Introduction

In today's fast-paced world, stress has become an omnipresent companion for many. From hectic work schedules to personal responsibilities, the pressures of modern life can take a toll on both our mental and physical well-being. For manual therapists (physiotherapists, osteopaths, fascia and craniosacral therapists…) understanding the intricate relationship between stress-related dysautonomia and its connection to evolving disease patterns is essential. This article delves into the significance of this interplay, particularly concerning patients with musculoskeletal pain, highlighting why mechanistic therapy modalities might fall short in such cases.

Stress-Related Dysautonomia: Unravelling the Connection

Stress, that omnipresent force, has a profound impact on our bodies, and at the heart of its effects lies the autonomic nervous system. Chronic stress, characterised by an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system, can result in stress-related dysautonomia (SRD). SRD is the condition where the sympathetic nervous system, responsible for the fight-or-flight response, is in a state of over-activation, while the parasympathetic nervous system, governing rest and relaxation, is permanently under-activated. This imbalance manifests in symptoms such as musculoskeletal pain to headaches or migraines, lack of energy, sleep disturbances, stomach or bowel problems, cardiovascular disease, mood swings, cognitive impairment, brain fog, depression, anxiety, etc.

The Changing Landscape of Disease Patterns

Disease patterns are not static; they evolve over time due to a complex interplay of factors including lifestyle changes, societal stressors, and environmental shifts. Stress, a potent contributor to many health issues, including dysautonomia, weakens the immune system and triggers inflammation. Chronic stress can thus contribute to the development or exacerbation of conditions ranging from cardiovascular diseases to autoimmune disorders and mental health problems. As these disease patterns change, manual therapists must be prepared to adapt their approaches to effectively address emerging health concerns.

The Manual Therapist's Role in Stress-Related Musculoskeletal Pain

The influence of stress-related dysautonomia is an emerging phenomenon that is increasingly prevalent as a primary contributor to a.o. musculoskeletal pain in patients. These individuals may exhibit pain that mirrors typical musculoskeletal discomfort, yet it defies conventional treatment approaches.

The intricacies of this challenge arise from the intricate interplay between their musculoskeletal system and the autonomic nervous system's involved in the bodies stress response.

Why Mechanistic Therapy Modalities Fall Short

Traditional mechanistic therapy modalities, which primarily focus on the biomechanical aspects of pain, might not yield optimal results for patients with stress-related musculoskeletal pain. This disconnect arises because these modalities fail to address the underlying dysautonomia-driven component of the pain.

Approaches that solely target the physical symptoms without considering the role of the autonomic nervous system are likely to provide only temporary relief and often fall short in the long term.

The Holistic Approach: Bridging the Gap

A revolution in the evolution of manual therapy is needed to address this emerging phenomenon. Manual therapist need to become well-versed in a more body-centred stress coaching approach. To stay relevant they need to take themselves and their skills to next level to offer the best care for their patients and their professional reputation. Recognising the influence of stress on the autonomic nervous system and subsequently on pain perception allows manual therapists to provide the evolving care this fast-changing world needs with a more integrative approach to well-being. In other words a manual therapists need to evolve with their time to empower patients to flourish and thrive and navigate the challenges of life by addressing both the symptom and its origin.

Conclusion

The shifting landscape of disease patterns underscores the critical need for a profound grasp of stress-related dysautonomia, especially within the realm of musculoskeletal pain. Manual therapists who demonstrate a heartfelt dedication to their patients and possess the necessary tools are positioned as key influencers in the trajectory of future health and wellness. By incorporating a targeted therapeutic approach capable of reasetting the autonomic nervous system into their practice, they hold the potential to catalyse flourishing and resilience in an ever-evolving world.

Yet, the magnitude of their influence hinges intrinsically on their openness to embracing a forward-thinking approach to their practice, one that aligns with the currents of change and adaptation.

In summary, the evolving dynamics of health and stress demand a holistic comprehension of stress-related dysautonomia, primarily concerning musculoskeletal pain. Manual therapists, armed with both genuine dedication and specialised tools, can emerge as beacons of better health and vitality in an ever-shifting landscape. The true measure of their impact lies in their willingness to pioneer a futurized approach within their practice.

