The Fusion Effect: When Stillness Creates Strain
In the human body, motion is shared. Joints rarely move in isolation — they work together as part of a coordinated chain. When one joint stops moving as it should, the neighboring joints naturally adjust to help maintain overall function. Over time, however, these adjustments can create uneven movement patterns that may contribute to discomfort or wear if not balanced out. I call this the Fusion Effect.
A clear example can be seen after spinal fusion surgery. When two vertebrae, such as L4 and L5, are fused to stabilize the spine, the segments above and below take on a bit more movement to keep the spine functioning as a whole. This increased workload can, over time, create stress in those nearby joints — a well-known and expected adaptation.
The same principle applies throughout the body, even without surgery.
If the hamstrings become very tight, they can limit the pelvis’s ability to tilt forward. The lower back may then move more to keep motion smooth and functional. Similarly, if the hip flexors (such as the iliopsoas) are tight and restrict hip extension, the lower back often helps by extending a little more during movement. The body finds a way — it’s remarkably resourceful.
The thoracic spine offers another example. Because it naturally moves less (and our modern posture often limits it further), the body frequently borrows motion from the lower back and neck to complete everyday movements. This pattern is extremely common and part of why attention to balanced mobility across the whole spine is so valuable.
Ultimately, when one area moves less, another moves more. The goal isn’t to stop these adaptations — they’re part of how we stay functional — but to restore shared movement so no single area has to work overtime.
Restoring Balance
At Bodylogic, I focus on helping the body rediscover its natural balance of motion and stability. By improving mobility where it’s limited and reinforcing stability where it’s needed, we reduce unnecessary strain and help the nervous system feel safer and more efficient. The idea isn’t to “fix” a broken system — it’s to guide the body back toward cooperation and confidence in movement.
When movement is shared, ease follows.
Here’s why this is connects to the work we do together