Ligamentous Articular Strain (LAS) Explained: Benefits, Techniques, and When It Helps

A Restorative Approach to Joint and Fascial Health

Ligamentous Articular Strain, or LAS, is rooted in the idea that the human body is not just a collection of mechanical parts, but rather an integrated, fluid-filled system—similar to a water-filled plastic bag. In this system, the ground substance—a gel-like material rich in glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)—is essential for maintaining tissue flexibility, hydration, and mobility.

When this ground substance becomes depleted or altered—whether due to trauma, inflammation, prolonged immobility, or postural strain—the body begins to lose its fluidity. Tissues may become stiff, fascial layers adhere, and joints may lose their natural range of motion. These restrictions can contribute to pain, dysfunction, and compensation throughout the body.

LAS techniques are designed to reverse this process.By gently addressing the tension held within ligaments and joint structures, LAS helps restore the body's internal fluid dynamics. This can lead to improved mobility, better circulation, and a rebalancing of musculoskeletal and fascial systems.

Though not a new method—LAS has been practiced in various forms for over a century—it remains a valuable tool in modern manual therapy. It's one of many approaches available to practitioners, and when applied thoughtfully, it can offer meaningful change in patients dealing with restriction, dysfunction, or chronic tension patterns.

Embryonic Development and the Interplay of Form and Function

Life begins as a single cell — and from there, it divides into two, four, and eventually hundreds of thousands. In the earliest stages of embryonic development, a dedicated circulatory system isn't yet necessary. Instead, the rhythmic flow of interstitial fluid is enough to deliver nutrients and remove waste as it bathes each developing cell.

However, as the embryo grows and its size increases, simple diffusion can no longer meet its metabolic demands. At this point, a cardiovascular system emerges — a complex network designed to transport oxygen, nutrients, and waste products efficiently throughout the body. Working alongside the interstitial fluid, this system ensures that every cell remains supported and nourished.

As development continues, maintaining the body’s shape and allowing for coordinated movement becomes essential. This leads to the formation of the skeletal system, which supports both voluntary and involuntary motions. It’s important to remember: form and function are deeply interconnected — and it is function that ultimately shapes form.

Disengage, Exaggerate, Balance: A Gentle Approach to Healing

When treating ligamentous and joint restrictions through manual therapy, practitioners often use a gentle, three-phase approach: Disengage, Exaggerate, and Balance.

Disengage

The process begins by gently applying either compression or decompression to the affected joint or tissue. This helps reduce tension and allows the area to loosen from its restricted or guarded state — setting the stage for effective correction.

Exaggerate

Next, the joint or tissue is gently guided further into the direction it’s already misaligned or strained. This might seem counterintuitive, but by exaggerating the position of dysfunction, the body’s internal systems can better recognize the imbalance and begin to respond adaptively.

Balance

This exaggerated position is held until a release — such as a softening of the tissues or a sense of ease — is felt. This indicates that the body has found a more neutral point of balance. From here, healing can truly begin. This is particularly valuable for ligaments, which require time — sometimes up to three months — to fully remodel after injury.

When Ligamentous Articular Strain (LAS) Helps

Ligamentous Articular Strain (LAS) techniques can be especially beneficial in cases where the body has lost its natural mobility and balance due to trauma, inflammation, repetitive stress, or prolonged immobility. These techniques are often used when there is:

· Joint stiffness that doesn’t respond well to high-force mobilizations

· Ligament sprain or strain where the tissue remains tense or guarded

· Postural imbalances resulting in subtle but persistent movement restrictions

· Fascial restriction or binding that limits joint glide and muscle coordination

· Chronic pain patterns with no clear structural cause, but evident tissue tension

LAS is particularly helpful in patients who are sensitive, in pain, or not tolerant of aggressive manual techniques, such as the elderly, those in acute injury stages, or individuals with hypermobility. Because LAS works by gently guiding the body toward a state of balance and releasing deep tissue tension, it supports the body's own self-correcting mechanisms.