ELDOA is a french acronym that translates into English as Longitudinal Osteo–Articular Decoaptation Stretching (LOADS). The ELDOA Method is a revolutionary stretching and rehabilitative technique, developed by world renowned French osteopath, Guy Voyer, that targets the decompression of specific joints throughout the body. There is an ELDOA for every joint in the body. ELDOA is a form of stretching that decompresses the entire spine and helps normalize alignment of the vertebrae. “Through extensive research involving sophisticated diagnostic equipment, Voyer has demonstrated that it’s possible to seg- mentally increase the space between each vertebral column. ELDOA has been shown to be remarkably effective as a way to treat herniated disks and back pain caused by many other conditions. As a bonus, one effect of myofascial stretching and ELDOA is an increased ability to recover from exercise. This effect enables athletes to increase the intensity and length of not only their conditioning programs but also their sport training sessions.” ELDOA
How does ELDOA work?
It works by creating fascial tension around the targeted area or lesion and elicits an opening or decompression of a joint. The body is placed in a very precise posture to treat a specific lesion or joint segmentally.
These are some common uses for the ELDOA:
- Stimulates or pumps the discs of the spine to help treat numerous spinal pathologies including spinal stenosis, degenerative disc and joint disease, scoliosis, and spondylolisthesis.
- Teaches maintenance of the gravity line. When the gravity line is maintained, the human body is in perfect alignment allowing for optimal function and energy.
- Treat pelvic pain and misalignment and sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
- Pumps and mobilizes the organs and glands of the body. This pumping action occurs due to the fascial link between your vertebrae, organs, and glands.
- Normalization of the neuroendocrine system, which controls the interaction between the nervous system and hormones.
- Treatment of other joints including the hip to address arthritis, labral tears and delay degenerative processes.
On a more global level, these stretches promote improved posture, proper spinal alignment, increased kinesthetics or awareness of body positions, and increased stability and strength throughout the spine. Common asymmetries and misalignments lead to faulty biomechanics throughout the body. Improved balance and symmetry can be achieved with a consistent regimen of ELDOA stretching.