How it Works: Tissue Mobility and Pain

The musculoskeletal system has the important duty of protecting the vital structures, which include blood vessels, nerves, and internal organs. The skull protects the brain and the rib cage protects the heart and lungs. But it is much more complex than that. Read more >

All of the body’s tissues are mobile, not just the muscles and joints. Organs, nerves, and blood vessels must be able to bend, stretch, and glide over each other. The brain programs patterns of tension and movement in the musculoskeletal system to ensure that the vital structures are not stretched to the point of potential damage. 

This is why musculoskeletal pain sometimes becomes chronic. If there is a restriction in the normal glide or flexibility of a vital structure such as an organ, blood vessel, or nerve, the surrounding muscles will resist all attempts to make them relax and lengthen. 

How do we identify and locate a restriction in these deep vital structures?

This is done through a very gentle and precise process of palpatory evaluation called listening. We assess the whole body to locate the area of greatest mobility restriction and begin there.

Using very gentle, slow pressure, we can release these restrictions, restoring mobility to the vital organs. This removes the need for compensation so the musculoskeletal system can re-establish normal movement patterns and the tissues can heal naturally.