[libribook.com] Traumatic Scar Tissue Management 1st Edition

Clinical Consideration
Stress and the myofascial system; psychological distress and anxiety have
clearly been identified as a source of unnecessary muscular tension.
Unnecessary muscle tension being; the confusing intermediate between a
non-voluntary muscle contraction (spasm) and viscoelastic tension
showing no EMG activity (Simon & Mense 2007). According to Chaitow
(2013):
…the shortened fibers of the soft tissues may be the result of a combination
of structural anomalies, trauma, and/or physical or emotional stress, and
are always influenced by underlying nutritional and behavioral elements.
Some of these shortened fibers and tender spots (i.e. trigger points) may be
the source of reflex symptoms and pain. All such soft tissue dysfunctions
respond to manual pressure in the form of modalities like massage therapy.
Clearly MT fulfils a number of the strategies for stress support (e.g. tend and
befriend, providing a safe and calming environment) and is a means by which to
safely and effectively address the adverse impact of prolonged stress response on
the softtissues.