The Spiral Line, is one of several Fascial Lines proposed by Thomas Myers (SOURCE-2). This line affords its name to its double-spiral structure that spans the body in order to maintain Balance in all planes. This Fascia l continuity courses from either side of the Skull, across the upper back to the opposite shoulder before wrapping anteriorly following the Ribs and intersecting at the belly button on its course towards The Hip . The line then spans the anterolateral thigh before coursing medially and under The Foot . Finally, the line courses its way back up the body in a fashion similar to the Superficial Back Line . Many of the structures contained in the Spiral Line are implicated in other Fascial Lines . When twisting side to side, one spiral line will be eccentrically contracted which the other concentrically.
The following lists bony and soft-tissue landmarks that are integrated into the Spiral Line from most proximal to distal (SOURCE-2):
Occipital Ridge ( Occipital Bone ), Mastoid Process of the Temporal Bone , Transverse Processes of C2 - Axis
Spinous Processes of lower Cervical Spine + Upper Thoracic Spine
Medial Border of Scapula
Lateral Ribs
Iliac Crest/ ASIS ( Iliacus )
Lateral Condyle of the Tibia
Base of First Metatarsal
Fibula Head
Ischium Tuberosity
Occipital Ridge (same as start)
Muscle / Tendon
External Obliques , Abdominal Aponeurosis, Linea Alba
As scientific understanding of Fascia l structures is still in its infancy, the sophisticated and interrelated Fascial Lines discussed by Thomas Myers are yet to gain full support of the literature. With this said, there is growing evidence of myofascial continuities that reflect some of the relations described by Fascial Lines :
Splenius Capitis to Rhomboid Minor - the Tendons of Splenius Capitis and the opposing (contralateral) Rhomboid Minor interweave at the Nuchal Ligament , forming a continuous raphe which links neck motion (particularly Cervical - Rotation ) with contralateral Scapula motion (particularly Scapulothoracic Joint - Retraction ) and a central anchor for the distribution of tension across multiple muscle groups (SOURCE-3)
Rhomboids to Serratus Anterior - a fascial continuity between these two muscle groups is well established (SOURCE-1+5). A strong direct connection may be observed at the Inferior Angle of Scapula where the muscular fascicles of the inferior Serratus Anterior and adjoined to the Rhomboid Major , with these fascicles often dispersed throughout the Rhomboid Major ’s Tendon (SOURCE-4). The fascia of Rhomboid Minor is also described to fuse with the Serratus Anterior (SOURCE-3)
Serratus Anterior to External Obliques - a Fascia l and/or muscular attachment of the lower Serratus Anterior on the External Obliques is often described, typically near the lateral arch of Ribs 5-10 (SOURCE-1+5+6). In one study, the lower four fascicles of Serratus Anterior interdigitated with the External Obliques Muscle fibres and/or associated Fascia (SOURCE-7). On occasion these fascicles attached directly on the obliques overlying fascia (SOURCE-7)
External Obliques to Internal Obliques - a continuity between the ipsilateral External Obliques and contralateral Internal Obliques is consistently reported (SOURCE-1+5). The fibre orientation of the External Obliques is continuous with the Internal Obliques on the opposing side (SOURCE-5)
Internal Obliques to Tensor Fasciae Latae - while a continuous facial sheet is not reported, both muscles share strong adherence with the Iliacus which forms the basis for interaction (SOURCE-1). The Internal Obliques attach to the anterior two-thirds of the Iliac Crest and Thoracolumbar Fascia while the Tensor Fasciae Latae originates from theAnterior Superior Iliac Spine (ASIS)and anterior aspect of the Iliac Crest (SOURCE-3+8)
Tensor Fasciae Latae to Tibialis Anterior - the Deep Fascia of Thigh, known as the Fascia Lata , is attached superiorly to the to the outer margin of the Iliac Crest where it envelops the Tensor Fasciae Latae (SOURCE-3). The Fascia Lata thickens over the lateral thigh to form a strong band known as the Iliotibial Band which makes distal attachment on the Lateral Condyle of Tibia and blends with the aponeurotic expansion of Vastus Lateralis (SOURCE-3). The Fascia Lata also makes distal attachment to several neighbouring bony sites, including the Condyles of both Femur and Tibia and the Head of Fibula and continues onto the deep fascia of the lower leg, known as the Crural Fascia (SOURCE-3). The Crural Fascia envelops the Tibialis Anterior which extends fibres to the thick proximal and anterior compartment (SOURCE-3)
Tibialis Anterior to Fibularis Longus - while distinguished by anterior and lateral compartments of the leg respectively, these two muscles share similar attachments onto the Base of the First Metatarsal and Medial Cuneiform . These muscles may coordinate synergistically during Gait but serve as antagonists during Eversion / Inversion , creating a functional codependance in lieu of a direct Fascia l continuity
Fibularis Longus to Biceps Femoris - at the Fibula these muscles are described to share a strong Fascia l connection (SOURCE-1+9). On occasion they may share additional relations via attachment to the Lateral Condyle of Tibia (SOURCE-3).
