tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480 %ISSUE_DATE%T09:25:32-07:00 Working with muscle and other soft tissues. TypePad tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56365 2013-02-15T12:00:32-07:00 2013-02-15T12:00:07-07:00

I wonder how many of you bother to palpate spinal interspinous ligaments? I still remember a lecture years ago by James Mennell, MD, whose textbooks on the science and art of joint manipulation are classics, during which he stated that if a ligament is tender upon palpation, there is something wrong with the ligament.

By Warren Hammer, MS, DC, DABCO I wonder how many of you bother to palpate spinal interspinous ligaments? I still remember a lecture years ago by James Mennell, MD, whose textbooks on the science and art of joint manipulation are classics, during which he stated that if a ligament is tender upon palpation, there is something wrong with the ligament. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56200 2012-11-04T12:00:32-07:00 2012-11-04T12:00:07-07:00

Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most common form of primary headache in the general population and like all headache complaints, requires an adequate case history to exclude other possible causes falling under the headings of cervicogenic, vascular migraine or cluster-type; organic vascular types such as subarachnoid hemorrhage, subdural hematoma, arterial hypertension, intracranial neoplasm, meningitis and infection; allergic substances; metabolic disorders; and extracranial causes such as the teeth and TMJ, among many others.

By Warren Hammer, MS, DC, DABCO Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most common form of primary headache in the general population and like all headache complaints, requires an adequate case history to exclude other possible causes falling under the headings of cervicogenic, vascular migraine or cluster-type; organic vascular types such as subarachnoid hemorrhage, subdural hematoma, arterial hypertension, intracranial neoplasm, meningitis and infection; allergic substances; metabolic disorders; and extracranial causes such as the teeth and TMJ, among many others. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56113 2012-09-09T12:00:32-07:00 2012-09-09T12:00:07-07:00

Muscle cannot properly function without its accompanying connective-tissue framework. In this case, we are discussing muscle contraction. It is already established that connective-tissue fascia has a sensory function containing spindle cells, Pacini, Ruffini and Golgi, and interstitial type III and type IV receptors,1 that are responsible for normal muscle function.

By Warren Hammer, MS, DC, DABCO Muscle cannot properly function without its accompanying connective-tissue framework. In this case, we are discussing muscle contraction. It is already established that connective-tissue fascia has a sensory function containing spindle cells, Pacini, Ruffini and Golgi, and interstitial type III and type IV receptors,1 that are responsible for normal muscle function. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56053 2012-08-12T12:00:32-07:00 2012-08-12T12:00:07-07:00

Patients occasionally enter the office with a torn meniscus of the knee. In these cases, it is important to determine if they could respond to conservative care. Meniscal tears may be either traumatic or degenerative, and degenerative tears are closely associated with osteoarthritis. Based on symptomatology, examination and age, one might consider a degenerative meniscal tear from a plain X-ray, but acute tears do not have any specific radiographic findings.

By Warren Hammer, MS, DC, DABCO Patients occasionally enter the office with a torn meniscus of the knee. In these cases, it is important to determine if they could respond to conservative care. Meniscal tears may be either traumatic or degenerative, and degenerative tears are closely associated with osteoarthritis. Based on symptomatology, examination and age, one might consider a degenerative meniscal tear from a plain X-ray, but acute tears do not have any specific radiographic findings. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55986 2012-07-15T12:00:32-07:00 2012-07-15T12:00:07-07:00

Physical activity restores our body by way of mechanical loading. Mechanical loading is the crux of many methods of soft-tissue treatment. Mechanical loading by a practitioner is a form of physical activity performed on a patient.

By Warren Hammer, MS, DC, DABCO Physical activity restores our body by way of mechanical loading. Mechanical loading is the crux of many methods of soft-tissue treatment. Mechanical loading by a practitioner is a form of physical activity performed on a patient. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55966 2012-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

Typically, we think of communication in the mammalian system as occurring by way of the nervous system. Oschman quotes Sherrington's statement about the single-celled paramecium that swims around gracefully, avoids predators, finds food, mates and has sex all without a single synapse: "Of nerve there is no trace. But the cell framework, the cytoskeleton might serve."

