677: The Role of Fascia in Joint Stabilization and Injury Recovery
Presented by: Sue Hitzmann, MS, CST, NMT, creator of the MELT Method®
Time Block N1 - Saturday, 1:30-3:20pm
Fascia is the three-dimensional stability system that supports every joint and structure in the
human body. When low-grade inflammation is present, whether it's being caused by
repetitive movements and postures or from an accident or injury, the gliding surfaces of
fascial tissues can become dehydrated and cause joints to become compressed,
misaligned, and ultimately, achy and sore. Learn about the fascial system from the
microlevel of cellular repair to the macrolevel of stability, posture and function in this
session.
The Body’s Stability System: Connective Tissue
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Traditional view
Macro view
Micro view
Beyond the Macro View
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How can a fluid-based system provide architectural, tensional support, protection,
and whole body balance?
How does this system help you stay integrated, mobile, and healthy for a lifetime?
The Connective Tissue System
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Hydration
o What causes dehydration?
o Why is drinking water not enough to restore hydration in connective tissue
cells?
o How does connective tissue dehydration impact the sensory nervous
system?
Communication
o What is the body-wide signaling system?
o How does the connective tissue assist in the sensory nervous system’s
integrity?
Extensibility
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How does connective tissue extensibility affect muscle flexibility, gut integrity,
and core stability?
o
What is tensegrity architecture, and why is the connective tissue system a
tensegrity system?
The MELT Method®
©2014 Longevity Fitness, Inc.
The Neurofascial System – the Body’s Autopilot
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What is the neurofascial system?
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How does the neurofascial system provide stability of our whole body structure?
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How does a body acquire stability?
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What must remain efficient for a body to acquire stability?
A simplified model of the neurofascial system, the Autopilot, comprises the new views of
the nervous and the connective tissue systems. More specifically, the Autopilot model
includes the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the connective tissue system. The
inherent link that I am proposing between the connective tissue and the ANS reveals the
nervous system to be more tangible, accessible, and treatable system than previously
believed. Learning how to tap into the Autopilot without overstressing the ANS is what MELT
is all about.
Implications for Treatment and Exercise Protocol
The MELT Method Solution
The MELT Method is a breakthrough self-treatment system that restores the supportiveness
of the body's connective tissue to combat chronic pain, improve performance, and decrease
the accumulated stress caused by repetitive postures and movements of everyday living.
MELT® simulates the hands-on techniques that manual therapist Sue Hitzmann uses to
eliminate stress, pain, and dysfunction in her private clients. MELT is the very first Hands-off
Bodywork® method developed for the general public as a self-care tool for chronic pain. It’s
an affordable addition to any wellness or fitness routine.
MELT is the first applicable neurofascial technique designed to rehydrate connective tissue
and rebalance the nervous system. MELT offers the opportunity for anyone, regardless of
age or fitness level, to improve their longevity through self-treatment. The consistent results
MELT yields are remarkable and undeniable. Previously such results were available only
through ongoing, costly bodywork from multiple practitioners.
The MELT Protocol
MELT directly addresses the effects of stuck stress and imbalance with the 4 R’s Reconnect, Rebalance, Rehydrate, and Release. The 4 R’s are the MELT formula of selftreatment. Within each category, there are different techniques used to achieve the desired
result. The 4 R’s provide the most immediate, lasting changes, which is why you always use
all 4 R’s every time you MELT.
Reconnect: Reconnect techniques heighten Body Sense and the mind-body connection,
which is a vital component of your body’s daily repair and healing function. You will learn
how to use your Body Sense, not your common senses, to self-assess stuck stress and
inefficiency and track your progress.
The MELT Method®
©2014 Longevity Fitness, Inc.
Rebalance: Rebalance techniques directly address the NeuroCore stabilizing mechanisms
to improve whole body balance, grounding, and organ support. Rebalance techniques are
subtle yet profound in the changes they create.
Rehydrate: Rehydrate techniques restore the fluid state of the connective tissue system.
These techniques improve the environment for all of your joints, muscles, organs, bones,
and cells and the tensional integrity of the body. These techniques also decrease
inflammation in the joints and improve the fluid and nutrient absorption of every cell.
Release: Release techniques decompress your neck, lower back, and joints of your spine,
hands, and feet. Regaining and maintaining the space in your joints will keep you youthful,
mobile, and pain-free.
The MELT Hand and Foot Treatments
The MELT Hand and Foot Treatments is designed to rehydrate your connective tissue,
rebalance your nervous system, and get your body’s natural healing mechanisms back on
track. In just minutes, you can self-treat your hands feet and achieve all Four R’s. The Hand
and Foot Treatments are global techniques that provide whole body rejuvenation.
Upper Body Compression Sequence
Rest Assess: Reconnect
Rib Length Assess: Reconnect
The MELT Method®
©2014 Longevity Fitness, Inc.
Notes
Upper Back Glide and Shear: Rehydrate
Shoulder Blade Glide/Shear: Rehydrate
Upper Back Rinse: Rehydrate
Rib Length Reassess: Reconnect
The MELT Method®
©2014 Longevity Fitness, Inc.
Lower Body Compression Sequence
Rest Assess: Reconnect
Back Thigh Shear: Rehydrate
Calf Glide and Shear: Rehydrate
Inner Thigh Glide and Shear: Rehydrate
The MELT Method®
©2014 Longevity Fitness, Inc.
Notes
Calf Rinse: Rehydrate
Inner and Back Thigh Rinse: Rehydrate
SI Joint Shear: Rehydrate
Rest Reassess: Reconnect
Detailed instructions with illustrations and photographs can be found in The MELT Method
(HarperOne 2013).
meltmethod.com
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Visit Sue and the MELT Method at the expo!
The MELT Method®
©2014 Longevity Fitness, Inc.