The Structure and Function of the Fascial System

Conditions: Having completed 6 hours of instruction on the fascial system, the learner is expected to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the terms and concepts related to the structure and function of the fascial system, on a written examination.

• Demonstrate knowledge of the terms and concepts related to myofascial dysfunction on a written examination.

• Define and discuss fascia, its relationship with muscle tissue, and the structure of myofascia.

• Define and discuss connective tissue and these aspects of connective tissue.

  • Different types of connective tissue:

Fascia

Bone

Cartilage

 Ligaments

 Tendons

 Joint capsules

Periosteum of bones

 Blood

Adipose tissue

Connective tissue, their structure and function:

Connective tissue cells

Fibroblasts

Mast cells

Ground substance

Connective tissue fibers

Collagen

Elastin

Reticular

Properties of connective tissue and the implications for massage or bodywork:

Thixotropy

 Viscoelasticity

 Piezoelectritcity

Adhesiveness

  • Unique characteristics of fascia that make it different from other connective tissue and therefore more responsive to massage or bodywork methods:

 Higher levels of ground substance

Links all body areas together

  • Functions of fascia:

Structural integrity

Tensegrity

Protection and shock absorption

Immune defense

Cellular exchange

  • Locations of fascia and theories of fascial organization such as the idea of horizontal planes, fascial bands, and myofascial chains.
  • Discuss implications for these arrangements of fascia to massage and bodywork.

 Superficial

Deep

Horizontal planes

 Fascial bands

 Myofascial chains

Fascial Dysfunctions

• Myofascial dysfunction

  • Defined
  • Present and discuss general causes and factors that lead to myofascial dysfunction:
  •  Postural habits
  •  Diet
  • Repetitive mechanical stress
  •  Injury
  •  Chronic stress
  • Lifestyle
  • Present and discuss these components of connective tissue, normal function,
  • and dysfunction:
  •  Cells (fibroblasts, chondrocytes, osteocytes)
  • Healthy function
  • Dysfunction
  •  Fibers (collagen, elastin, reticulin)
  • Collagen
  • Formation: present and discuss how collagen fibers are formed.
  • Healthy function
  • Dysfunction
  •  Ground substance
  • Composition
  • Function
  • Dysfunction

Properties of connective tissue and compare and contrast healthy function with dysfunction:

 Thixotropy

Healthy function

Dysfunction

 Viscoelasticity

Healthy function

Dysfunction

Piezoelectricity

Healthy function

Dysfunction

Adhesiveness

Healthy function

Dysfunction

Pain and fascia

  • Sensory receptors and their locations and functions:

Mechanoreceptors

Proprioceptors

Chemoreceptors

Nociceptors

Neurosensory role of soft tissue and the concept that fascia is more pain sensitive than muscle and transmits pain over broad distances through the fascial “web.”

Present and discuss what happens when fascia becomes shortened.

Present and discuss ways to promote myofascial health and implications for massage and bodywork:

“Melt” and “stir” ground substance.

 Increase piezoelectricity.

Reduce fascial restrictions.

 Break adhesive bonds.

Topic The Muscular System (13.0)