What is Symmetrics?
Some of us are right handed, some left. We use both sides differently most of the time. One side is usually more assertive while the other is more supportive. Of course, this assertive/supportive relationship may shift from side to side as well as from front to back, depending on the particular activity and the individual's unique development. We write, eat and brush our teeth in very specific, unbalanced patterns. Many sports are one sided. When we begin to walk or climb stairs, we almost always begin with the same foot. Consequently, as we look closely in the mirror, we may very well see a difference between our two sides. The dominant side, is normally larger and there may even be a difference in strength and coordination. If you think of these differences in strength, use and coordination, as weights on a scale, the scale would invariably tip to one side or the other, depending on the skill or movement being analyzed.
As a result, significant stress is exerted on the body as imbalances in the soft tissues (soft tissues include muscle, tendon, ligament and fascia) develop between opposing sides (left/right and front/back). The stress caused by these imbalances can affect the position of the vertebrae, exert pressure on the joints, nerves and vascular system, exacerbate postural alignment, cause functional limitation of movement and refer pain to distant areas of the body.
Symmetrics is a natural method for evaluating the soft tissues, realigning the musculoskeletal system and restoring freedom of movement through simple methods of awareness, breathing and bilateral patterning. Symmetrics couples your own personal experience of your body with logical concepts of soft tissue balance. In summary:
1. Opposing sides of the body (left/right and front/back) develop differently as a function of unbalanced use.
2. Pain and limitation of movement result from this lack of balance between opposing sides.
3. Improving balance between opposites helps to reduce pain and increase range of motion.
Symmetrics, like UNTIE is a method for working "with" the body - not "on" the body. Gentle release of the tissues effectively replaces the use of leverage and strenuous stretching to restore freedom of movement and reestablish balance. Symmetrics can be used throughout the day while wearing any type of clothing.