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CONNECTIVE TISSUE MASSAGE
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Connective tissue is the matrix that holds the body together.
It is found throughout the body and is continuous from head to toe.
It makes up a large proportion of the body mass and is highly
specialised in function and role, within the body. Its roles
include maintaining the form/shape of the body, providing mechanical
support and movement quality, tissue fluid transport, wound healing
etc.
There are several different types of connective tissue; some are
harder or softer and some are more elastic or rigid than others.
It provides the body with “tensegrity” - a term to describe a
“system that stabilises itself mechanically because of the way in
which tensional and compressive forces are distributed and balanced
within the structure” ( 1998 Donald Ingber).
Connective tissue crosses throughout the body in a complex
inter-relationship with all the other structures in the body (bones,
joints, tendons etc.) and it also wraps around muscles so that they
are contained within functional compartments and layers. This
allows the body to move to it's maximum ability. |
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Any injury
may interfere with the ability of connective tissue to move
freely; surgery, joint changes due to arthritis, stroke shoulder
problems, even chronic bad posture.
Any interference can cause adhesions, thickening or shortening of
the connective tissue which will compromise the quality of movement.
If the quality is affected then this may lead to pain and further
problems developing, especially around joints; for example shoulder
problems after mastectomy surgery.
Connective tissue is a structure that responds to stimulus. If
stressed or pulled in a certain direction (e.g. by poor posture
following trauma) it will alter its structure and function in order
to manage this new demand. It is also subject to the ageing process.
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Connective Tissue massage can be applied as a specific approach to
biomechanical movement problems. It can be included in the
assessment and treatment of pathologies that affect joints, muscles
or neural element in order to allow the musculoskeletal system to
operate at maximum functional ability. It has proved to be an
essential part of the rehabilitation process and assists in
providing a logical and coherent clinical approach to repairing
functional movement capacity. |
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