of Rolf , describing the structural relationship between compression elements and tension elements where they adopt a self-tensioning triangular form , spreading in series across a wide field , to create a three-dimensional shape such as a geodesic dome . The spread of force shields the dome from external and internal forces , helping to prevent collapse or damage to the structure .
Ongoing developments of our understanding of fascia
Research has progressed at an exponential rate since the inception of Rolf ’ s Structural Integration school . The Sixth International Fascia Research Congress , due in September 2022 , will feature perspectives from many faculties of medicine , including orthopaedics , oncology , endocrinology , neurology , social sciences , mental health , dental and plastic surgery .
In 2012 , Kumka and Bonar ( 5 ) published an extensive literature review of 137 papers , hoping to resolve inconsistencies in the system of nomenclature put forward in 1998 by the Federative International Committee on Anatomical Terminology ( FICAT ) in their publication Terminologica Anatomica . Two of the terms under scrutiny , superficial fascia and deep fascia , are both still used widely today , perhaps because publication is only the first step in establishing or changing a scientific system of reference . Their study employs some research parameters of recent Fascia Research Congresses , such as biomechanics , innervation , vascularisation , molecular structure , clinical relevance and terminology . First , they identify a fundamental duality – connection and disconnection – throughout extra- and intramuscular fascia , including attributes such as collagen type , protein type and nerve fibre type , along with force transmission potential , fibre orientation and influence on circulation . They proceed to describe four categories of dense connective tissue as unidirectional parallel ordered , multidirectional parallel , woven , and irregular fusocellular . Finally they define four distinct types of fascia :
• Linking fascia can be dynamic , with collagen types I , XII and XIV , actinmyosin filaments , Pacinian corpuscles ( pressure and vibration ) and free nerve endings ( temperature and pain ) providing pretension to musculature for stable force transmission . It can also be passive , with collagen type III and elastin , Golgi tendon organs ( stretch at the myotendinous junction ), Pacinian & Ruffini ( skin stretch and joint angle ) corpuscles for proprioception and passive force transmission throughout .
• Fascicular , with collagen types I , III , IV , V , XII and XIV to protect nerves and preserve continuity between vessels and adventitia , also gives proprioceptive feedback via Golgi tendon organs , and nociceptive feedback via the nervi nervorum ( pain ).
• Compression fascia of the limbs , with collagen type I , elastin and Ruffini corpuscles , is involved with locomotion , venous return , proprioception , coordination and stocking-type compression and tension .
• Separating fascia , with collagen types III , V and VII , a reticular fibre framework and Panini ’ s corpuscles ( encapsulated for pressure , course touch , increased tension and vibration ), is said to compartmentalise organs and body regions with sliding capability to absorb shock and reduce friction during stretch and distention .
In terms of gross anatomy , Kumka and Bonar ( 5 ) have noted three sub-layers in the thoracolumbar fascia , each with parallel collagen fibres , but lying at a 70 to 80-degree angle to each other and able to slide over each other due to the vacuolar system of encapsulated water molecules They point out that scarred fascia displays adhesion between filaments in the extracellular matrix , and that fibre orientation parallel to vectors of force allows resistance to tension . They conclude that fascia can be described as “ an innervated , continuous , functional organ of stability and motion that is formed by 3-dimensional collagen matrices ”.( 5 )
Bordoni et al .( 6 ) have taken the controversial step of insisting that liquids must be included in the biotensegrity model , specifically referring to the direction and pressure of blood and lymph on muscles and joints . Here they employ the concept of mechanotransduction , whereby mechanical deformations of the cell will stimulate biochemical response within it . They claim that this deformation cannot happen in the absence of liquid properties , and the regulation of mechanotransduction also relies on the fascial connectedness from macro to micro environments . So how do we move fluid around , against , into and out of cells throughout the body ? Unconfined water flows downwards and outwards , subject only to gravity and any barriers that block its path , but contained water can be manipulated by external and internal forces . Contained liquids exert a pressure horizontally as well as vertically . If you fill a balloon with water and let it rest on a hard flat surface you will see it spread out horizontally under its own weight , creating a static force that prevents it from sliding or rolling across the surface . In order to change the state of inertia within that balloon you could exert a pressure from outside to push it along . However , if you put the balloon on a slope ( off balance ) the horizontal pressure within the liquid , given time , combined with the weight of the water , will eventually override its static force and cause it to start rolling down the slope . How else could you overcome the static force that keeps this water balloon in its place ? What if you put a spindle mechanism inside the balloon that could churn the water enough to deform its membrane , allowing the horizontal force to move it along ? When we think
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