I came across a research article this week that dispelled a few myths. The article was entitled “Knuckle Cracking and Hand Osteoarthritis” and was published recently in the The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine. What this article found was that, despite what our mothers have been saying, chronic knuckle cracking does not lead to arthritis. I wonder if a similar study has been done regarding self “cracking” of the neck?
The urban legend that cracking the knuckles leads to arthritis can be lumped under the heading of bad science. Unfortunately much of the explanation model for fascial work and myofascial release comes under this same heading. The folks involved with the International Fascia Congress are spearheading the push toward combining what is effective in practice with what can be shown to be true. Unfortunately there are those who are still following a trajectory of using invented pseudoscience to further their cause. What is even more troubling is that therapists swallow this garbage. How self superior some are to say that all of medical science is so far behind the times, and that they don’t truly understand how the body/fascia works.
Question authority, even when authority comes from sources who paint themselves as rebels.
by Walt Fritz, PT
Hi Walt
I agree there is a lot of pseudoscience in all body work, MFR included.
Two quick points:
1) I was amazed when I read the transcripts/papers from the first Int. Fascial Congress, at how closely practitioners were able to anticipate the empirical science through observation and hands on experience. Here were scientific papers that reinforced much of what I had learned and experienced in treating clients. I wasn’t crazy!
So, same info, different emphasis – I saw what was confirmed, others may see what was debunked.
2) Most MDs that our clients come into contact with don’t even do simple orthopedic test when a patient shows up at their office, let alone are up to date on the latest findings in fascial anatomy and physiology. They really don’t understand how the body/fascia works. That does not excuse inaccurate descriptions or misleading explanations for what is going on, on the part of therapists, but it also shows that some of us are right when we tell our clients that what their Doctors says may not be right either. Medical science is not synonymous with medical doctor, and they are the face of science for many people. To be fair, I only need to be up to date in my specialty, GPs, need to be up to date on much more.
Good points, John. Add to your point #2 that even though certain things are now known about fascial physiology and function, there are and probably will always be conflicting views on just who is in control. Many view the higher nerve centers as having ultimate control, while others wish to believe that fascia is king.
Thank you BOTH for your perceptions. I continue to learn….
Submitted with utmost respect….