Fascial Distortion Part 2

Continuing from last month’s article on fascial distortions, I hope to convey the broad spectrum of potential problematic areas that everyone, at some point, experiences, at least to some degree. The critical point to remember is that fascial tissue is extremely “nerve rich”, meaning that it makes one very aware when something with the musculoskeletal system, along with its connective tissue,  has been injured or gone awry;remember the “good vibrations” that are transmitted for our benefit!

So, remember from last time that:

1.     Banded fascia includes Triggerbands which are anatomical injuries to banded (parallel fibers reinforced by perpendicular cross-bands)fibers which resemble a Ziploc® bag in that the fibers/bands separate and, if become chronic, can become filled with scar tissue. This category of fascia also includes Continuum Distortions, which occur when the transition zones between tendons, ligaments, other fascial tissue, and the bones lose their ability to respond correctly to external forces. A majority of Continuum Distortions are found in acute injuries, but some may be found along with chronic injuries. Ankle sprains, cervical strains, sore shoulders, and sacroiliac pain are a few examples of these exquisitely tender disruptions of the ligament/bone junction. The impressive part about the transition zone is that there is an inherent quality that makes it more flexible than bone, yet more sturdy than ligament, and, depending on the forces being experienced, the zone is in a constant, demand-oriented flux, depending on the need imposed upon the joint. So, say a fall onto one’s wrist (one direction force) occurs. This situation would signal the bones in that area to send more osseous (boney) elements to the transition zone to make it stronger.However, if one’s experience is a car accident that involves a rear ending that ends with impacts from the front or side (multi-directional forces), the areas impacted (think neck or back), the transition zone sends those osseous elements back toward the bones, to allow for more give to minimize tears. The problem is that when the transition zone becomes stuck in one of those configurations,injuries are escalated because of the inability to adapt to the demands.

2.    Coiled Fascia, which includes Cylinder Distortions (superficial,tangled coils of circular fascia that act like a tourniquet around muscles and other tissues) when they become restricted. One will typically experience tingling and numbness with this distortion following a pulling, twisting injury. Think of a Slinky® toy that has been pulled or pushed with a twist and how it will lose its shape. Now, envision your arm or leg having experienced that type of injury.

3.    Folding Fascia, along with the associated Folding Distortion, is found in joint areas and is injured via traction or compression (pull/push)injuries, i.e. a dog on a leash yanking the shoulder or landing on the wrist with a fall. The involved tissue in these examples will become distorted like a road map that does not re-fold into the original shape and allowing for greater distortion with subsequent like injuries.

4.    Smooth Fascia is another vulnerable fascia type. There are two types of distortions in this fascial category. Herniated Trigger Points occur in the soft areas between the neck and shoulder, the buttock cheeks, the abdomen and the flank between the top of the pelvis and last rib. This fascial injury occurs when the tissue tears and the underlying tissue protrudes through and becomes pinched in the breached area. Tectonic Distortions present themselves in joint areas and are most noticeable with stiffness, “like feeling a quart low on oil”. So, decreased range of motion and pain are the obvious complaints as a result of a loss in the natural “glide” in the joint.

While it is likely apparent which fascial injuries you are most prone to, the obvious question should be, “how do I avoid them?”  Inevitably, the two major influences are acute injuries and repetitive strains.  So, avoid collisions, falls and pulls as well as doing the same motions over and over like running, spinning or swinging a golf club or racquet. As that is about as unlikely as my dad, Lou, turning away from a Jersey Shore sausage and pepper sandwich (if he were still living), let’s get real! We obviously cannot live in a “bubble”, so, prevention with adequate strength and flexibility exercises (beginner yoga is my favorite) and addressing these injuries fairly quickly are paramount. How are these injury types addressed? Evaluation of the tissues in question is followed up with manual procedures and possibly some electro or laser therapy, including acupuncture points. Some areas may have been overworked in your exercise routine and the weaker, or inhibited muscles may need to be concentrated on.  Each situation may call for specific or a combination of procedures. So, pay close attention to your body’s signals and contact us if you have any concerns!

 

      

 

 

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