SMR theorizes that chronic muscle cramping often occurs because the cramping muscle is compensating for an inhibited (dysfunctional) muscle. A common example is the hamstrings cramping due to an inhibited gluteus maximus. Both muscles are hip extensors, but the hamstrings' main function is to provide rotational stability at the knee. If the hamstrings are forced to perform the role of the stronger hip extensor (gluteus maximus), they become prone to fatigue and cramping.
In Sensorimotor Repatterning (SMR), we identify faulty movement patterns that likely cause cramping. Once identified, the nervous system can be guided to correct these dysfunctional movement patterns with light manipulation over specific acupoints.
Here’s a more in-depth explanation: Anatomical slings are chains of muscles, fascia, and ligaments that work together to enable movement. Thomas Myers identified these slings in his book, Anatomy Trains. Myers identified ten slings or “myofascial meridians.” Additionally, there are myofascial subsystems that function together to create movement (there are five), such as the deep longitudinal subsystem. In total, there are 15 slings around the body that facilitate movement.
These slings act like springs, designed to store energy when stretched and release it when they contract. If a muscle in the sling is inhibited, it disrupts the sling. The nervous system compensates by tightening another part of the sling. as in the above example, hamstrings may tighten due to an inhibited gluteus maximus, or calf muscles may tighten due to an inhibited hamstring. When one muscle tightens to compensate for another, it effectively does the work of two muscles. This increased neural drive (signal from the brain) leads to fatigue and eventual cramping. Plantar fasciitis can occur through a similar mechanism.
The solution is to identify and correct the compensations within the relevant sling so that each muscle receives appropriate neural drive and works in unison with the other muscles in the sling. Proper functioning prevents overworking and should in turn eliminates cramps.
SMR is a hybrid therapy merging eastern acupoint therapies, neuroscience and functional movement. You can book an SMR appointment with me here
References:
http://www.runnersworld.com/health/how-to-treat-leg-cramps-while-running
http://www.runnersworld.com/ask-the-sports-doc/why-do-my-calf-muscles-cramp-when-i-run
http://running.competitor.com/2013/09/news/got-cramps-heres-how-to-stop-them_83661
https://brentbrookbush.com/category/articles/corrective-exercise-articles/core-subsystems/
https://www.anatomytrains.com/news/2016/05/31/review-jan-wilkes-evidence-based-myofascial-chains-holly-clemens/
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