Trigger Point Therapy - Myofascial Meridians, Myokinetic Chains and Sublinks

The Lateral Chain (LC)

The lateral chain includes the peroneals, IT band, TFL, gluteals, external and internal obliques, ipsilateral adductors, and quadratus lumborum (contralateral). This chain may also include the following links: intercostals, sternocleidomastoideus, splenius capitis/cervicis, and scalenes.

Posterior Sagittal Chain (PSC)

The posterior sagittal chain includes the thoracolumbar fascia and muscular links both above and below, offering movement and support to the joints of the periphery as well as to the spinal joints. At the midsection, sublinks include the transversus abdominis and posterior fibers of the internal obliques. The pelvic floor muscles include the pyramidalis, multifidi, and lumbar portions of the longissimus, iliocostalis, and diaphragm, more commonly known collectively as the core muscles. Of course, this joint support system is also present at the glenohumeral and lumbopelvic-hip complexes.

A deep posterior or sagittal chain involves local, deep, segmentally related muscles providing localized support for motion in segments or joints (tonic or type II fibers).

A superficial oblique posterior chain involves prime movers or more global muscles that are, as the name implies, predominantly superficial. These muscles are primarily phasic and are heavily populated with type I fibers with a high resistance to fatigue.

The Anterior Sagittal Chain (ASC)

The anterior sagittal chain includes the dorsal surface of the foot, tibial periosteum, rectus femoris (including articularis genu), anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS), pubic tubercle, rectus abdominis, sternal periosteum, sternocleidomastoideus, and periosteum of the mastoid process.