Although we have long believed fascia to be largely inactive structural support for the more important soft tissues of the body, we’re discovering that it is so much more than that. We now know that fascia has a contractile ability, which can help us better understand and treat fascial restriction and dysfunction.
Fibroblasts and myofibroblasts
Fibroblasts occur naturally in the fascia, creating a mesh-like structure of contractile fibres. These fibres can change their shape, which affects the amount of tension present in the fascia. These changes can occur quickly to support the body in times of stress.
Myofibroblasts normally occur in wounds, contracting wound edges to allow closure. In the fascia, fibroblasts can differentiate into myofibroblasts – cells that combine the properties of fibroblasts with smooth muscle cells. Many factors can lead to the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, including mechanical tension and pharmacological changes in the tissue.
Myofibroblast contraction
Contraction of myofibroblasts is very slow and occurs without neural input. They have a contraction cycle of 90 seconds and will continue to contract in an accumulative way with no relaxation.
‘When viewed at time frames of seconds and minutes, the force of such tissue contractions is not sufficient for exerting a significant effect on mechanical joint stability. However, when viewed in a time window of several minutes or longer, such cellular contractions can impact motoneuronal coordination. In addition, over a time frame of days to months, this cellular activity can induce long-term and severe tissue contractures.’ Robert Schleip & Werner Klingler, 2019).
Because the contraction cycle is so slow and gradual, it can be weeks after an injury before we recognise significant restriction in the fascial network. This can make it difficult to connect the current fascial tension and restriction to the original injury.
Releasing fascial tension
Myofibroblasts don’t have a relaxation phase to their contraction – they simply continue to shorten until appropriate intervention is performed. Because of the continual shortening, a mechanical stretch will be placed on the surrounding fascia, resulting in further differentiation of myofibroblasts, and further shortening and tightening of the surrounding fascia. This vicious cycle can continue unchecked until appropriate treatment interventions are brought into play.
Keep learning about fascia
If you want to keep expanding your knowledge and understanding of the fascia, join us live at the Vet Rehab Summit 2023 on the 10th and 11th of November, which is all about myofascial chains.
Vibeke S. Elbrønd and Rikke M. Schultz, authors of Equine Myofascial Kinetic Lines for Professionals, will join us live for 11 hours of fascinating lectures.
At this year’s Vet Rehab Summit 2023, expect:
10 November
- Understanding the fascia from a 3D perspective, Vibeke S. Elbrønd
- The anatomy and function of the fascial lines, Rikke M. Schultz
- Functional testing of the fascial lines (SDL, SVL, LL, DDL, DVL), Vibeke S. Elbrønd
- Local treatment of the fascial lines (SDL, SVL, LL, DDL, DVL),Vibeke S. Elbrønd
11 November
- Functional testing of the fascial lines (frontlimb lines, SL, FL), Rikke M Schultz
- Local treatment of the fascial lines (frontlimb lines, SL, FL), Rikke M Schultz
- Understanding your canine patient from a fascial perspective, Vibeke S. Elbrønd
- Understanding your equine patient from a fascial perspective, Rikke M. Schultz
Purchase your ticket to attend the Vet Rehab Summit 2023 now.
0 Comments