Biceps Femoris to Erector Spinae - some reported the fascia of all Hamstrings blended with the Sacrotuberous Ligament , while others stated it was only the Biceps Femoris . One account stated the link was absent in 50% of persons (SOURCE-1)
A detailed assessment for each segment contained within the Spiral Line is found on its respective page.
The following observations may be indicative of Spiral Line dysfunction (SOURCE-2):Head/Neck
Shoulder
Asymmetry of The Shoulder Girdle or Scapula
Scapular Dyskinesis - excessive Scapulothoracic Joint - Protraction most common, although excessive Scapulothoracic Joint - Retraction / Scapulothoracic Joint - Elevation could also suggest dysfunction
Torso
Trunk Rotation/ Torso Twist
Lower Extremity
Excessive Hip - Internal Rotation
Lateral Tibial Torsion
Uneven weight distribution on legs
Determining the direction and extent of Fascia l restriction can be done with a light pressure over a desired segement and applying a superficial glide. The region and direction of greater soft-tissue resistance would suggest fascial restriction.
Treatment for Spiral Line dysfunction emphasises restoring Fascia l mobility, rotational balance and diagonal stability by addressing asymmetries throughout the body’s double-helix structure. In some instances the release of a single structure contained within the Spiral Line forms an effective treatment, while in others the entire Fascia l line may require attention.
The folowing stretching techniques may be beneficial for dysfunction of the Spiral Line:
Seated Thoracic Rotation with Breathing - large lateral flexion and rotation range coupled with breathing
Bretzel 1.0 - wholebody technical stretch that incorporates anterior shoulder
Bretzel 2.0 - variation with greater hip extension range
Swimmers Oblique Extensions (indirect) - exercise that may be used to lengthen entire Lateral Line through large body-wide lateral-flexion range
Bent Over Lat Stretch (indirect) - accessible active stretch with large GH Joint - Flexion or Horizontal GH Joint - Adduction range
Myofascial Release of the following structures through Massage or self-guided means may be of benefit to those with Spiral Line dysfunction, with specific techniques often discussed on their respective pages:
Practitioner Guided
Serratus Anterior - myofascial glides may be applied following the orientation of the muscles fibres/ the Ribs . Most often the direction of restriction would warrant glides being applied in an anteroposterior direction (SOURCE-2)
Rhomboids - superficial glides applied to the Rhomboids starting from the midline ( Vertebral Column ) and directed laterally, following the contour of the muscle fibres/ Ribs . A hunched ( Thoracic - Flexion ) position for the patient may better expose the Rhomboids for treatment (SOURCE-2)
Abdominal Obliques - Fingers hook under the superficial Abdominal Fascia and draw it either (i) superomedially to emphasise Internal Obliques and the crossover at Linea Alba or (ii) superolaterally to target the External Obliques (SOURCE-2). A release of the Iliopsoas has also been advocated for restriction in this portion of the Spiral Line as a thickened band extended from this structure serves as an attachment for the Internal Obliques (SOURCE-2+3)
Tensor Fasciae Latae - unlike the other gliding techniques for this line, the TFL more closely reflects a deep tissue release, often performed with the practioners elbow (SOURCE-2). Points of particular relevance may be its tendinous attachments to the Iliac Crest or anterior Femur Head or the muscle belly between these two points
