Fascial Distortion Complex
Changes in fascial tissue progressively worsen over time, and if they are not appropriately attended to, they can lead to:
- Chronic pain
- Inflammation
- Arthritis
- Muscle trigger points
- Formation of bone spurs
- Loss of movement
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle spasm
There are actually five components that contribute to the Fascial Distortion Complex (FDC):
1. Bone Component
Where the vertebra is either out of position, not moving properly, or are undergoing degeneration. This frequently leads to a narrowing of the spaces between the bones through which the nerves pass; often resulting in irritation or impingement of the nerve itself.
2. Nervous Component
Is the disruption of the normal flow of energy along the nerve fibers, causing the messages traveling along the nerves to become distorted. The result is that all of the tissues that are fed by those nerves receive distorted signals from the brain and, consequently, are not able to function normally. Over time, this can lead to a whole host of conditions, such as peptic ulcers, constipation and other organ system dysfunction.
3. Muscular Component
Since nerves control the muscles that help hold the vertebrae in place, muscles have to be considered to be an integral part of the vertebral subluxation complex. In fact, muscles both affect, and are affected by the FDC. A subluxation can irritate a nerve, the irritated nerve can cause a muscle to spasm, the spasm-ed muscle pulls the attached vertebrae further out of place, which then further irritates the nerve and you have a vicious cycle. It is no wonder that very few subluxations just go away by themselves.
4. Soft Tissue Component
The FDC will also affect the surrounding tendons, ligaments, blood supply, and other tissues as the misaligned vertebrae tug and squeeze the connective tissue with tremendous force. Over time, the soft tissues can become stretched out or scarred, leaving the spine with either a permanent instability or restriction.
5. Chemical Component
Is the change in the chemistry of the body due to the FDC. Most often, the chemical changes, such as the release of a class of chemicals called “kinins”, are pro-inflammatory; meaning that they increase inflammation in the affected area.
Using the strength of various muscles in the body, Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) utilizes Bio-energetic feedback to determine optimal body function and fascial distortion. MMT can potentially evaluate functional illness, which typically precedes disease.
MMT can be used to address:
- Postural and muscular imbalances
- Fascial distortion
- Nerve entrapments
- Sensory disturbances & dominance (i.e. vision, hearing, dominant foot / hand, Right vs. Left brain dominance)
- Neurovascular
- Neurolymphatic points
- Subluxations
- Cranial-sacral movement
- Acupuncture meridians
- Nutritional status
