Exploring Tensegrity: A Myofascial Therapist’s Perspective on Body Harmony
The word Tensegrity was coined by fascinating architect and inventor Buckminster Fuller - and is a combination of two words: Tensional and Integrity. It refers to a structural principle where elements under tension (cables) and compression (struts) work together to create a stable and resilient structure. In the context of the human body, bones act as compression elements, while muscles and fascia represent the tension elements, forming a continuous tensional network that provides support and flexibility.
Fascia's Role in Tensegrity
In the human body, fascia plays a crucial role in tensegrity. Fascia is the transparent (yet incredibly strong) material that is woven through your entire body, from the soles of your feet to the top of your head. It wraps and penetrates every muscle, every organ. It enables muscles and other tissues to slide against each other, facilitating movement. This connective tissue also acts as the body's natural scaffolding, holding everything - muscles, bones, organs - in place. It's a dynamic network that responds to every action, ensuring that the forces generated by muscles and bones are distributed efficiently. Healthy fascia allows for optimal transmission of these forces, contributing to fluid and harmonious movement. However, restrictions or adhesions in the fascial network disrupt the balance of tensegrity, leading to pain, limited mobility, and compromised function. It’s really common, actually.
Tensegrity in Myofascial Therapy
For myofascial therapists, our approach extends beyond the surface to address the intricate fascial system. Through deliberate, slow and measured pressure - applied specifically to places where the fascia is restricted by adhesions - our goal is to stretch the restricted fascial tissues, which cause them to transform into a more fluid, gel-like state. These methods involve a slower and broader application of pressure. As these adhesions relax, the body recovers its equilibrium. What makes myofascial therapy unique is its holistic approach – we don't just focus on isolated symptoms. Instead, we recognize that a restriction in one area has ripple effects throughout the entire structure. By addressing the fascial network comprehensively, we aim to promote overall well-being and restore the body to a harmonious state of balance.
How Tensegrity is considered in Myofascial treatment
Global Assessment - Instead of focusing solely on the site of pain or dysfunction, myofascial therapists assess the entire body to identify patterns of tension and compression.
Movement Education - Tensegrity informs our approach to movement education, emphasizing the importance of efficient unrestricted, pain-free motion and optimized range of motion.
Embracing the concept of tensegrity transforms our perspective on the human body. By recognizing the profound interconnectedness of one area of the body with all others (via fascia), we move beyond reductionist views of musculoskeletal mechanics. Tensegrity challenges us to approach the body as a dynamic and integrated system, informing our therapeutic interventions towards restoring balance, promoting optimal function, and enhancing the overall well-being of our clients.