Structural Integration (Rolfing) - Bodywork in Madison
Fascia & Tensegrity
A Closer Look at Fascia
There are four classes of cells in the human body: neural, muscular, epithelial and connective tissue. Here we turn our focus to the connective tissue cells and their products which, taken together, form the extracellular matrix or fascial system throughout our bodies. This system is sometimes referred to as the "organ of form." It supports and protects by wrapping each muscle and organ in its own fascial wrapping. These wrappings in turn form part of an inextricable web that connects as well as separates all functional units of the body down to each individual cell. It serves as container and restraining support for the whole body. In addition, this living and responsive matrix provides the vehicle for communication between cells and even links the inner network of each cell to the mechanical state of your body via proteins called integrins.
Connective tissue goes by many names: tendons, septa, ligaments, membranes, even bone and blood. Connective tissue cells meet a wide range of flexibility and stability needs by secreting and mixing a variety of elements including collagen (the most common protein in the body) within the ground substance, a proteinous gel which varies from fluid to gluey to solid. The same elements which are capable of producing such a vast array of materials will also rearrange themselves in response to individual activity and injury. Stress going through a material stretches the bonds between the molecules creating a slight electric flow known as a piezo-(pressure) electric charge. This charge is read by nearby cells which respond by augmenting, reducing or changing the intercellular elements in the area to best accommodate the stress.
When body segments are pulled out of place and muscles are required to keep static positions we see increased fascial bonding and thixotropy (solidification) of the surrounding intercellular matrix. It is easy in today's world to imagine a person who spends long hours sitting in front of the computer thereby locking long the muscles on the back of the body and conversely locking short the muscles on the front. The constant strain creates a piezo-electric charge that runs through the fascia within and around the muscles. In response to the charge fibroblasts secrete more collagen into the intercellular space surrounding the affected muscles. The collagen molecules align themselves parallel along the lines of tension and bind with one another via hydrogen bonds forming an inelastic strap-like matrix around the muscle(s).
In healthy fascia the smooth coating permits neighboring structures to slide over one another. However, following inflammatory illnesses, traumatic injury or continued strain due to patterns of movement (or non-movement as described above), layers adhere to one another in glue-like fashion. They no longer slide but instead cause adjacent structures to tug on one another. At the same time the muscles become undernourished and their function reduced as nutrients and chemical messengers struggle to make it to their intended cells.
The good news is that the strain can be reduced, the fascia reabsorbed and the muscle restored to full function if both of the following are achieved:
1. a reopening of the tissue in question to help restore blood fluid flow, muscle function and connection with the sensory-motor system
2. an easing of the pull that caused the increased stress
Structural Integration aims to accomplish both with particular attention paid to the second.
An Introduction to Tensegrity
The conventional idea of body alingment is similar to that of a stack of blocks which line up one on top of the other with the skeleton sustaining their weight. The problem with this model is that a stack of blocks doesn't move. Just as Buckminster Fuller used pliable materials to invent the geodesic dome, a structure sustained by tension rather than compression, our bodies rely on the tensional force of our softer tissues to keep us erect (as opposed to the compressional strength of our bones). The integrity of our alignment depends on the balance of the various fascial tissues (tendons, ligaments, strings, cords and sheets) that hold the bones, muscles and organs in relationship to each other. Take away all our connective tissue and our muscles and bones would fall to the ground in a heap.
Tensegrity structures distribute strain all over the structure. Load (stress) one corner of the structure and the whole structure will give a little to accommodate. As a result, when the structure breaks from too great a load, it will break at its weakest point which is often far from the sight of stress. Whiplash is a problem of the neck for the next few days, a problem of the spine for a few weeks, and is a whole body problem within a few months. This model necessitates attention to the structure globally. Local work and chasing the pain will have only temporary results.
The human body is best poised for action, most vividly attentive, and most at rest when an even balance and tone is present in the fascial tissues comprising the body's continuous tension network. This is the goal of Structural Integration.
Resources
Rolfing: Reestablishing the Natural Alignment and Structural Integration of the Human Body for Vitality and Well-Being -- Ida P. Rolf, Ph.D.
Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual and Movement Therapists -- Thomas W. Myers
Dr. Stephen Levin - An orthopedic surgeon who studies the macro end of the biological scale. He has pioneered the field of Biotensegrity.