Unlocking the Secrets of the Thoraco Lumbar Junction: Fascia, Function, and Movement
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[00:00:00] Welcome to what I'm reading, what I'm thinking, where I share the research behind my upcoming book, and how it's shaping the way I think about fascia structure and movement. Let's dive in. What I'm reading this short but rich paper by Dr. Drew Lewis, published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, takes a closer look at the thoraco lumbar junction, specifically T 12 and L one, and how it influences function through the lens of zinc's, respiratory circulatory model.
It breaks down why this area is more than just a structural curve change. It's a transition zone loaded with mechanical stress, Fascial attachments, autonomic outflow and pressure dynamics, all centered around the thoraco abdominal diaphragm.
This one landed for me because the T 12 L one region is a place I always assess when someone presents with fluid congestion, structural imbalance, or anything visceral or pelvic in nature. It's just one of those areas where the restriction tends to show up and resolving [00:01:00] often opens up everything else.
Some key takeaways from the paper transition equals vulnerability plus opportunity. This junction is a tipping point from thoracic rigidity to lumbar mobility that makes it prone to dysfunction, but also incredibly powerful when addressed well, the diaphragm as a hydraulic engine. The thoracoabdominal diaphragm isn't just a breathing muscle, it regulates pressure that drives lymphatic and venous return.
When this area is restricted, is like putting a kink in the hose connections to digestion and pelvic health. With sympathetic nerves from T 12 to L two tied into the gut and reproductive organs, this junction becomes a key player in things like constipation, bloating, and even pelvic floor pain.
Treatment isn't just about the pop. The paper offers A-H-V-L-A technique, but I appreciated the reminder that improvement can happen through [00:02:00] myofascial release alone. You don't need a big articulation to make big changes.
Just smart engagement of the pattern. Pregnancy, as a real world test case. The author mentions congestion related symptoms during pregnancy, like carpal tunnel or pedal edema that improve when you restore function at this junction. It is a good example of how structure influences pressure, and pressure influences everything else.
The bigger picture. This article reinforced something I keep coming back to in my own work. The Thoraco lumbar junction isn't just a mechanical hinge, it's a functional and fluid crossroads that affects how we breathe, stand, move, and circulate. And when you help it move better, the ripple effect is huge.
That's it for today's dive into the research. If you're enjoying this and want to see where it's all heading, make sure to subscribe. There's a lot more to unpack.
