A couple of months ago I attended a course called Advanced Myofascial Techniques for the Illia and sacrum. It was developed and lead by Til Luchau, a brilliant bodyworker and teacher. The main focus of this seminar was to present practicing somatic therapists and experienced bodyworkers with advanced and little-known myofascial techniques that can be easily incorporated into existing personal styles. These specific techniques are very effective at addressing common structural and functional complaints. I have found them helpful in relieving pain, restoring lost function, and getting lasting results. I was intrigued with how we learned precision in working with specific tissue types and body layers and combined indirect or subtle work with deep or direct work. Basically, there was quite a lot to this class. For the most part we spent 3 days focusing on 3 bones of the pelvis and all the tissues surrounding and supporting it. We talked in great detail about tendons, ligaments, joint capsules, nerves, fascia, muscles and a few other things like arteries and veins. Oh and we talked a ton about the ranges and planes of motion these three bones are capable of. It was gooooood stuff. I also really enjoyed being in a room with so many talented manual therapists. It made practicing these techniques a joy.
While exploring hand holds on bony landmarks to evaluate mobility, I was struck by how strongly some of these anatomical prominences and protuberances resemble that of hand holds when bouldering or rock climbing. The thought entered my mind how the body gives us what we need to help nudge, push or pull it back to mobility. Since the class, I've been working on mastering what I learned in that course. Additionally, while bouldering I sometimes feel like I am reaching for bones to climb the walls. What I mean is, sometimes the holds on the wall feel and resemble bones like scapula, ilium and posterior superior iliac spines.
The photo above is my attempt to show the resemblance of climbing and bodywork. It totally makes sense to me. What about you?