Muscle and articulation chains

Muscular and Articular Chains Biomechanical Aspects
Basis Concepts

Madame Godelieve Denys-Struyf’s concept of chains is a psycho-corporal approach and as such, presents multiple facets. This series of six booklets addresses the biomechanical aspect of the method, which constitutes an essential foundation for physiotherapists or manual therapists to better understand the terrain. This understanding of the terrain will then guide the choice of tools for the most suitable intervention possible. The method offers a varied choice of techniques to meet this necessary adaptability that the therapist must demonstrate: it employs massage, certain reflex techniques, mobilizations, local as well as global stretching, and isometric contractions… Regardless of the technique used, it always relies on a perfect knowledge of anatomy and physiology. There is no recipe, only adaptation on a case-by-case basis. The chainist does not stop at mere unlocking, but attempts to reprogram what is no longer so, or simply what has never been. They have their own maneuvers for reprogramming reciprocal muscle actions and resort to learning or relearning the correct movements for optimizing bodily use. These two modes of action require a good understanding of muscle pathways as well as their interactions with the skeleton and joints. Bone, muscle, and fascia are interconnected. To successfully carry out this restructuring and reprogramming work, it is necessary to know the laws of physiology that govern the human body, particularly the locomotor system. One must know what is right to correct what is wrong. This series of six booklets aims to facilitate the work of our students but can also inform beginners about the biomechanical aspect of G.D.S. chains. The first of these booklets establishes the essential basic concepts for the in-depth study of the different chains which will be developed in the following five.