Get to Know and Love Your Connective Tissue

Connective tissue is important in the body because it is the only thing that is congruent throughout the entire body. Outside of the connective tissue itself, every cell in the body is individual and has its own makeup and task.

Connective tissue is a very old system in the body. As we have evolved, more systems have come into play, so that some are much older compared to how developed the nervous system is today, with all its mechanisms, for example.

Connective tissue is the matrix which holds the body’s cells and organization together. Because connective tissue is the same throughout and contiguous, something that happens on one side of the body will be immediately and quickly recognized on the other side of the body before even the nerve system can react to that event.

When debris such as toxins from the outside world enter our body, it is in the connective tissue where they will tend to be stored. This has the potential to create havoc on ourselves. When there is waste material buildup, the space for the cells becomes compromised, and in time, with enough toxic buildup, the normal shape of the cell becomes compressed, affecting the structures, the nerves, capillaries, veins, lymph vessels – and thus cell function is compromised.

Put another way, debris buildup causes disorientation and deformity in the cell; therefore that cell cannot function properly even on a normal day to day operation.

When there is an injury in the body, connective tissue is ultimately affected. Often there is tearing of the different tissues. When that happens, there is inflammation in the area. The body repairs this injury by making a scar. The scar, known as an adhesion, can affect the normal pathways of how information travels throughout that connective tissue body. It also creates weak spots in the system, therefore leaving it prone to more injuries or recurrence of injury in the future. It is very important to break down those adhesions when they occur to help re-form the proper matrix of the normal connective tissue. That is done best through myofascial release techniques and myofascial re-education.

So it is important to free up connective tissue and remove debris in order to allow the cell shape to stay uncompromised.

How Do We Free Up the Connective Tissue From Toxic Buildup?

One of the best ways to help remove toxic buildup in the connective tissue is by rolling lightly over the skin. A very good tool is called “the Stick,” known as “a toothbrush for muscles.” (www.intracell.net; available for purchase at Actus Chiropractic) With that process it helps push toxins out of connective tissue surrounding the muscles and different tissues of the body.

Other ways to help remove toxins from connective tissue is good hydration, massage therapy, and of course, chiropractic care. Acupuncture and acupressure will also have an effect on connective tissue health.