Abstract
The Reaset Approach, pioneered by Tom Meyers, is a comprehensive therapeutic methodology and treatment modality that responds to contemporary global health challenges. In a rapidly changing world, traditional methods can fall short in addressing today’s multimodal chronic stress-related causes of ailments. Chronic stress leads to stress-related dysautonomia, which is the disruption of the autonomic nervous system. Left untreated, this condition gives rise to a wide range of interconnected physical and mental health issues. The Reaset Approach offers a fresh perspective in the treatment of these evolving health challenges, presenting a comprehensive therapeutic methodology and treatment modality which prioritises the restoration of autonomic balance (ease) before addressing structural and functional imbalances. The focus on autonomic balance initiates a new era in healing and makes The Reaset Approach a true revolution in the evolution of manual therapy, bringing it into the 21st century.

An Innovation in Addressing Contemporary Health Challenges: The Reaset Approach
The Reaset Approach, pioneered by Tom Meyers, is a comprehensive therapeutic methodology and treatment modality that has emerged as a response to today’s changing global health concerns. In our rapidly changing world, the underlying factors behind ailments have shifted. As a result, many traditional manual techniques, devised in different eras and contexts, have been rendered less effective and are even potentially exacerbating certain conditions.

Where once mechanical stress was the main cause of many health problems, today, due to the changing working environment and increasing demands on an individual’s personal and professional life, psychosocial stress and adaptive stress have become a more significant contributor to many health problems.

Unveiling the Neurobiological Response: The Reaset Approach in Autonomic Regulation
Prolonged exposure to stress and the resulting allostatic load disrupts the balance between the sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) branches of the autonomic nervous system. This dysregulation, known as stress-related dysautonomia, leads to a wide range of physical and mental health problems. These range from musculoskeletal pain to headaches or migraines, lack of energy, sleep disturbances, stomach or bowel problems, cardiovascular disease, mood swings, cognitive impairment, brain fog, depression, anxiety, etc. Many of these symptoms are often experienced together and lack clear explanations and have proven difficult to treat – until now.

A Multimodal Approach to Stress-Related Dysautonomia: The Reaset Paradigm
Enter The Reaset Approach, akin to the emergence of osteopathy in the late 19th century. The Reaset Approach represents the first step in a transformative process that reevaluates and redefines the outdated modus operandi for health and healing. It aims to provide a fresh perspective and an effective therapeutic methodology to address the limitations of conventional practices and takes them into the 21st century.

Autonomic Balance in the Modern Context: Insights from The Reaset Approach
The Reaset Approach encompasses a comprehensive and practical application that reaches beyond therapeutic touch, encompassing various facets directed at promoting autonomic balance and overall wellbeing. It introduces a revolution in the evolution of manual therapy with its unique therapeutic methodology and treatment modality which can be integrated into a wide spectrum of manual therapy practices.

From Traditional Techniques to Neurobiological Therapies: The Reaset Approach’s Influence on Health and Healing
The Reaset Approach is as much a philosophy as it is a hands-on treatment approach that involves stimulating the cranial parasympathetic nervous system, initiating a response that seeks autonomic balance. Additionally, tension release within the viscerocranium sets off a cascade of events, activating calm through sensory receptors that convey vital signals to the brain. By stimulating decompression between the occiput and the upper neck region, an influence on the myodural bridge – the connection between the outer and inner body – is exerted. This influence impacts sensory input, blood flow, and nerve function, all of which contribute to potential autonomic equilibrium.

As tension is released within the myofascial system, sensory receptors are activated, transmitting signals to the brain and contributing to a sense of relaxation. The sacral system indirectly stimulates the sacral parasympathetic nervous system, further enhancing autonomic balance. Furthermore, spinal decoaptive manipulations may exert an inhibitory effect on the sympathetic nervous system, aiding in relaxation and contributing to an overall state of balance. By amalgamating these components, The Reaset Approach’s aim is to facilitate autonomic equilibrium before treating the physical symptoms the patient presents with.

The Reaset Approach: A Comprehensive Therapeutic Modality for 21st Century Health Challenges
Unlike most traditional or recent manual therapy approaches, The Reaset Approach extends beyond its focus on physical concerns: Given the significant role that stress-related dysautonomia often plays in mental health issues, it has the potential to expedite a speedier recovery for individuals seeking mental health support as well.

Bridging the Gap Between Mind and Body: The Reaset Approach’s Impact on Autonomic Balance
For instance, it has the capacity to soothe the autonomic nervous system, akin to our body’s control centre. In moments of accumulated stress, the autonomic nervous system can become imbalanced (stress-related dysautonomia), leading to both physical and mental health issues. The Reaset Approach effectively restores this balance, measurable through heart rate variability (HRV), thereby fostering healing and an improved quality of life. Essentially, using The Reaset Approach is offering the body a helping hand in returning to a state of ease (reaset) and adaptability (resilience), priming it before the therapist starts focusing and dealing with specific issues a patient might have.



