“You are your own Best Therapist” - GUY VOYER, DO (creator of ELDOA)
What is ELDOA?
The ELDOAs are a series of postural exercises that you can do at home with the primary goal being to increase space within a chosen articulation or spinal joint.
FASCIA’S IMPORTANCE IN ELDOA
Fascia is a type of connective tissue that surrounds and covers organs, muscles and other body parts. It is present throughout the body and envelops the fluids of the body. It provides a structural base to support the spine and helps to provide mobility and stability. Fascia helps us to understand the body as a unit not separate parts. The body’s fasciae are also the immune system’s first line of defense. If the fascia is tight, the white blood cells and proteins that make up the immune system cannot reach the area they need to heal. The fascia also facilitates the transportation of hormones and neurotransmitters.
With ELDOA, we put the body into tension through myofascial stretching (stretching of the fascia) from the tip of the toes to the crown of the head. While we hold the positions for an extended amount of time, the fascia becomes stronger, the spine better hydrated and we are able to ‘reset’ the posture.
Performing ELDOA regularly can also:
increase blood flow
lead to better muscle tone
Improve posture regular
Reduce pressure on the discs
HOW ELDOA POSTURES AFFECT THE SPINE:
Below is a diagram of how the postures work on a vertebral/spinal joint. On the left is a damaged joint: the vertebrae of the joint are pressing down on the gelatinous vertebral disc causing compression and a ‘bulge’ or herniation. As the disc is compressed more, movement at that joint is limited and can become painful if the disc begins to press into the spinal nerves. On the right, we see how the ELDOA postures can affect the joint positively. Using Myofascial stretching, the lower vertebrae is anchored as the vertebrae on top is lifted ‘off’ the vertebral disc. This allows the disc to be rehydrated overtime when the postures are done consistently. When the disc is better hydrated, nutrients can be absorbed and movement improved.
TRULY, “you are your own best therapist”!
Guy Voyer began formulating his method of ELDOA decades ago in search of a ‘magic bullet’ to cure back pain. After years of study and clinical observation he realized that giving patients the guidance and tools to correct their own back pain was far more effective than treating the symptoms. One of the philosophies behind Osteopathy is that the body can heal itself and this is the base for the ELDOA exercises. Participants, under guidance of a practitioner can learn the method and eventually guide themselves towards healing.
HOW ELDOA CAN ALSO HELP WITH OTHER ISSUES IN THE BODY:
When Guy Voyer first started using ELDOA with his clients, before they noticed their spinal pain being reduced, some of them noticed other issues resolving themselves. One patient began having less painful periods and her cycles became more regular while others found an improvement in carpal tunnel issues and even eye issues. This makes sense because our spinal cord houses the spinal nerves that innervate the peripheral joints and organs. So, if you have a compression of the joint that affects the nerve at a certain level, it can also affect the function of the associated organ or joint. For example, the nerves at L3-L4-L5 level of the lower back can affect bladder and sex organ function.
Interested in trying ELDOA?
ELDOA + Core Classes run virtually every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:15-10am (EST) on Zoom.
Contact me at: torontopersonaltrainer@gmail.com
OR click below for more info
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