1/4 Hour LabO #87: "The relationship between myofascial chains and posture" - Francis Létourneau

Welcome to the World of Myofascial Chains

Welcome to this first "1/4 Hour LabO Neuro Live" dedicated to myofascial chains and their deep connection to our posture. We are pleased to welcome Francis Létourneau, founder of Instu Access, an institution based in Quebec with an international reach. Francis, armed with his various training in coaching, acupuncture, massage therapy, and osteopathy, has crafted a unique approach that integrates the best of each discipline.

Today, he shares with us his method for identifying and treating postural imbalances, often linked to unsuspected causes such as scars, focusing on restoring fascial mobility.

This meeting is the result of several years of exchanges. We had the opportunity to discuss his approach at the foot of Mont Blanc. It quickly became clear that our visions were very complementary. Francis has managed to model all his experiences into a core business, teaching his method to over 1500 health professionals worldwide since 2017, whether in Martinique, Bordeaux, Quebec, or online for the entire Francophonie.

The Origin of an Integrative Approach

Francis Létourneau started his career as a coach, then trained in acupuncture, massage therapy, and is now studying osteopathy. It was during a coaching training that he discovered myofascial chains, a concept that deeply resonated with him due to its similarity to acupuncture meridians.

This revelation was the starting point of a quest to create a common language and a holistic approach, linking ancient knowledge of Chinese medicine with contemporary discoveries about fascia.

Scars and Posture: A Forgotten Connection

The Role of Scars

Francis emphasizes two fundamental points often overlooked: the importance of the eyes and that of scars. He recognized the relevance of scars when meeting Mathieu Boulet and following training on posture. Scars, even old ones, can create myofascial tensions leading to postural imbalances.

A cesarean scar, for example, can pull the body forward, causing back pain that traditional treatments fail to relieve, as they address the symptom rather than the cause.

He recounts the story of a client suffering from chronic back pain, who had consulted many professionals without success. By asking a simple question about her bodily sensations and working on the anterior side and a scar, he enabled immediate postural correction and lasting relief.

From Symptom to Cause

Many people focus on the symptom. If pain is felt in one area, that area is treated. However, as Tom Myers says, "it's not the criminal that cries for help; it's the victim." The body constantly compensates for imbalances, and the source of pain can be far removed from where it manifests.

Addressing these root causes, even if they date back years, helps restore balance and provide lasting relief.

Treatment Techniques for Myofascial Restrictions

Detecting Restrictions

Francis uses a hands-on approach to detect blockages and sensations of sand beneath the skin. He also employs tools such as the "Gouachem" (an assisted instrument for soft tissue mobilization) and cupping.

Cupping is particularly interesting because it allows visualization of tissue restrictions. When applied, if the skin does not form a perfect dome but shows irregularities, this indicates a specific restriction.

He notes that tattoos can also, in some cases, create adhesions similar to scars if the ink was applied too deeply.

Dynamic Cupping and Movement

Unlike passive cupping techniques, Francis incorporates movement. He performs static cupping where the person is invited to make movements, or dynamic cupping.

This approach allows for "shearing" adhesions and creating openings in the tissues. By forcing decompression and movement, nutrient and oxygen flow is facilitated while improving the elimination of metabolic waste.

Practical Case: The Tennis Player

Francis illustrates his approach with the example of a professional tennis player suffering from shoulder pain during his serve. After identifying that the pain appeared during a wide grip pull-over, he palpated the player's latissimus dorsi.

By warming the area manually and then applying a cup while inviting the player to replicate his serving motion, mobility was restored in a matter of minutes.

Ultrasound studies at the University of California have proven that applying a cup causes movement not only of the skin but also of part of the muscle, confirming this shearing of adhesions.

Effectiveness and Speed

Francis finds that this dynamic and targeted approach allows for much quicker treatments. His method often takes 7 to 8 minutes, as it is precisely tailored to the needs identified through palpation and observation of the patient's movement.

To Go Further

To learn more about Francis Létourneau's approach, you can find him on Instagram and Facebook under "Instu Access". His website, instuaccess.com, also offers numerous resources and advice for therapists.

It is likely that new collaborations and meetings will take shape in 2023.