Willem Kramer

In 1992 Yahia et al published a paper on the sensory innervation of the human thoracolumbar fascia (TLF). In 7 tissue samples, harvested from 7 subjects, they looked for afferent nerve fibers and their sensory endings.

The used procedure showed the presence of free nerve endings, Ruffini’s, and Pacini corpsules (both mechanoreceptors). Their conclusion, the TLF is well innervated. And, the presence of mechanoreceptors point toward a proprioceptive role of the TLF over the lumbar spine.

Theory to Practice
Yahia’s findings suggest that it might not be sufficient to address TLF related injuries only from a mechanical point of view. The presence of mechanoreceptors implies the necessity of a neurological or segmental approach as well.

REFERENCE
Yahia L, Rhalmi S, Newman N, Isler M. Sensory innervation of human thoracolumbar fascia. An immunohistochemical study. Acta Orthop Scand. 1992 Apr;63(2):195-7.

Please note that the purpose of this article is to link theory to practice. Actual soft tissue treatment suggestions are not made on this website.

Gijs, our interior designer, added new furniture and color (to say the least) to make our treatment center an even more comfortable hangout for our clients.

The PT center I own with two of my colleagues, is called “Veel Beter”. This seemingly pretentious name (Veel Beter means Much Better in Dutch) is not picked to brag about the quality of our work, but says something about how our clients feel after their treatment.  We hear the words “much better” from our clients so often (”It feels so much better”) that we decided to make it the name of our clinic.

Veel Beter Physical Therapy is located in a 10,000 square feet, two story building, in a town called Almere. It has a lounge area, a gym, locker rooms, and eight large private treatment rooms. For all you world travelers out there, Almere is situated close to Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands.

Our clientele consists mainly of professional, amateur, and recreational athletes. The reason why athletes come to seek our help is because we specialize in treating acute soft tissue injuries. With our multifaceted treatment approach we are able to help most athletes return to action in less than a week.

We pride ourselves on creating a relaxed atmosphere. Not only the interior of our clinic is inviting and laidback, the therapists are also taught to behave casual and friendly, of course without sacrificing on quality and dedication.

Last week I visited the Diamondbacks during their 3 game stand in Washington. It was great hanging out and catching up with them. My visit made me think of what we accomplished last year. I hope to see them make the postseason once more.

They have what it takes.

After treating several clients in Europe I have been occupied with documenting the treatment method we use. It’s quite a task, listing every influence, theory and scientific paper that might help explain the extraordinary results we can accomplish.

Sometimes it feels as if I am trying to write a fairytale book. However, the treatment results and positive feedback from our clients make me think it might not be.

For now there’s still much to learn and decipher. Not every client we help is back on his feet in just a few treatments.

“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity.”
– A. Einstein