Athletes these days are spoilt for choice as far as endurance events are concerned. Be it mountain biking, triathlon or road running, the sheer variety of events has seen an upsurge in participant numbers across this broad spectrum, particularly over the longer distances. With many such individuals leading busy lives, preparing for such events can be challenging on both the body and mind, where even the most minor physical ailments derailing aspirations of crossing the finish line.
While there are many who rely on the various tried and tested symptomatic therapies available, other methods focusing on prevention are becoming increasingly accepted.
It was through a television program in the late 1990s that I first became aware of Benita de Witt. The then weekly Old Mutual’s World of Endurance included an insert focusing on preventative maintenance for athletes of all levels. Benita was featured along with two of her clients, professional triathletes Conrad Stoltz and Lieuwe Boonstra, outlining and demonstrating some seemingly new age stretch tests and shoe inserts made from Yellow Pages. Being somewhat conservative in my own training and prevention methods, my impressions of this therapy would best be described as a mixture of skepticism and interest. Needless to say that my curiosity was somewhat piqued, especially given my lifelong interest in sports therapy and rehabilitation.
Fast forward to late 2014. Now well established as a legitimate form of therapy, Benita advertised for case studies for one of her Lynosport courses, which I passed on to a friend with chronic Achilles tendonitis. Given his occupation as a chiropractor, my friend’s feedback was always going to be interesting, if not insightful.
The terms “pain” and “Lyno” are synonymous, but in a good way. Greatly influenced by the technique of rolfing, Lynotherapy releases the fascia inhibiting the human body’s natural biomechanics. While the actual treatment can be rather painful, the effects result in a body that is better aligned for whatever sport or form of exercise the particular individual prefers.
I can attest to the above facts by my having the opportunity to observe a full Lyno Treatment recently. After his participation in the aforementioned case study, my friend has been receiving regular sessions at the Lynosport headquarters in Claremont, Cape Town. Having the privilege to tag along and take some notes, Lyno therapist Kerry-Ann Marshall was gracious enough to explain the various components during the hour long treatment session.
The Tests
From my understanding, the basis of Lynotherapy is a series of simple tests, most of which are achievable at home. Central to this theme is the Bunkie Test, a simple exercise which I can attribute to my own continued athletic longevity over the years. If there is one thing that I could recommend athletes do to “help themselves”, the Bunkie Test would be it. Similar to the Pilates plank pose, an added dimension is that of a “Bunkie”, or small bench. The feet are placed on this bench to achieve parallel symmetry to the ground, thus identifying weak points in the participant’s anatomy. Unsurprisingly, many have difficulty holding the side planks, where weaknesses in the respective posterior and anterior lines are most prevalent. I’m no exception and can attest to dedicated practice of these particular “side planks” as the single-most contributing factor to overcoming a persistent calcaneal “niggle” in the first half of 2014.
Are you too flexible? The answer might well be surprising to some, especially in that oft-stretched and tender muscle known as the gastrocnemius (read: calf). For years I diligently stretched my calves, whether trying to imitate pushing down a wall or hanging off a step. Whilst Lynosport is not a proponent of such conventional stretching methods, the ROM Test is used to assess which fascia requires releasing. One component of this range-of-motion examination includes the muscles of the lower limbs. Athletes with over-stretched calves are “dime-a-dozen” and this over-flexibility can be identified by another simple test. While the participant raises his or her toes off the ground, the therapist tests the individual’s flexibility by placing two fingers underneath their toes. Any space above the fingers indicates over-flexibility of the gastrocnemius.
The Treatment
These tests formed the initial part of the particular Lyno session that I attended, certainly living up to the notion of viewing the body as a whole. The combination of Bunkie and ROM tests - lasting at least fifteen minutes - identified key areas of weakness, which Kerry-Ann noted down on an extensive study sheet. No stone is left unturned, where much of the weaknesses are related to the actual time achieved holding a particular pose.
This initial assessment leads into the actual therapy, which lasts for the remaining three quarters of an hour. Unlike conventional sports massage, Lynotherapy technique is such that minimal glide is required over the patient’s skin. This is where the earlier referenced concept of “pain” comes to the fore, where a special “Lyno butter” is used to achieve minimal glide and maximum releasing effect. The side of the body where the patient tests weak often results in treatment being focused on the opposite extent. For example, chronic inflammation of the left Achilles tendon could result in extensive fascia release being required on the right hand side of the body. This holistic concept extends further, where the upper extremities of the shoulder and oblique muscles are released so as to relieve recurring pain in such lower limbs as the foot.
Such is the aggressive nature of Lynotherapy that a patient can occasionally experience a mild histamine response. As a result of bodily toxins, tiny red dots can appear on the skin over the affected area, the occurrence of which is quite rare and generally applying to those with more extreme cases of locked fascia. This part and parcel of a therapy which seeks to release and prevent, where tight fascia often requires extended periods of “panel beating” to achieve the desired results.
The Maintenance
While partaking in Lynotherapy sessions is most certainly beneficial, the holistic nature of this form of healing is such that the patient is also a participant in the process. As with many things in life, sometimes all you need is to help yourself and Lynotherapy is certainly no exception. For instance, the Bunkie Tests can be performed at home where the patient can initiate his or her own biofeedback. Avoiding extended periods of sitting during the work day and developing an intuitive approach to exercise are the cornerstones of a well-rounded and injury-free existence. Simple things, yes, but so often neglected in the “more-is-better” society of today.
Unsurprisingly, footwear plays a large part in the initial assessment and patients are educated in which shoes are best suited to their particular biomechanics. The Lynosport concept is certainly a proponent of minimalist running and this endorsement is noticeable by the plethora of barefoot running literature adoring the walls and coffee table of the reception. As therapist Kerry-Ann explains though, everybody is different and a sudden transition to minimalist shoes could spell disaster for the uninitiated. Just being barefoot is an often-prescribed form of home-therapy, the natural balancing of the body being optimized by the feet.
Conclusion
My friend-the-chiropractor is running again, albeit it over shorter distances. Last weekend saw him achieve two consecutive mornings of running, all barefoot and on soft surfaces around the local park lands and beach. Coupled with regular Bunkie Tests and foam rolling at home, his Achilles tendon is hardly paining him and a 10km road run in late January is looking more and more likely.
As with many things, sports therapy is not an exact science; what works for one may not necessarily be the answer for another. That said, what struck me about Lynotherapy is the holistic nature of the treatment. Unlike some other therapies, patient participation forms a great part of the actual process and is actually encouraged. With a session lasting around an hour, all bases are covered and there is no sense of rush. Whilst the actual therapy is certainly aggressive in nature, those with chronic injuries could no doubt benefit from the pain such treatment inflicts.
