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Journal of Bodywork and Movement... Jan 2014Connective tissue manipulation or connective tissue massage (bindegewebsmassage) is a manual reflex therapy in that it is applied with the therapist's hands which are in... (Review)
Review
Connective tissue manipulation or connective tissue massage (bindegewebsmassage) is a manual reflex therapy in that it is applied with the therapist's hands which are in contact with the patient's skin. The assessment of the patient and the clinical decision-making that directs treatment is based on a theoretical model that assumes a reflex effect on the autonomic nervous system which is induced by manipulating the fascial layers within and beneath the skin to stimulate cutaneo-visceral reflexes. This paper reviews the literature and current research findings to establish the theoretical framework for CTM and the evidence for its clinical effects. The rationale for the principles of treatment are discussed and the evidence for the clinical effectiveness assessed through an analytical review of the clinical research.
Topics: Connective Tissue; Humans; Massage; Musculoskeletal Manipulations; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 24411158
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2013.08.003 -
The Anatomical Record Dec 2002Acupuncture meridians traditionally are believed to constitute channels connecting the surface of the body to internal organs. We hypothesize that the network of...
Acupuncture meridians traditionally are believed to constitute channels connecting the surface of the body to internal organs. We hypothesize that the network of acupuncture points and meridians can be viewed as a representation of the network formed by interstitial connective tissue. This hypothesis is supported by ultrasound images showing connective tissue cleavage planes at acupuncture points in normal human subjects. To test this hypothesis, we mapped acupuncture points in serial gross anatomical sections through the human arm. We found an 80% correspondence between the sites of acupuncture points and the location of intermuscular or intramuscular connective tissue planes in postmortem tissue sections. We propose that the anatomical relationship of acupuncture points and meridians to connective tissue planes is relevant to acupuncture's mechanism of action and suggests a potentially important integrative role for interstitial connective tissue.
Topics: Acupuncture; Acupuncture Points; Acupuncture Therapy; Anatomy; Anatomy, Cross-Sectional; Biomechanical Phenomena; Connective Tissue; Fascia; Humans; Meridians; Models, Biological; Palpation
PubMed: 12467083
DOI: 10.1002/ar.10185 -
International Journal of Molecular... Feb 2023The "motor unit" or the "muscle" has long been considered the quantal element in the control of movement. However, in recent years new research has proved the strong... (Review)
Review
The "motor unit" or the "muscle" has long been considered the quantal element in the control of movement. However, in recent years new research has proved the strong interaction between muscle fibers and intramuscular connective tissue, and between muscles and fasciae, suggesting that the muscles can no longer be considered the only elements that organize movement. In addition, innervation and vascularization of muscle is strongly connected with intramuscular connective tissue. This awareness induced Luigi Stecco, in 2002, to create a new term, the "myofascial unit", to describe the bilateral dependent relationship, both anatomical and functional, that occurs between fascia, muscle and accessory elements. The aim of this narrative review is to understand the scientific support for this new term, and whether it is actually correct to consider the myofascial unit the physiological basic element for peripheral motor control.
Topics: Muscle, Skeletal; Fascia; Connective Tissue; Muscle Fibers, Skeletal; Muscle Contraction
PubMed: 36901958
DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054527 -
International Journal of Molecular... Feb 2022The intention of this special edition is to highlight the benefits of a holistic approach to computational and experimental approaches in the context of aiding the...
The intention of this special edition is to highlight the benefits of a holistic approach to computational and experimental approaches in the context of aiding the diagnosis and remediation of disease and injury, especially in neurological and connective tissues and organs [...].
Topics: Biomechanical Phenomena; Connective Tissue; Humans; Stress, Mechanical
PubMed: 35216192
DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042074 -
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach,... May 2019Connective tissue is one of the four major types of animal tissue and plays essential roles throughout the human body. Genetic factors, aging, and trauma all contribute... (Review)
Review
Connective tissue is one of the four major types of animal tissue and plays essential roles throughout the human body. Genetic factors, aging, and trauma all contribute to connective tissue dysfunction and motivate the need for strategies to promote healing and regeneration. The goal here is to link a fundamental understanding of connective tissues and their multiscale properties to better inform the design and translation of novel biomaterials to promote their regeneration. Major clinical problems in adipose tissue, cartilage, dermis, and tendon are discussed that inspire the need to replace native connective tissue with biomaterials. Then, multiscale structure-function relationships in native soft connective tissues that may be used to guide material design are detailed. Several biomaterials strategies to improve healing of these tissues that incorporate biologics and are biologic-free are reviewed. Finally, important guidance documents and standards (ASTM, FDA, and EMA) that are important to consider for translating new biomaterials into clinical practice are highligted.