By Warren Hammer, MS, DC, DABCO Typically, we think of communication in the mammalian system as occurring by way of the nervous system. Oschman quotes Sherrington's statement about the single-celled paramecium that swims around gracefully, avoids predators, finds food, mates and has sex all without a single synapse: "Of nerve there is no trace. But the cell framework, the cytoskeleton might serve." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55920 2012-05-20T12:00:32-07:00 2012-05-20T12:00:07-07:00

The average chiropractor with a typical injury-based practice who does not practice nutrition, sell supplements* or consider nutrition a strong point will often say little to their patients regarding nutrition. This is not to imply these doctors don't want to help their patients nutritionally, because they do. They just don't know how to raise the topic in an organized manner that is comfortable for them to present and easy for their patients to understand. If you are one of these doctors, these quick, easy, low-tech tips may solve your problem.

By G. Douglas Andersen, DC, DACBSP, CCN The average chiropractor with a typical injury-based practice who does not practice nutrition, sell supplements* or consider nutrition a strong point will often say little to their patients regarding nutrition. This is not to imply these doctors don't want to help their patients nutritionally, because they do. They just don't know how to raise the topic in an organized manner that is comfortable for them to present and easy for their patients to understand. If you are one of these doctors, these quick, easy, low-tech tips may solve your problem. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55911 2012-05-20T12:00:32-07:00 2012-05-20T12:00:07-07:00

An important study in the fascial world by Langevin (2009) proposed that people with chronic and recurrent low back pain had 25 percent greater fascial thickness than a low back pain-free group. Helene Langevin, MD, is a researcher at the University of Vermont who devotes a considerable amount of time studying connective tissue. She concluded her study by stating: "Increased thickness and disorganization of connective tissue layers may be an important and so-far neglected factor in human LBP pathophysiology."

By Warren Hammer, MS, DC, DABCO An important study in the fascial world by Langevin (2009) proposed that people with chronic and recurrent low back pain had 25 percent greater fascial thickness than a low back pain-free group. Helene Langevin, MD, is a researcher at the University of Vermont who devotes a considerable amount of time studying connective tissue. She concluded her study by stating: "Increased thickness and disorganization of connective tissue layers may be an important and so-far neglected factor in human LBP pathophysiology." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55866 2012-04-22T12:00:32-07:00 2012-04-22T12:00:07-07:00

There is a strong probability that mechanical loading of soft tissue by manual and instrument-assisted methods can affect the muscle spindle cell. If this is true, then it will be another part of the puzzle that explains our results using soft-tissue techniques. But first, while we remember some things about spindle cells, I think a short review of the importance of these cells and their relationship to muscle function is warranted. There is much more information about spindle cell activity than can be expressed in this short article, but the following is some of the essential information.

By Warren Hammer, MS, DC, DABCO There is a strong probability that mechanical loading of soft tissue by manual and instrument-assisted methods can affect the muscle spindle cell. If this is true, then it will be another part of the puzzle that explains our results using soft-tissue techniques. But first, while we remember some things about spindle cells, I think a short review of the importance of these cells and their relationship to muscle function is warranted. There is much more information about spindle cell activity than can be expressed in this short article, but the following is some of the essential information. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55569 2011-10-07T12:00:32-07:00 2011-10-07T12:00:07-07:00

Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is the most common cause of lateral knee pain in runners. It is described as an overuse injury caused by repetitive friction of the iliotibial band over the lateral femoral epicondyle, with the maximal zone of impingement at about 30 degrees of knee flexion.

By Warren Hammer, MS, DC, DABCO Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is the most common cause of lateral knee pain in runners. It is described as an overuse injury caused by repetitive friction of the iliotibial band over the lateral femoral epicondyle, with the maximal zone of impingement at about 30 degrees of knee flexion. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55517 2011-09-09T12:00:32-07:00 2011-09-09T12:00:07-07:00

Many of us focus primarily on adjustments, others are primarily soft-tissue chiropractors, and still others focus on rehab. What gets the best results? Since this is my soapbox, here is my answer: Use the right combination of all of your tools for the specific patient and their specific problem.

