The famed Czech researcher Dr. Karel Lewit states: “Respiration is our primary and most important movement pattern…and also the most dysfunctional.”

Most clinicians are aware of how breathing affects posture, alignment and bodily functions, but there is much confusion when it comes to treating underlying joint and myofascial disorders. During inhalation efforts, the ribcage has the unique ability to increase its anterior/posterior and lateral dimensions at the same time. The structure most responsible for the generation of negative intra-thoracic pressure is the diaphragm.

Inhalation causes the diaphragm to contract and move inferiorly. This action flattens the dome-shaped muscle causing a decrease of pressure in the thorax and an increase in air taken into the lungs. As we exhale, the diaphragm relaxes, the dome shape is restored, and air space in the lungs decreases causing us to push air out. Any increase in abdominal pressure via inhalation flattens spinal curves causing an increase in t-spine and ribcage stiffness and stability. Test on your own body.

An often-overlooked way of relieving nagging neck, shoulder, or low-back pain is to improve ribcage mobility. In the video, I demonstrate a bucket-handle rib lifting technique. This powerful soft-tissue stretch helps create space between the rib cage and pelvic girdle. Upon deep exhalation, my fingers work up under the costal cage and pump.

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Breathing...our most dysfunctional movement pattern

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