Two Feet to Walk On
We communicate with the ground underneath us through our feet. Our desires may move us forward in life, but our feet along with the rest of the body are a very important part of the journey. Proprioceptors are nerve cells that relay information to the brain and the rest of the body such as where body parts are in relationship to other body parts, position of body in space as well as sensing what surface we are moving on. These cells are in the skin, muscle, tendon, fascia, and joints of the feet (and everywhere else) and they help us navigate all movements throughout the day. They are part of our whole body nervous system communication network. There are 26 bones in each foot and approximately 206 bones in the whole body, so if our two feet make up 52 bones (our hands 54), that complex architecture becomes very important in creating adaptability and stability for the other bones (and joints) stacked above. Every one of the 33 joints (in each foot) and its movement communicates with the movements of each joint within the foot and other joints above (ankle, knee, hip, spine, shoulders, and neck) in order to create whole body movement like walking, running and hugging. Joints are a joining of two or more bones, like the thigh bone articulating with the hip bone at the hip joint. The movements inspired by clear nerve communication can be seamless when all of the joints in relationship are functioning well. When the joint is affected it impacts many other movements. Maybe you have experienced a sprained ankle or knee and its impact on the whole body.
Along with the bones, joints, tendons and ligaments within the feet, there are arterioles (smaller arteries) and venules (smaller veins) connecting in and out of capillary beds where blood can access the cells delivering nourishment and return waste to be the heart. Nerve fibers thread throughout all of the tissues; skin, fascia, muscle, bone, and tendons. All together they provide nourished tissue (from blood) and clear nerve input (where the foot is, how it's moving, and what surface it is moving on) and output (muscular response and movement). When the muscles, fascia or tissue space is too dense it affects access of blood into the area, movement of blood back to the heart and nerve function. Injuries and surgeries can freeze areas with scar tissue, inflammation, fascial knitting, muscular bracing or systemic trauma response to the injury. The integration of the feet to the rest of the body becomes necessary for nourished tissue in the legs, circulation of waste out of the body as well as freedom of movement throughout our being. Structural Integration looks at how the feet relate to the rest of the body. We look to encourage clear and efficient relationships throughout the body as well as a whole body integration. The focused bodywork along with loaded stretching and simple exercises can increase movement and strength in our feet. With more structural support from the ground up we give our knees and hips different ranges of support and movement that brings more adaptability to the whole structure. With better movement we decreases compression in all of the joints and tissue space, increase lymph flow and cellular nutrition as well as balancing and stabilizing our stature. Come on in and lets look at your feet (and more)! They need love too