Soft Tissue/Fascia Technique

Related Authors: Andrew Taylor Still MD/DO, Janet Travell MD, John F. Barnes PT

"Principles: The body’s individual anatomic structures are united to each other by fascias, made up of specialised connective tissue. The fascias respond to the involuntary movement of the cerebro-spinal fluid, to the autonomous movement of the viscuses, and to voluntary and involuntary movements of the locomotive system. Fascias contain nerves, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, extra-cellular fluid, and various differentiated cells. Fascias have contractile and elastic properties and respond to the “spring – hydraulic cylinder” model of Robert W. Little Ph.D. quoted by Upledger, J.E. and Vredevoogd, J.D. Every action that obstructs the elasticity of the fascias, leads to the obstruction of correct circulation of the liquids and disturbs the activity of the nerve. The shortening and rigidity appearing in the fascia that has suffered a trauma, will cause further congestion and fibrosis. When the fascia becomes thicker through the effect of the trauma, the loss of elasticity causes further restriction of mobility.
Method: According to A.T. Still, the fascia is the point of the body from which the illnesse is propagated. He wrote: “It is through its action that we live, through its failure that our body wilts or swells, and dies”. According to William Garner Sutherland D.O., the intra-fascial space is even more important.
Indications: As the structures of the fascias is ever present, they must always be taken into consideration in osteopathic treatment. It is important to remember that the fascias contain our being and, from a certain aspect, express our essence."
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Trigger Point Technique

Related Authors: Janet G. Travelle MD David G. Simons

"Principles: There are hyper-irritable palpable points in the tissues. When these points are compressed, they are locally painful, causing remote referred pain, and may trigger autonomous referred phenomena. Trigger Points can be myofascial, cutaneous, fascial, ligamentary and periosteous.
Method: There are three methods for treating the Trigger Points. They are: manual ischemic compression, a dry puncture or an anaesthetic injection, and the "Stretch and Spray" method. We prefer using the latter method because the best results are obtained by stretching the affected muscle while applying a spray of ethyl chloride. This cools the tissue, reducing the contractures that compress the arteries and facilitates stretching.
Indications: All hyper-irritations of muscles, skin (scars), fascias, ligaments, periosteums, that cause local or remote pain accompanied by vasomotor or autonomous phenomena. Cephalea due to contractures of the masticator muscles."
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