Our bodies are designed to work effortlessly within the force of gravity. When our bodies are aligned vertically correctly, then the body functions effectively. When we lose our alignment due to myofascial restrictions, then we may have pain, limited mobility, decreased breathing mechanics and fatigue.

Fascia is a tough connective tissue that spreads throughout the body in a three-dimensional web. The fascial system surrounds, infuses with and has the potential to profoundly influence every muscle, bone, nerve, blood vessel, organ and cell of the body, according to John F. Barnes, physical therapist and creator of the John Barnes method of Myofascial Release.

Restrictions of the fascial network may create pain and faulty movement patterns. These restrictions can cause symptoms that seem unrelated. Functional and biomechanically correct movement comes from properly distributed fascia. Imbalances almost always shortens the body and increases energy expenditure which causes fatigue.

Barbara Bruni, owner of Pilates Core Training, in Pensacola, specializes in releasing myofascial restrictions to bring the body back to equilibrium. She is an advanced practitioner of myofascial release (MFR) and certified in the Rolf Method of Structural Integration (SI). She also is a certified Pilates and Gyrotonic instructor. These methods are effective whole body approaches reducing myofascial dysfunctions.

Bruni states that just about everyone has restrictions. “As kids, we took falls and tumbles. For example, a hard fall on your tailbone may seem to clear up, but show up later as an adult as an unbalanced pelvis, back pain or migraines. Since we are either right- or left-handed, we favor one side, and therefore have stronger muscles on one side of the body. Also sports and dance will create imbalances, as well as accidents, overuse injuries, repetitive job duties and emotional stress. Once the body has been injured, the neuromuscular system reroutes movement into compensating patterns and guards the initial injury with muscle bracing and fascial restrictions. This may take on the appearance of a limp or a faulty running gait, for example. The body eventually fatigues from the bracing pattern. The injury never went away—the body has pressed the mute button. Mute buttons don't stay muted forever.”

Gains in mobility through MFR ad SI can be maintained and enhanced by the movement therapy and therapeutic exercises of Pilates and Gyrotonic. Symptoms may recur if a person releases their fascial restrictions, yet continues with inefficient movement patterns and weak core musculature. Efficient treatment of muscle imbalances require both reducing tightness and strengthening weaknesses. This results in increased flexibility strength, balance, coordination, improved posture, improved sports performance with less chance of injury, as well as ease of activities of daily living. Once the imbalances are removed from the body, the breathing mechanics are freed, which allow a greater expansion of the ribcage and therefore more potential for increased oxygen.

Bruni also has a Pilates Instructor school, Barbara Bruni's Pilates and Beyond. She teaches a 450-hour comprehensive program and her school is on the Pilates Method Alliance National Registry of Schools.

For more information, call 850-287-5836 or visit PilatesCoreTraining.com.