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swan dive. By contrast, the flexor chain is what curls the trunk and limbs during a cannonball dive. The flexor chain of muscles runs along the front of the body from the jaw and neck down through the abdominals and front of the legs to the toes. It is important to understand the relationship between kinetic chains, muscular balance, and muscular dysfunction. An efficient, coordinated movement reflects muscular balance— the relative equality of muscle length and strength between opposing muscles along kinetic chains.3 Tightness or weakness in one muscle along the kinetic chain reduces the efficiency of movement in the entire chain. Musculoskeletal pain can occur in an area of the body far from the movement dysfunction that is causing the pain. Vladimir Janda, a Czech neurologist, describes this process of muscular imbalance as a "chain reaction." He explains how muscular pain can occur in a different location than the muscular imbalances causing the overall functional movement pathology. Unless the overall muscular imbalance is addressed in treatment, localized muscular pain can be temporarily relieved with massage or bodywork, yet persist because of the faulty movement pattern. In order to better illustrate the principles of therapeutic kinesiology, we will now examine the relationship between kinetic chains, muscular balance, and muscular dysfunction as it pertains to the spine. Take advantage of the partner practice exercises as both a practitioner and client to better enhance your understanding of these concepts. SPINAL MOVEMENT In the articular chain of joints along the spine, each vertebral segment can move within a small range of motion. The total range of spinal motion reflects the sum of movement in many vertebral segments. Ideally, each segment contributes its share to the overall motion of the spine. However, when chronic muscular tensions and joint dysfunctions glue groups of vertebrae together, they will move in blocks. This increases stress on the mobile segments, which are forced to move under increased load. To make a general A assessment of spinal flexibility, begin by observing a partner's spine in positions of flexion and hyperextension. • At end range of spinal flexion, the lumbar and cervical curves flatten and the thoracic curve increases (Image 3A). B • At end range of spinal hyperextension, the lumbar and cervical curves increase and the thoracic curve flattens (Image 3B). 3 Exercises to assess a range of A) spinal flexion and B) spinal extension. Bone Palpation: The Spine To get a sense of the continuity of joint flexibility along the spine, move up and down along the thoracic spine, applying direct pressure over the costovertebral and costotransverse joints on each side of the vertebrae. You will feel a small amount of give where the joints are flexible and rigidity where they are stiff. Ask yourself, "In which parts of the thorax do these joints move and in which parts of the thorax are they rigid? How do these patterns of motion relate to my partner's posture? How do they relate to my partner's range of spinal movement?" www.abmp.com. See what benefits await you. 73