Connective tissue is a very tough, strong tissue, otherwise known as the Myofascial system. Connective tissue is the support system of our body. All of the major systems in the body --- circulatory, digestive, nervous, musculoskeletal, and organs --- are en-sheathe in connective tissue. The characteristics of a healthy and balanced connective tissue system are flexibility, elasticity, length and resilience. The tissue absorbs and responds to gravitational force, illness, injury, emotional trauma and plain everyday stress. Any of these factors will immediately, or over a period of time, cause an imbalance in the tissue system. When imbalance exists the system's healthy characteristics are affected. The imbalance is identified as a shortening, thickening dehydration of the tissue, which impairs joint mobility and muscle function. This is usually felt in the body as chronic pain, discomfort, stiffness, or decreased flexibility and impaired movement.
Additionally, connective tissue has memory. Any imbalance in the body - no matter what the cause - is imprinted as change in the internal structure and has a long range and cumulative effect. The body may attempt to return to its original state but without assistance it remains misaligned. For example, from something as simple as the habit of carrying a heavy bag on the same shoulder or holding the telephone receiver between one's shoulder and chin. In order to remain upright the entire body has to compensate and some muscles are forced to shorten. When a muscle is chronically shortened it loses its ability to relax which then results in a constant state of tension. When these changes and patterns occur, the connective tissue needs assistance in order to return to its normal, health state. Structural Integration is of particularly great benefit at this point. |
