Guest post by Helen Ronnenbergh from https://blocktherapybliss.com
Block Therapy, created by Athletic Therapist, Deanna Hansen, is a therapy, exercise and meditation all built into one system. It releases the restrictions in your fascia (connective tissue), improving blood and oxygen flow to cells.
When Deanna began her career in 1995 as an Athletic Therapist, she knew how important body image is. But she was far from fitting that mould. She struggled with her weight. The more she dieted and trained, the heavier and bulkier she became. Eventually, this began taking a toll on her general and mental health as well.
After suffering an extreme anxiety attack in 2000, she intuitively began to massage her belly. While doing this she discovered that she had large amounts of fascia adhesions. Which was curious because she had never injured or had surgery on her belly. With all this scar tissue it was no wonder that she was suffering so much. Each night as she continued to massage and “melt” the adhesions, she began to feel less anxious and she lost weight.
Because she was getting such great results for herself began using this method on her clients. And they also began getting better results. Deanna wanted to find a way for clients to be able to this without her physically needing to be there. And after about 2 years of research and prototyping, Block Therapy was born.
Before explaining how Block Therapy works, it’s important to understand what Fascia is. And why we need Block Therapy to begin with.
Ageing, injury, and surgeries cause restrictions or “knots” to form in our fascia (connective tissue). These in turn restrict the flow of blood and other fluids. When we have restricted blood flow, our cells become stressed. This ultimately leads to chronic pain and eventually disease.
The full understanding of fascia is still unknown, even amongst scientists and doctors. Research is still at an initial stage, so this is what we know right now.
Fascia is densely packed collagen fibres creating a web-like structure, connecting each cell in your body. Think of it as your body’s “network” providing support to all its other structures. This web is what gives our bodies flexibility.
Ageing, injury and surgeries cause restrictions or “knots” to form in our fascia. This restricts the flow of blood and other fluids, making the “web” get sticky and hard, reducing our flexibility. These restrictions also starve our cells of the nutrients they need, which ultimately leads to disease. It’s the densest network in our body.
But that’s not the only function of Fascia:
- known as the “second brain,” because it encompasses the nerves that send signals to the spinal cord and brain.
- regulates body temperature, by insulating it from outside temperatures. This is why when your cold skin becomes flush, there’s more blood flow near the surface.
- Fascia also helps protect our organs by giving them space and padding, so they don’t get injured from impact.
- Without fascia, our muscles would be unable to contract or relax, and we’d be paralysed. We would just be a blob of tissue, blood vessels and muscles.
The full extent of this network is still unknown, and scientists are still discovering new facts about it and how it affects our health.
Block Therapy uses a unique application of diaphragmatic breathing, gravity and the Block Therapy tool, the Block Buddy to “melt” fascia adhesions. The Block Buddy is made from bamboo, because unlike artificial materials like foam or plastic, bamboo shares a similar density to human bone. With the pressure of your body weight and the density of the Block Buddy you are able to access and “melt” deep fascia adhesions, allowing blood and oxygen to flow to more of your cells.
Block Therapy exercises are done by using the Block Buddy against the body in various positions. Block Therapy is conducted through pre-recorded online, live online or in-person classes. Unlike some modalities, the positions done in Block Therapy can be done by anyone. For people who have very limited mobility, there are options for doing the positions sitting on a chair or stool to make it easier. Eventually, as mobility improves through the practice, more advanced positions are added.
We recommend starting with the Blocks Buddy Starter Program, which includes:
- Block Buddy
- 9 unique classes that build upon each other
- downloadable PDF with detailed instructions on each position
- fascia education
- 2 hour Block Therapy Intensive to take care of your lungs
- membership to the Block Therapy Community for extra support
Taking care of your fascia is a lifelong process. Just as Block Therapy can benefit overall body flexibility and health, ankle braces and other specialized supports can be essential for providing stability and support during recovery from injuries. Incorporating both methods can offer a comprehensive approach to managing and preventing physical limitations.
About Helen Ronnenbergh:
Helen, as the first Block Therapy Instructor/Therapist in Australia. She discovered Block Therapy while looking for a solution to the cellulite on her thighs. For many years, she had searched for an answer. Some were helpful to a degree, but nothing like the changes that she got with Block Therapy.
After injuring her hip 20 years ago, Helen accepted that she would live with dull pain and restriction in mobility for the rest of her life. After about two months of doing Block Therapy, she was surprised when she no longer experienced the pain and could move without restriction.