By Marc Heller, DC Many of us focus primarily on adjustments, others are primarily soft-tissue chiropractors, and still others focus on rehab. What gets the best results? Since this is my soapbox, here is my answer: Use the right combination of all of your tools for the specific patient and their specific problem. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55492 2011-08-26T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-26T12:00:07-07:00

One of the most exciting things about manual methods such as Graston, active release, fascial manipulation, friction massage and others is that mechanical loading stimulates the proliferation of fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are the most common cells of connective tissue. These cells, among many other functions, synthesize the extracellular matrix and collagen, which represents the structural framework for our tissues. Lest we forget, the extracellular matrix (ECM) represents everything outside of the cells. Besides providing a structural support to our cells, within the ECM are gels of polysaccharides and fibrous proteins that fill the interstitial spaces and provide a compression buffer against all loads.

By Warren Hammer, MS, DC, DABCO One of the most exciting things about manual methods such as Graston, active release, fascial manipulation, friction massage and others is that mechanical loading stimulates the proliferation of fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are the most common cells of connective tissue. These cells, among many other functions, synthesize the extracellular matrix and collagen, which represents the structural framework for our tissues. Lest we forget, the extracellular matrix (ECM) represents everything outside of the cells. Besides providing a structural support to our cells, within the ECM are gels of polysaccharides and fibrous proteins that fill the interstitial spaces and provide a compression buffer against all loads. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55457 2011-07-29T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-29T12:00:07-07:00

Fascial manipulation (FM) is a systematic approach to soft-tissue work evolved over 30 years by Luigi Stecco, an Italian physical therapist. I'll start out with my thoughts on this treatment approach in the format of a Web review. My rating is 4.5/5 stars; very good.

By Marc Heller, DC Fascial manipulation (FM) is a systematic approach to soft-tissue work evolved over 30 years by Luigi Stecco, an Italian physical therapist. I'll start out with my thoughts on this treatment approach in the format of a Web review. My rating is 4.5/5 stars; very good. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55456 2011-07-29T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-29T12:00:07-07:00

An interesting article in the sports section of the New York Times blamed the "yips" on the buildup of scar tissue in the forearms. The yips represent a nervous / tension reaction while attempting to make a short putt in golf and has been defined as a motor phenomenon of involuntary movements. Most people blame it on psychological factors.

By Warren Hammer, MS, DC, DABCO An interesting article in the sports section of the New York Times blamed the "yips" on the buildup of scar tissue in the forearms. The yips represent a nervous / tension reaction while attempting to make a short putt in golf and has been defined as a motor phenomenon of involuntary movements. Most people blame it on psychological factors. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55414 2011-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

Bill Clinton used the campaign slogan, "It's the economy, stupid," to help defeat George H.W. Bush in the 1992 presidential election. The sooner the chiropractic profession recognizes the importance of fascia and its treatment in the world of soft tissue, the sooner will we receive the recognition we rightly deserve.

By Warren Hammer, MS, DC, DABCO Bill Clinton used the campaign slogan, "It's the economy, stupid," to help defeat George H.W. Bush in the 1992 presidential election. The sooner the chiropractic profession recognizes the importance of fascia and its treatment in the world of soft tissue, the sooner will we receive the recognition we rightly deserve. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55328 2011-05-20T12:00:32-07:00 2011-05-20T12:00:07-07:00

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting approximately 27 million Americans. Causative factors are thought to be overweight, aging, joint injury or stress, and muscle weakness, among others. Clearly there are many theories of causation, but still no definitive etiologies.

By Warren Hammer, MS, DC, DABCO Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting approximately 27 million Americans. Causative factors are thought to be overweight, aging, joint injury or stress, and muscle weakness, among others. Clearly there are many theories of causation, but still no definitive etiologies. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55277 2011-04-22T12:00:32-07:00 2011-04-22T12:00:07-07:00

Most clinicians in the soft-tissue world work on some type of point. It could be a tender point, a myofascial trigger point (active and latent), an acupuncture point or what are currently being called "Stecco" points. Some of the many techniques used to treat these points include friction massage, Graston technique, active release, ischemic compression, myofascial release, fascial manipulation, Nimmo, dry needling, gua sha, structural integration (Rolfing), active isolated stretch, pulsed ultrasound, low-level laser, mechanical vibration, reciprocal inhibition techniques, and varieties of massage, to name just a few. These points are found in and even define conditions such as myofascial pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, fibrositis, regional pain syndrome, chronic pain syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, tendinopathies, temporomandibular joint syndrome, migraines and many others.

