What is Mechanical Link?
The mechanical link refers to a form of treatment that is sometimes employed by healthcare professionals and others in the treatment of issues that have to do with the human fascial system. The creation and further development of the mechanical link is attributed to Paul Chauffour, D.O. and is utilized by many physicians who deal in osteopathic therapies. The approach is also employed by a number of masseurs who work with persons dealing with osteopathic issues. Essentially, the mechanical link focuses on identifying and treating any tension or restriction found in the fascial system. Sometimes referred to as a form of Myofascial Release Therapy, the mechanical link involves gentle manipulation of the muscles and the underlying connective tissue that make up the fascial system. Doing so is said to alleviate some of the pain that results from the restrictions found in the system and allow the body to activate natural healing processes. The idea behind the use of the mechanical link is t
Developed in the late 1970’s by French osteopath Paul Chauffour, Mechanical Link (ML) is a gentle manual therapy that encourages the balance of tensions in the fascial system-that complex web of tissue that interconnects and affects all other body systems. It spreads throughout the body uninterrupted, providing physical stability while also allowing flexibility and mobility. Think of the fascial network as a spider web. Imagine what happens if one area of the web is pinched or tightened: everything else distorts. The body compensates for physiological or traumatic stress in much the same way–by producing patterns of tension called lesions that affect the entire structure. These patterns are intended to relieve pain and disability and protect the body from further stresses. Yet the long-term effects of such compensation can prove debilitating. Over years of research and clinical practice, Paul Chauffour found that a series of interrelated lesion types exist in the body. An original les
