Fascial Anatomy & Layers
This layer of fascia, also called subcutaneous fascia, lies directly between the skin and muscle.
Superficial fascia
These are the primary cells responsible for creating and maintaining the extracellular matri
Fibroblasts
This gel-like component of the ECM contains water, nutrients, and proteoglycans, making up a large portion of intercellular fluids.
Ground substance
This property allows fascia to become more fluid and less viscous when subjected to stress,
Thixotropy
This myofascial line includes the SCM, Rectus Abdominus, and Quadriceps.
Superficial front
This first level of palpation involves detecting variations in temperature (hot or cold)
Near touch
his biochemist pioneered Structural Integration, a bodywork style aimed at manipulating fascia to improve posture.
Ida Rolf
To be effective, most connective tissue techniques should be performed with this amount of lubricant.
Little or no
These are fibrous bands that form between tissues, causing them to stick together and restrict movement.
Adhesions
These diagonal sheaths of fascia surround muscles and provide structural organization.
Deep fascia
Found mainly in the superficial fascia, these cells store energy and provide cushioning and insulation.
Adipocytes
These long-chain carbohydrates are hydrophilic, meaning they attract and bond to water to maintain tissue hydration.
Glycosaminoglycans or GAGs
This refers to the ability of fascia to generate an electrical charge in response to mechanical pressure or stretching.
Piezoelectricity
This line includes the hamstrings, gastrocnemius, and the erector spinae.
Superficial back
Level 2 palpation involves using light stroking to assess for dampness, color, or moles on this organ.
Skin
He authored the book Anatomy Trains and developed the system of mapping fascial meridians.
Tom Myers
Deep transverse friction is applied in this direction relative to the fibers of the tissue.
Against or across the grain
Activation of this division of the autonomic nervous system causes fascia to thicken into "armor" and contract.
Sympathetic nervous system
his specific layer of deep fascia covers the entire muscle and thickens at the ends to become a tendon.
Epimysium
These specialized contractile cells play a major role in wound healing and are an intermediate between fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells.
Myoflibroblasts
This fiber type provides fascia with its tensile strength and rigidity.
Collagen
This architectural principle describes how strain is distributed throughout a structure to increase stability and resilience.
Tensegrity
This line runs along the side of the body and is often focused on when treating IT band dysfunction.
Lateral
By lifting and rolling tissue folds, massage practitioners can compare binding and density in this 3rd layer of palpation.
Superficial fascia
He is the developer of the deep transverse (cross-fiber) friction technique used for rehabilitation.
James Cyriax
Cyriax’s friction technique is used to break up adhesions by creating this controlled response.
Controlled inflammation
Fascia performs this function by distributing the force of impact throughout the body to protect joints.
Shock absorption
Planes for fascia include the cranial base, cervical thoracic, diaphragm, and lumbar and pelvic floor areas
Transverse
These immune cells are known for their ability to "eat" pathogens, dead cells, and debris within the tissue.
Macrophages
This is the most abundant GAG in fascia, crucial for improving lubrication and sliding between layers.
Hyaluronic acid or Hyaluronan
This is the hydrated, liquid state of fascia
Sol
This line connects the shoulder to the opposite gluteus maximus via the latissimus dorsi.
Functional back
This level of palpation is specifically used by practitioners to identify taut bands and trigger points.
5th-Muscle
A student of Ida Rolf, he developed the style known as Hellerwork.
Joseph Heller
This method, popularized by John Barnes, focuses on slow, sustained pressure to rehydrate tissues and increase glide.
Myofascial Release
This term describes the low-level, passive tension inherent in the body's connective tissue network while at rest.
Fascial tone
This type of fascia is found deep within the body, lying between the deep fascia and the membranes lining body cavities.
Subserous fascia
When activated by massage, these cells release histamine, which causes vasodilation.
Mast cells
These delicate fibers are made of type III collagen and form a fine mesh-like support structure.
Reticular fibers
This term refers to the gradual elongation of tissue over time when it is subjected to a slow, constant load.
Creep
This line wraps around the torso in a double-helix and includes the splenius capitis and the obliques.
Spiral
This level of palpation involves assessing both active and passive range of motion and "end-feel."
9th-joints
This individual is credited with developing Bindegewebmassage (connective tissue massage).
Elizabeth Dicke
Myofascial methods are focused most specifically on causing changes in this component of the ECM
Ground substance
Deep transverse friction is very effective for treating joints with this dysfunction
Bound tendons and ligaments