By Warren Hammer, MS, DC, DABCO Most clinicians in the soft-tissue world work on some type of point. It could be a tender point, a myofascial trigger point (active and latent), an acupuncture point or what are currently being called "Stecco" points. Some of the many techniques used to treat these points include friction massage, Graston technique, active release, ischemic compression, myofascial release, fascial manipulation, Nimmo, dry needling, gua sha, structural integration (Rolfing), active isolated stretch, pulsed ultrasound, low-level laser, mechanical vibration, reciprocal inhibition techniques, and varieties of massage, to name just a few. These points are found in and even define conditions such as myofascial pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, fibrositis, regional pain syndrome, chronic pain syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, tendinopathies, temporomandibular joint syndrome, migraines and many others. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55254 2011-04-09T12:00:32-07:00 2011-04-09T12:00:07-07:00

In my opinion, quality chiropractic care begins with combining soft-tissue techniques with joint manipulation and rehabilitation exercise. Muscles move bones. If you are not addressing the dysfunction in the muscles, your adjusting is much less likely to have long-term success. This article, the first in a series on soft-tissue techniques, reviews some of soft-tissue methods I have been introduced to over the past 35 years.

By Marc Heller, DC In my opinion, quality chiropractic care begins with combining soft-tissue techniques with joint manipulation and rehabilitation exercise. Muscles move bones. If you are not addressing the dysfunction in the muscles, your adjusting is much less likely to have long-term success. This article, the first in a series on soft-tissue techniques, reviews some of soft-tissue methods I have been introduced to over the past 35 years. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55134 2011-01-29T12:00:32-07:00 2011-01-29T12:00:07-07:00

For years, we have read about and experienced the reduction in tissue viscosity that occurs when we create pressure on tissues, whether by hand, instrumentation or the use of modalities. Many thoughts have been expressed about tissue release regarding temperature, the effect of pressure, the change in fascia from a gel to a solid, intercellular matrix changes, etc. The problem is that no one has expressed the underlying possible histological reason for tissue change based on evidence.

By Warren Hammer, MS, DC, DABCO For years, we have read about and experienced the reduction in tissue viscosity that occurs when we create pressure on tissues, whether by hand, instrumentation or the use of modalities. Many thoughts have been expressed about tissue release regarding temperature, the effect of pressure, the change in fascia from a gel to a solid, intercellular matrix changes, etc. The problem is that no one has expressed the underlying possible histological reason for tissue change based on evidence. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55078 2011-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

Almost all of the major anatomical textbooks - Netter's Atlas of Human Anatomy and Gray's Anatomy, for example - show beautiful photos and illustrations of muscles attached to bones. Unfortunately, based on this type of muscular description, they are describing only part of a structure and giving the impression that this represents the muscle in its entirety. What is being left out is the part of the muscle that transmits its force and even more importantly, the part of the muscle that allows it to function.

By Warren Hammer, MS, DC, DABCO Almost all of the major anatomical textbooks - Netter's Atlas of Human Anatomy and Gray's Anatomy, for example - show beautiful photos and illustrations of muscles attached to bones. Unfortunately, based on this type of muscular description, they are describing only part of a structure and giving the impression that this represents the muscle in its entirety. What is being left out is the part of the muscle that transmits its force and even more importantly, the part of the muscle that allows it to function. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54773 2010-07-15T12:00:32-07:00 2010-07-15T12:00:07-07:00

"Addressing the Myofascial Component of Musculoskeletal Pain," a two-day conference held at the University of Pittsburgh on May 7-8, marked a historic first for the chiropractic profession. Over a year ago, four doctors of chiropractic got together and decided that with interest in soft tissue beginning to permeate our profession, why not create a conference and invite scientists and clinicians from all professions interested in soft-tissue research and treatment? Why not invite representatives from all areas of the soft-tissue world that have clinically proven successes? In short, this was a conference conceived by DCs who decided that they had enough of the petty bickering between professions as to who could achieve the best results.