References
Fricchione, G. Mind body medicine: a modern bio-psycho-social model forty-five years after Engel. BioPsychoSocial Med 17, 12 (2023).

James, K., et al. (2023). Understanding the relationships between physiological and psychosocial stress, cortisol and cognition. Frontiers in endocrinology, 14, 1085950.

Liem, T. and van den Heede, P. (2017). Foundations of Morphodynamics in Osteopathy: An integrative approach to cranium, nervous system, and emotions. Handspring Publishing, Edinburgh.

McEwen, B. S. (2008). Central effects of stress hormones in health and disease: Understanding the protective and damaging effects of stress and stress mediators. European Journal of Pharmacology, 583(2-3), 174-185.

Meyers, T. (2023). The Futures Effect – Change Your Story, Change Y’our Future! Storyland. ISBN: 9789403683508

Sapolsky, R. M. (2004). Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers: The Acclaimed Guide to Stress, Stress-Related Diseases, and Coping. (3rd ed.) Holt Paperbacks, New York.

Selye, H. (1950). Stress and the general adaptation syndrome. British Medical Journal, 1(4667), 1383-1392.

Introduction:
In our fast-paced modern world, stress has become an undeniable part of daily life. However, the sources of stress have evolved beyond immediate physical threats to include psychological and social pressures. This evolution has led to a conflict between our biological stress responses and the demands of our cultural environment. This article delves into the intricate relationship between biology and culture, shedding light on how this conflict can turn stress into a chronic stressor.

Evolutionary Roots of Stress:
Throughout evolution, stress responses were pivotal for survival. The "fight or flight" response, a biological mechanism, enabled our ancestors to confront or escape imminent dangers. This physiological reaction involves the release of stress hormones, preparing the body for rapid action. While beneficial for survival, this response was designed for short-term threats, not the prolonged stressors of today's world.

The Cultural Shift:
As societies developed, cultural factors began to shape our experience of stress. Societal expectations, work demands, and the pursuit of achievement have given rise to a new form of stress - one driven by cultural pressures. This transition from primarily physical threats to more complex psychological stressors can lead to a mismatch between our biological stress responses and the chronic nature of modern stress.

The Conflict Emerges:
The conflict between biology and culture arises from the misalignment between our inherent biological need for relaxation and the cultural demand for perpetual productivity. In an era where constant connectivity and multitasking are prized, the biological imperative for downtime clashes with the cultural push for constant engagement. This discord can result in chronic stress, with the body's stress response continually activated, leading to detrimental health consequences.

Impact on Health:
Chronic stress arising from the conflict between biology and culture can significantly impact both physical and mental well-being. Research has connected prolonged stress to a condition known as stress-related dysautonomia, which increases the likelihood of muscular tension, migraines, insomnia, cardiovascular diseases, compromised immune function, anxiety, depression, mood swings, and cognitive impairment. The body's struggle to manage chronic stressors effectively plays a pivotal role in exacerbating these health concerns.

Realigning Biology and Culture:
Addressing this conflict is essential for promoting holistic well-being. As an osteopath, body-centred stress coach, and founder of The Reaset Approach, my expertise lies in helping individuals realign their biological (body) and cultural responses to stress (mind and spirit).

Conclusion:
The conflict between biology and culture has transformed stress into a modern stressor, impacting y'our health and well-being. Acknowledging this conflict and finding ways to harmonize our biological responses with cultural demands is crucial to flourish and thrive in this fast-changing and challenging world.


References:
McEwen, B. S. (2008). Central effects of stress hormones in health and disease: Understanding the protective and damaging effects of stress and stress mediators. European Journal of Pharmacology, 583(2-3), 174-185.
 
Meyers, T. (2023). The Futures Effect – Change Your Story, Change Y’our Future! Storyland. ISBN: 9789403683508
 
Meyers, T. (2022). A very Short Introduction to Futurizing Yourself – How to Become Futurewise and Better Manage your Present. Bookboon. ISBN: 978874034433-2
 
Meyers, T. (2018). Futurize Yourself – Design Your Life on Purpose. Filament Publishing.ISBN: 9781912635146
Sapolsky, R. M. (2004). Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers: The Acclaimed Guide to Stress, Stress-Related Diseases, and Coping. 
 
Selye, H. (1950). Stress and the general adaptation syndrome. British Medical Journal, 1(4667), 1383-1392.