Fascial Plasticity – A New
Neurobiological Explanation
Robert Schleip
Abstract
Part 1: In myofascial manipulation an
immediate tissue release is often felt under the working hand. This amazing
feature has traditionally been attributed to mechanical properties of the
connective tissue. Yet studies have shown that either much stronger forces or
longer durations would be required for a permanent viscoelastic deformation of
fascia. Fascia nevertheless is densely innervated by mechanoreceptors which are
responsive to manual pressure. Stimulation of these sensory receptors has been
shown to lead to a lowering of sympathetic tonus as well as a change in local
tissue viscosity. Fascia and the autonomic nervous system appear to be
intimately connected.
Part 2:: Stimulation of fascial
mechanoreceptors can trigger viscosity changes in the ground substance. The
discovery and implications of the existence of fascial smooth muscle cells are
of special interest in relation to fibromyalgia, amongst other conditions. An
attitudinal shift is suggested, from a mechanical body concept towards a
cybernetic model, in which the practitioner’s intervention are seen as
stimulation for self regulatory processes within the client’s organism.
Practical implications of this approach in myofascial manipulation will be
explored.
This article series has been published in Journal of
Bodywork and Movement Therapies (Part 1 in Vol.7, No.1, January 2003, and Part 2 in Vol.7, No.2,
April 2003)
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