Topics: Animals; Biocompatible Materials; Connective Tissue; Humans; Molecular Structure; Structure-Activity Relationship; Tissue Engineering; Tissue Scaffolds; Wound Healing
PubMed: 30908806
DOI: 10.1002/adma.201806695 -
International Journal of Molecular... Aug 2021Mammals rapidly heal wounds through fibrous connective tissue build up and tissue contraction. Recent findings from mouse attribute wound healing to physical... (Review)
Review
Mammals rapidly heal wounds through fibrous connective tissue build up and tissue contraction. Recent findings from mouse attribute wound healing to physical mobilization of a fibroelastic connective tissue layer that resides beneath the skin, termed subcutaneous fascia or superficial fascia, into sites of injury. Fascial mobilization assembles diverse cell types and matrix components needed for rapid wound repair. These observations suggest that the factors directly affecting fascial mobility are responsible for chronic skin wounds and excessive skin scarring. In this review, we discuss the link between the fascia's unique tissue anatomy, composition, biomechanical, and rheologic properties to its ability to mobilize its tissue assemblage. Fascia is thus at the forefront of tissue pathology and a better understanding of how it is mobilized may crystallize our view of wound healing alterations during aging, diabetes, and fibrous disease and create novel therapeutic strategies for wound repair.
Topics: Animals; Cicatrix; Fascia; Humans; Mice; Skin; Subcutaneous Tissue; Wound Healing
PubMed: 34445709
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22169006 -
British Journal of Sports Medicine Sep 1991Connective tissue massage (CTM) is a manipulative technique that facilitates the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of pathologies. Observation and subsequent... (Review)
Review
Connective tissue massage (CTM) is a manipulative technique that facilitates the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of pathologies. Observation and subsequent manipulation of the skin and subcutaneous tissues can have a beneficial effect upon tissues remote from the area of treatment. These effects appear to be mediated by neural reflexes that cause an increase in blood flow to the affected region together with suppression of pain. CTM is becoming accepted more widely as research confirms the claims of an expanding population of practitioners.
Topics: Connective Tissue; Contraindications; Humans; Massage
PubMed: 1777777
DOI: 10.1136/bjsm.25.3.131 -
The FEBS Journal Aug 2019The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a multifunctional 3D network of interconnected macromolecules that mediate cellular responses in normal and pathological conditions,...
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a multifunctional 3D network of interconnected macromolecules that mediate cellular responses in normal and pathological conditions, including wound healing, tissue homeostasis, skeletal and cardiovascular disease, cancer and drug resistance. The potential of targeting ECM components, such as proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans, matrix-degrading enzymes and miRNAs will serve as a novel tool for innovative diagnostic methods and therapeutic strategies. With this Special Issue on Extracellular Matrix in Health and Disease, The FEBS Journal offers an updated overview of the functional properties and biological roles of several ECM components, highlighting the significance of ECM targeting in disease management.
Topics: Animals; Connective Tissue; Extracellular Matrix; Fibrosis; Humans
PubMed: 31379113
DOI: 10.1111/febs.14992 -
Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews Jan 2016Exercising individuals commonly consume analgesics, but these medications alter tendon and skeletal muscle connective tissue properties, possibly limiting a person from... (Review)
Review
Exercising individuals commonly consume analgesics, but these medications alter tendon and skeletal muscle connective tissue properties, possibly limiting a person from realizing the full benefits of exercise training. I detail the novel hypothesis that analgesic medications alter connective tissue structure and mechanical properties by modifying fibroblast production of growth factors and matrix enzymes, which are responsible for extracellular matrix remodeling.
Topics: Analgesics; Collagen; Connective Tissue; Exercise; Extracellular Matrix; Fibroblasts; Humans; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Muscle, Skeletal; Tendons
PubMed: 26509485
DOI: 10.1249/JES.0000000000000067 -
Journal of Applied Physiology... Mar 2017Human skeletal muscle has the potential to regenerate completely after injury induced under controlled experimental conditions. The events inside the myofibers as they... (Review)
Review
Human skeletal muscle has the potential to regenerate completely after injury induced under controlled experimental conditions. The events inside the myofibers as they undergo necrosis, followed closely by satellite cell-mediated myogenesis, have been mapped in detail. Much less is known about the adaptation throughout this process of both the connective tissue structures surrounding the myofibers and the fibroblasts, the cells responsible for synthesizing this connective tissue. However, the few studies investigating muscle connective tissue remodeling demonstrate a strong response that appears to be sustained for a long time after the major myofiber responses have subsided. While the use of electrical stimulation to induce eccentric contractions vs. voluntary eccentric contractions appears to lead to a greater extent of myofiber necrosis and regenerative response, this difference is not apparent when the muscle connective tissue responses are compared, although further work is required to confirm this. Pharmacological agents (growth hormone and angiotensin II type I receptor blockers) are considered in the context of accelerating the muscle connective tissue adaptation to loading. Cautioning against this, however, is the association between muscle matrix protein remodeling and protection against reinjury, which suggests that a (so far undefined) period of vulnerability to reinjury may exist during the remodeling phases. The role of individual muscle matrix components and their spatial interaction during adaptation to eccentric contractions is an unexplored field in human skeletal muscle and may provide insight into the optimal timing of rest vs. return to activity after muscle injury.
Topics: Animals; Connective Tissue; Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans; Models, Biological; Muscle, Skeletal; Myocardial Contraction; Regeneration
PubMed: 27562842
DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00577.2016