By Warren Hammer, MS, DC, DABCO "Addressing the Myofascial Component of Musculoskeletal Pain," a two-day conference held at the University of Pittsburgh on May 7-8, marked a historic first for the chiropractic profession. Over a year ago, four doctors of chiropractic got together and decided that with interest in soft tissue beginning to permeate our profession, why not create a conference and invite scientists and clinicians from all professions interested in soft-tissue research and treatment? Why not invite representatives from all areas of the soft-tissue world that have clinically proven successes? In short, this was a conference conceived by DCs who decided that they had enough of the petty bickering between professions as to who could achieve the best results. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54549 2010-03-26T12:00:32-07:00 2010-03-26T12:00:07-07:00

Before I decide whether to attend a conference, I ask myself two important questions: will the information be beneficial to my understanding of the subject and will I be instituting any permanent changes the following Monday morning? It is often said that if a conference is able to give the practitioner one significant thing they will find useful for the rest of their career, then the weekend is worthwhile.

By Warren Hammer, MS, DC, DABCO Before I decide whether to attend a conference, I ask myself two important questions: will the information be beneficial to my understanding of the subject and will I be instituting any permanent changes the following Monday morning? It is often said that if a conference is able to give the practitioner one significant thing they will find useful for the rest of their career, then the weekend is worthwhile. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54447 2010-01-29T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-29T12:00:07-07:00

This past November, I was privileged to speak on Graston Technique at the 2nd Fascia Research Conference in Amsterdam. There is much to report about the new material that was presented at the conference, which I will do in this and future articles. I became especially interested at the final day of the six-day conference when I attended a workshop titled "The Fascial Manipulation Technique and Its Biomechanical Model - A Guide to the Human Fascial System." The course was presented by Carla Stecco, MD, an orthopedic surgeon and assistant professor of human anatomy and movement sciences, University of Padova, Italy; and Julie Ann Day, a physiotherapist also from Padova.

By Warren Hammer, MS, DC, DABCO This past November, I was privileged to speak on Graston Technique at the 2nd Fascia Research Conference in Amsterdam. There is much to report about the new material that was presented at the conference, which I will do in this and future articles. I became especially interested at the final day of the six-day conference when I attended a workshop titled "The Fascial Manipulation Technique and Its Biomechanical Model - A Guide to the Human Fascial System." The course was presented by Carla Stecco, MD, an orthopedic surgeon and assistant professor of human anatomy and movement sciences, University of Padova, Italy; and Julie Ann Day, a physiotherapist also from Padova. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54422 2010-01-15T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-15T12:00:07-07:00

At a recent seminar, I was teaching how to correct the adductors. As I circumducted the supine patient's left hip joint, she experienced pain at the pubic ramus when the thigh was adducted medially and moved from superior to inferior. One of the doctors standing nearby blurted out that the patient had a labral tear. This opened the opportunity for discussion about acetabular labral tear signs and symptoms.

By Todd Turnbull, DC, CCSP At a recent seminar, I was teaching how to correct the adductors. As I circumducted the supine patient's left hip joint, she experienced pain at the pubic ramus when the thigh was adducted medially and moved from superior to inferior. One of the doctors standing nearby blurted out that the patient had a labral tear. This opened the opportunity for discussion about acetabular labral tear signs and symptoms. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54394 2010-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

Before employing rehabilitative exercise in the office or counseling a patient on rehabilitative exercises to be performed at home, you must have a basic understanding of soft-tissue injuries. This understanding will help in all aspects of rehabilitation including stretching, aerobic exercise and strength training.

