Ep.258 'New Perspectives On Fascia' with Dr Claire Melanie Boucher and Dr Kyra De Coninck

In Episode 258 of the Sports Therapy Association podcast, entitled 'New Perspectives On Fascia', host Matt Phillips is joined by special guests from the University of Kent - Dr Claire Melanie Boucher, Lecturer in Sport, Exercise & Rehabilitation Sciences, and Dr Kyra De Coninck, Senior Lecturer, School of Sport & Exercise Sciences. The episode looks at the differences between superficial and deep fascia, the limits of current imaging, and why effects of touch often involve fluid, neural and psychosocial factors as well as connective tissue. Key takeaways for clinicians from this episode include: use a patient-centred, individualized approach recognise touch and gentle techniques can create a ‘window’ to enable movement and rehabilitation be patient—structural fascia changes are slow combine fascial work with movement, strength and broader care strategies. If you are interested in remaining up-to-date on the topic of fascia, pay a visit to The Fascia Research Society website, where there is a wealth of information, including a new webinar series.  Chapter Markers 00:00:18 - Introduction to New Perspectives on Fascia 00:03:04 - The Importance of Feedback for Conferences 00:04:34 - Meet the Researchers: Dr Claire Boucher and Kyra De Coninck 00:07:31 - Claire’s Journey into Fascia 00:07:41 - Kyra’s Exploration of Chronic Pain 00:13:13 - The Role of Nervous System in Fascia 00:18:46 - The Connection Between Systems 00:36:29 - Understanding Touch and Fascia 00:45:00 - The Interplay of Fascia and Pain 00:54:59 - Patient-Centered Approaches in Therapy 00:59:30 - Embracing Individualized Treatment 01:06:27 - Conclusion and Future Directions in Fascia Research About The Guests In 2023, Dr Claire Melanie Boucher completed her PhD at The University of Kent, titled “Can ultrasound imaging be used to detect adaptations in the thoracolumbar fascia of people with lower back pain?” She currently continues her research to investigate fascia. Dr Kyra De Coninck's PhD thesis investigates how ultrasound imaging can be used to measure the differences in thoracolumbar fascia, in the lower back, in a range of populations with lower back pain. She has presented her research at conferences and scientific meetings in UK, Canada, Italy and Romania, and presented on the subject of fascia & tissue repair at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Headley Court, the European School of Osteopathy and the Third International Fascia Research Congress in Vancouver. Useful Links The Fascia Research Society Interested in joining the STA? Use the code PODCAST25 to get 3 MONTHS EXTRA when you join for a single year! In other words, £75 will get you 15 months instead of 12!  Only valid for NEW members. If you are Level 3 (qualified after 2014) make sure you choose the ‘associate member’ option.