Iliotibial Band - a superficial glide may be applied along the length of the lateral thigh in the direction of restriction, typically using the blade of the forearm or knuckles. The relevance of myofascial release techniques and Stretching for the ITB is often challenged, with some papers arguing clinical techniques are insufficient to elongate such a rigid tissue or evoke lasting tissue change (SOURCE-10+11). However, these studies often exhibit varying levels of rigor, frequently relying on small sample sizes, single treatments and healthy subjects over symptomatic patients (SOURCE-10+11). Additionally, the metrics used to evaluate these techniques fall subject to the stawman fallacy, failing to address the true clinical goal of myofascial intervention - restoring fascial mobility. The ITB should not be conceptualised as a Tendon , rather a dense thickening of the Fascia Lata (SOURCE-12). This perspective forms the basis for the crucial clinical problem that the ITB can become adherent to neighbouring structures such as the Vastus Lateralis which restricts the bands ability to glide between Fascia l layers. Therefore, while mechanical elongation of the ITB may be minimal, myofascial release techniques may still be beneficial by reducing adherence, decreasing neural tone and restoring fascial mobility
Tibialis Anterior - a superficial glide may be applied along the length of the Muscle in the direction of restriction. The point of The Elbow may be used to distinguish the muscle from the shaft of the Tibia it courses along
Fibularis Longus - a superficial glide may be applied along the length of the Muscle in the direction of resistance. Thomas Myers advocates lifting the Tibialis Anterior from the Fibularis Longus before treatment is applied and foot motion depending on the direction of resistance (SOURCE-2):
Foot - Pronation - inferiorly directed pressure
Foot - Supination - superiorly directed pressure
Biceps Femoris - a superficial glide may be applied along the length of the Muscle in the direction of resistance. Patient may add active movement of The Knee (flexion/ extension) for a “press and stretch” type technqiue (SOURCE-2)
Treatments from the Sacrotuberous Ligament to the proximal Erector Spinae are discussed as part of the Superficial Back Line treatment
Self-Guided
Thoracic - Extension over a Foam Roll
Iliotibial Band Foam Roll
The following Strength techniques can be used for the Spiral Line:
Initial Phase:
Shoulder Sling - Scapula setting exercise
Prone Cobra - isometric exercise that emphasises Middle and Lower Trapezius
Scapular Punches - isotonic exercise that emphasises Scapulothoracic Joint - Protraction
Banded Russian Holds - isometric low resistance anti-rotation exercise
Side Plank - partial bodyweight isometric anti-lateral flexion exercise
Mid-Phase:
Push-Up Plus - push-up variation with additional Scapulothoracic Joint - Protraction
One Arm Row - unilateral DB version of Seated Row
Russian Twist - isotonic core exercise with high trunk rotation range
Copenhagen - Side Plank variation that emphasises Anterior Sling
Reverse Woodchopper - isotonic exercise that emphasises Serratus Anterior and Mid/Low Trapezius through a movement that promotes Scapulohumeral Rhythm
Farmers Carry - whole body exercise that emphasises core/ anti-rotation
Late Phase:
Suitcase Carry - unilateral farmers carry which emphasises crossbody functional patterns
Dual KB Russian Twist - Russian Twist variation that typically utilises greater load and better emphasises Thoracic - Extension
KB Windmill - isotonic exercise that emphasises lateral flexion, shoulder stability and the Anterior Sling
Split Stance Landmine Press - split stance Push Press variation that emphasises crossbody functional patterns, a large overhead range and is typically performed explosively
Single Leg Transverse KB Swings - isotonic rotations with significant emphasis on Balance
DB Snatch to Step-Up - wholebody DB Snatch variation that emphasises diagonal functional patterns
GHR Oblique Rotations - orientates Vertebral Column perpendicular to gravity, creating substantial resistance to Rotation
Half DB Bench Press - unilateral isotonic horizontal pressing motion that emphasises the Anterior Sling
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