What is ELDOA?
ELDOA is a French acronym and is most easily translated as “Longitudinal Osteo-Articular Decoaptation of the Spine”.
ELDOA is a revolutionary technique using specific movements to decompress the joints of the spine, pelvis, shoulders and skull. Developed by French osteopath Guy Voyer, DO, ELDOA is part of his SomaTraining program that also includes myofascial stretching. Both of these techniques respect the functional tensegrity of the body using the organization of the fascial chains and human biomechanics.
ELDOA's are a series of specific movements designed to wind fascial chains in the body, creating tension on either side of a joint, and then elongating the movement to decompress the joint space.
Benefits of ELDOA
Improve posture, mobility, blood circulation, and organ function.
Increase muscle flexibility with balanced muscle tone and performance.
Reduce stress, excess tension, joint inflammation and muscle pain.
Faster recovery from injuries or sports training.
Relief of chronic and acute spine, hip and shoulder pain.
Alleviate negative side effects associated with scoliosis, arthritis, disc degeneration and many other conditions.
Testimonials
“The ELDOA and Myofascial Stretching classes have contributed a great deal to my increasing strength, flexibility and stamina. I had lost height as I was ageing, however after a couple years of ELDOA my height has been increasing!”
— Leigh B
Get started with ELDOA!
VPC is the first to bring the ground breaking ELDOA Method to Vancouver, offering ELDOA and Myofascial Stretching classes and private sessions.
ELDOA Primer $45+gst
30 minute introductory private session
If you are new to ELDOA, we recommend booking this 30-minute private session in advance of your first class. This is especially important if you have acute or chronic back or joint pain, as you may need modifications to the basic ELDOA exercises. One-time introductory offer.
3 Class Sampler $35+gst
Attend any combination of our ELDOA All Levels and Myofascial Stretching drop-in classes. 3 week expiry.
ELDOA Drop-in Classes
Regular practice will promote optimal function while strengthening and normalizing muscles and connective tissue along the spine and throughout the body. The VPC offers a variety of different ELDOA drop-in classes:
ELDOA All Levels
Entry-level class designed to progressively build the skills required to practice the basic ELDOAs. All levels are welcome.
SLOW-AH ELDOA
If you have agility issues or have trouble getting up & down, this class is paced to accommodate transitions between poses and allow time to set up modifications. All levels are welcome.
ELDOA Intermediate
A faster-paced class using a more intense series of ELDOAs that requires a thorough understanding of the ELDOA principles. Pre-requisite: previous ELDOA experience and permission of teaching staff.
Myofascial Stretching
Myofascial Stretching is a strengthening and stretching technique that creates real and lasting change in the elasticity of the muscle fibers and surrounding connective tissue. All muscles are wrapped in connective tissue effectively linking them in chains throughout the entire body. It can be difficult to stretch muscles if the connective tissue is not elastic, much like trying to elongate muscles that are wrapped in leathery sleeves.
Myofascial stretches put the fascia into tension to normalize the length and function of the fascia and muscle chains. Regular practice will correct structural imbalances and release excess tension across the joints to reduce inflammation and pain. It will also help keep your muscles long and strong, complimenting your Pilates program or other activities such as various sports, dance, hiking or exercise training.