“Small kinks in myofascial force transmission such as those
provided by scars or adhesions have surprising functional
consequences, often at some distance from the site”
Myofascia , Connective Tissue, ECM (call it what you want)
What is it and what does it do?
- binds cells into tissue, tissue into organs, organs into systems.
- attaches muscles to tendons and binds tendons to bones, ties bones to bones to form joints.
- wraps every nerve and every vessel.
- laces all internal structures firmly into place and envelops the body as a whole.
- Is continuous through all these processes (NB: every part of the body is connected to every other part by virtue of this Connective Tissue network!!!!!)
- gives muscles their shapes
- stops muscles from bursting as it can withstand up to 2000psi. (you put about 30psi in car tyres!)
- allows muscles to slide past one another
- has 10 times more sensory neurons than your muscles
It also has many properties: It can:-
- be stronger than steel wire –tendons and ligaments
- be as transparent as glass – cornea of eye
- have the toughness of leather
- have the tenacity of glue
- have the viscosity of gelatin
If you add Hyaline (nylon like substance) then it becomes various forms of cartilage
If you add mineral salts it becomes bone
IT IS THE MAJOR REPAIR MECHANISM IN THE BODY!
- It’s chemistry monitors the inflammatory response
- it’s fluids deliver the antibodies and white blood cells to fight infections
- and its Fibroblast's produce fresh collagen to close a wound or fracture with new scar tissue.
It is constantly changing through our lives. It dissolves, hardens, changes shape, size and consistency depending what pressures are applied or injuries have occurred.
Remember that 'Form Follows Function' If you hunch over a keyboard for years then that is the shape your body will form to.Your fascia and muscles will shorten in front and lengthen in the back.
How can it possibly do all this.
Because it is like a gel and just like jelly that can be liquid when heated on a stove it can also be impossible to put a knife in if left at the back of the fridge for a few weeks.
As we age the Fascia’s collagen fibres pack closer together especially in areas of most compression or strain. So it continues to thicken, becomes more rigid, loses Range Of Motion and starts to impose limitations on the movement of your body as a whole. Yip that's what it does.
Anyone who doesn't agree is probably too young or maybe lucky and genetically gifted in some way.
Hmmm. Sounds important. Damn right it is. So look after it. Keep it hydrated, stay out of hot water, away from heat packs, stretch as much as you train, keep moving your body through life, work the muscles that help keep this system healthy and importantly ensure you don't have pain hidden within this system.