Human asymmetry is a positive aspect of our bodies because it facilitates human movement. Without being asymmetrical internally we wouldn't be able to move lymph, and fluid or have pressure control. However, the largest issue we see with human asymmetry is that people do not know how to manage it. With this, we can see sometimes overuse of specific muscle patterns may promote dysfunction if left unmanaged!
Asymmetrical aspects of humans:
The 𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐦 includes a stronger, larger, and better-supported right leaflet, while the left side is less supported and smaller. This right side has more pull on the entire thorax.
The 𝟑 𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐠 on the right compared to the 2 lobes on the left, making us heavier on the right side of our bodies. 🫁
The 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 which on average weighs 3lbs contributes to the over-lateralization to the right side.
The 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 is on our left side and it keeps our left chest wall hyperinflated.
We have a 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐝𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 and 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 which is a reason many of us have less left peripheral vision and right cortical dominance. 👀
Asymmetry is not an issue, however, our management can be!
Dive into the Diaphragm:
The diaphragm that we use for respiration is not equal from side to side, nor should it be looked at as one whole unit. We look at this as a left side & a right side which is also known as the term, 𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐦. 😲 The anatomical asymmetry stars with the crura of the right leaflet (hemidiaphragm) inserts onto three lumbar vertebrae L1–3 - [although it has been seen to insert lower around L3/L4] while the left leaflet inserts higher into L1. The right crura is stronger and thicker in comparison to the left crura.
What is Posture & How Does Posture Relate?
Posture is a reflection of the “position” of many systems that are regulated, determined, and created through limited functional patterns. These patterns reflect our ability and inability to breathe, rotate and rest symmetrically. Certain imbalances or asymmetry in our bodies may cause us to fall into patterns that negatively impact our muscles and alignment
How does PRI help?
PRI treatment is first used to identify and then correct typical patterns found in human bodies. PRI clinicians work to help give the body sensory input in order to influence our breathing and walking cycle which of course can help decrease sympathetic tone and chronic pain. The balance of our muscles, bones & joints can influence how we stand, walk, breathe, think, sleep & regulate our bodies. We address these underlying postural asymmetries and restore alternating and reciprocal motion via balancing breathing patterns and tapping into our nervous system. PRI integrates the respiratory system, the nervous system, the muscular system, the skeletal system, grounding via arch and heel support, dental occlusion & visual system. PRI-trained clinicians to understand the direct relationship that these professions have on postural alignment which can affect everything when it comes to control and sense within one's body.
Hope you enjoyed this educational blog. More to come, thanks for reading!
❤️Aleena