The cranial nerves are a set of 12 pairs of nerves that originate from the brain and extend to various parts of the head and neck. They play a crucial role in controlling many functions, including sensory and motor functions of the face, head, and neck. Osteopathic practitioners often consider the cranial nerves in theirContinue reading “Cranial Nerves – Anatomy Basics”
Author Archives: Lewis Fischer
Biomechanics Series – Fryettes laws of spinal mechanics.
Fryette’s laws, also known as Fryette’s principles or Fryette’s osteopathic laws, describe the biomechanics behaviour of the vertebral column, during different types of spinal motion. These laws were developed by American osteopathic physician Harrison Fryette in the early 20th century and are commonly taught in Osteopathic schools. Fryette’s laws are used to understand the complexContinue reading “Biomechanics Series – Fryettes laws of spinal mechanics.”
Biomechanics series – Costotransverse and Costovertebral joints.
Following my last post from the front of the body to the back, we find the ribs entering into a biomechanical relationship with the spine. Noting that a rib with have an articulation with the vertebrae above and below the rib. Essentially one rib with articulate with two vertebrae. Being able to differentiate between theContinue reading “Biomechanics series – Costotransverse and Costovertebral joints.”
Biomechanics series – Sternochondral and Costochondral joints.
Here we are going to start with a basic overview of these joints and then further down we will get into a little more specifics. The biomechanics of these joints are primarily related to their role in chest expansion and breathing. When you inhale, the chest cavity needs to expand to allow the lungs toContinue reading “Biomechanics series – Sternochondral and Costochondral joints.”
Pain series – Gate control theory
The Gate Control Theory of Pain is a widely accepted and influential theory in the field of pain perception and management. It was first proposed by Ronald Melzack and Patrick Wall in 1965 and has since played a significant role in understanding how our nervous system processes and modulates pain signals. This theory suggests thatContinue reading “Pain series – Gate control theory”
Pain series – Peripheral Afferent Nociceptors
Peripheral afferent nociceptors are specialized nerve endings found throughout the body that detect and transmit information about noxious or potentially damaging stimuli, such as extreme temperatures, mechanical pressure, and chemicals that can cause tissue damage or inflammation. These nociceptors play a crucial role in the body’s ability to sense and respond to potentially harmful stimuliContinue reading “Pain series – Peripheral Afferent Nociceptors”
TFCC – Is it bothering you?
What is the TFCC? TFCC stands for Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex, which is a structure located in the wrist. It plays a crucial role in stabilizing the wrist joint and enabling smooth movements between the ulna (one of the two forearm bones) and the carpal bones in the hand. Injuries to the TFCC can occur dueContinue reading “TFCC – Is it bothering you?”
Extracellular Matrix – The basics.
What is Extracellular matrix, why does it concern us and what can we do about the health of this extra cellular space (in a future post) Cells congregate (come together) to form structural and functional associations. These are called tissues. There are four basic tissues in the body, epithelium, connective tissue, muscle and nervous tissue.Continue reading “Extracellular Matrix – The basics.”
Pain series – Sensitization
Central sensitization and peripheral sensitization are often discussed in the context of pain perception and the body’s response to painful stimuli. These terms describe different mechanisms through which the nervous system becomes more sensitive to pain signals, leading to heightened pain perception and potentially chronic pain conditions. Through a short series of posts, I willContinue reading “Pain series – Sensitization”
Neck pain? Try this isometric routine to increase strength with minimal joint movement
Check my other post about a basic summary as to why isometric exercises are beneficial for rehabilitation and general strengthening. Exercise 1: Supine Neck Extension Isometric Hold Exercise 2: Supine Neck Flexion Isometric Hold Exercise 3: Side lying Neck Lateral Isometric Hold Exercise 4: Supine Neck Rotation Isometric Hold If you have chronic neck pain,Continue reading “Neck pain? Try this isometric routine to increase strength with minimal joint movement”
Crux Performance Therapy 