Single Body Muscle

It was requested that I do a blog about the ‘Single body muscle’ theory. This theory hinges on how people perceive the function of Myofascial tissue. The definition would be that it is the fascia that surrounds and(here’s the defining part) separates layers of muscle. Single body muscle is not an official term, I don’t think. But it is the term I use to explain the theory that there is in fact, only one muscle in the body. For this theory to be true, then the definining part would be that the Fascia is essentially the connector. Not separating but joining all the muscles together as a single unit.

Now, I personally am a believer, and if you know a fair bit about biomechanics in a functional and practical way, then you will probably agree with my opinion here. An opinion that will be followed by some facts. I am of the opinion that because of the synergystic nature of our body then the theory must be true. The musculoskeletal system demandmthat it be true. Outside ofmbooks there is no other answer to the hard wired connecrion the body relies on. In the case of muscles. The fascia is the common denominator, sending and recieving micro signals not just protecting, supporting and separaring muscles.

Something to think about –

Raise one leg laterally and rest it on a chair or something similar.

Do the same with the other leg.

Now try the ‘splits’.

What you should notice is that individually the ROM in the legs is quite considerable. But when taking the legs through the same range, at the same time? Thats a different story is it not? Surely not though as the are separate units with no muscular cross over. Some hypothesise that it is a mental block but that is rubbish. There are many mental blocks on our musculoskeletal system, but this one is a little far fetched to say the least. There is, as with any stretching, the subject of relaxation. But still, that only goes so far.

Right, so instead of jabbering on and turning tis into an article. I will supply a few facts for your discretion.

It can take up to around 2000lbs of pressure if memory serves me right. Thats incredible. Especially for what is essentially a transparent substance(Think of the almost unchewable tranparent white stuff in a chicken carcass).

Imagine what trouble this can cause you if it works against you!! Regular, dynamic movement is essential to proper maintenance and fuction of your Fascia.

Do not be confused with Fascia and Myofascia. They are the same thing but ‘Myo’ relates directly to the muscle. Fascia covers the ENTIRE body.

It also works as a support mechanism and is one of the reasons I advise against over supporting an injury. Your Fascia will support the weak part of the body and line up along the point of tension. Without allowing it to do its job properly it will stay in that position, as it has a tendancy to do, and it will thicken. This in turn will pull your body out its natural alignment. One of the reasons that sportsmen etc can really benefit from the Myofascial release techniques.

Finally, before this drags on any further, it is basically made up of three synergistic substances. Elastin(the stretchy), Collagen(the tough) and the Matrix(the soft). Elastin is wrapped in the Collagen and both are surrounded by the Matrix(arent we all muahahahaha).

It is a fantastic substance that interconnect the whole body. But more specifically the Myofascial. Connecting individual muscles together like a string of sausages. Pull on one end and the other end moves.

The studies out there are not that comprehensive which is to be expected. Especially since the study of Fascia is still very young. But the theories fly in the face of dusty old tradition. Needles to say this hampers progress and certainly hampers public knowledge. But that is all on the subject from me as this has been quite long enough a blog already.

As always, take care folks.