What is the primary purpose of the Deep Longitudinal System?

What is the primary purpose of the Deep Longitudinal System?

• A. Creates spinal extension. Think 'Swan'.
• B. Creates hip abduction.
• C. Creates thoracic flexion.
• D. Stabilizes the shoulder.

Answer: (A)

The Deep Longitudinal System is built to create and control spinal extension along the back line from head to pelvis and beyond. It links the head, spine, sacrum, and the hamstrings through structures like the erector spinae and thoracolumbar fascia and sacrotuberous ligament, allowing the spine to lengthen and then rebound as you move. In a backbend such as Swan, this system actively lengthens and supports the spine as you extend, guiding the movement and helping transfer force up the backside rather than letting the spine collapse into flexion. Hip abduction comes from the lateral system and is not the primary job of the Deep Longitudinal System; thoracic flexion is the opposite action of what this system promotes, and stabilizing the shoulder involves other pathways like the posterior oblique system and shoulder girdle mechanics.

The Deep Longitudinal System is built to create and control spinal extension along the back line from head to pelvis and beyond. It links the head, spine, sacrum, and the hamstrings through structures like the erector spinae and thoracolumbar fascia and sacrotuberous ligament, allowing the spine to lengthen and then rebound as you move. In a backbend such as Swan, this system actively lengthens and supports the spine as you extend, guiding the movement and helping transfer force up the backside rather than letting the spine collapse into flexion.

Hip abduction comes from the lateral system and is not the primary job of the Deep Longitudinal System; thoracic flexion is the opposite action of what this system promotes, and stabilizing the shoulder involves other pathways like the posterior oblique system and shoulder girdle mechanics.