By K. Jeffrey Miller, DC, DABCO Before employing rehabilitative exercise in the office or counseling a patient on rehabilitative exercises to be performed at home, you must have a basic understanding of soft-tissue injuries. This understanding will help in all aspects of rehabilitation including stretching, aerobic exercise and strength training. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54348 2009-12-02T12:00:32-07:00 2009-12-02T12:00:07-07:00

An anatomic study that appeared recently in the American Journal of Sports Medicine1 identified – for the first time – the cross-sectional anatomy of the iliopsoas tendon at the level of the labrum. Several authors have implicated iliopsoas impingement on the anterior labrum as a cause of labral tears. They have stated that a tight iliopsoas tendon could cause compression over the anterior capsulolabral complex, leading to labral lesions. Labral tears at the 2 o’clock to 3 o’clock position of the acetabulum (see image on page 20) are directly under the iliopsoas tendon. This labral tear is considered an anterior tear, while most labral tears caused by trauma, femoroacetabular impingement, capsular laxity/hip mobility, dyspla

By Warren Hammer, MS, DC, DABCO An anatomic study that appeared recently in the American Journal of Sports Medicine1 identified – for the first time – the cross-sectional anatomy of the iliopsoas tendon at the level of the labrum. Several authors have implicated iliopsoas impingement on the anterior labrum as a cause of labral tears. They have stated that a tight iliopsoas tendon could cause compression over the anterior capsulolabral complex, leading to labral lesions. Labral tears at the 2 o’clock to 3 o’clock position of the acetabulum (see image on page 20) are directly under the iliopsoas tendon. This labral tear is considered an anterior tear, while most labral tears caused by trauma, femoroacetabular impingement, capsular laxity/hip mobility, dyspla tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54149 2009-10-07T12:00:32-07:00 2009-10-07T12:00:07-07:00

It appears that the validity of almost all of the shoulder tests we perform on a daily basis are in question.

By Warren Hammer, MS, DC, DABCO It appears that the validity of almost all of the shoulder tests we perform on a daily basis are in question. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54040 2009-08-12T12:00:32-07:00 2009-08-12T12:00:07-07:00

It is very doubtful that a cure for osteoarthritis (OA) will be discovered in our lifetime. However, based on present-day information, there are definite ways to reduce its consequences. Three definite risk factors include being overweight, excessive musculoskeletal loading at work and injuries. According to Felson, et al., losing weight would reduce OA by 27 percent to 53 percent; eliminating squatting, kneeling and carrying heavy loads during work would reduce OA in men by 15 percent to 30 percent; and preventing ligamentous or knee meniscus rupture injuries would reduce OA another 14 percent to 25 percent.

By Warren Hammer, MS, DC, DABCO It is very doubtful that a cure for osteoarthritis (OA) will be discovered in our lifetime. However, based on present-day information, there are definite ways to reduce its consequences. Three definite risk factors include being overweight, excessive musculoskeletal loading at work and injuries. According to Felson, et al., losing weight would reduce OA by 27 percent to 53 percent; eliminating squatting, kneeling and carrying heavy loads during work would reduce OA in men by 15 percent to 30 percent; and preventing ligamentous or knee meniscus rupture injuries would reduce OA another 14 percent to 25 percent. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54036 2009-09-09T12:00:32-07:00 2009-09-09T12:00:07-07:00

There is an old saying that "movement heals." It is readily accepted that exercise benefits many musculoskeletal conditions by promoting repair and remodeling of tendon, muscle, articular cartilage and bone. This occurs by way of mechanotransduction, a physiological process wherein cells sense and respond to mechanical loads.

By Warren Hammer, MS, DC, DABCO There is an old saying that "movement heals." It is readily accepted that exercise benefits many musculoskeletal conditions by promoting repair and remodeling of tendon, muscle, articular cartilage and bone. This occurs by way of mechanotransduction, a physiological process wherein cells sense and respond to mechanical loads. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-53981 2009-08-12T12:00:32-07:00 2009-08-12T12:00:07-07:00

As most of you know, fascia is a component of pretty much all structures. The practice of Rolfing, or structural integration, is a popular form of bodywork and purports to be directed at balancing the fascial structures in the body, leading to optimal structural health. However, like most practices, there is little evidence to support this concept.

By Geoffrey Bove, DC, PhD As most of you know, fascia is a component of pretty much all structures. The practice of Rolfing, or structural integration, is a popular form of bodywork and purports to be directed at balancing the fascial structures in the body, leading to optimal structural health. However, like most practices, there is little evidence to support this concept.