxes, and I move it more medial.

If you are a therapist, try incorporating this in you next massage if you suspect excessive lateral femoral rotation. If you are a client who is suspect, ask your therapist to give it a try, it feels wonderful!