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)