CROSS FIBER FRICTION TECHNIQUES

http://www.realbodywork.com/articles/crossfiber.html [GoodWebResource] 

Developed for the treatment of soft tissue lesions by the British osteopath, Dr. James Cyriax [TOREAD] Effect:  1) reduces crystalline roughness  tendon  sheaths               2)prevent or soften myofascial adhesions (2) Developed for the treatment of soft tissue lesions by the British osteopath, Dr. James Cyriax, deep transverse friction effectively reduces fibrosis and encourages the formation of strong, pliable scar tissue at the site of healing injuries. This technique, also known as cross-fiber frictioning, reduces the crystalline roughness that forms between tendons and their sheaths that can result in painful tendonitis. It can also prevent or soften myofascial adhesions. A deep, non-gliding, oil-less friction stroke, cross-fiber friction is administered with a braced finger or thumb moving across the grain of a muscle, tendon or ligament. The therapist's thumb and the client's skin move as one over the exact site of the lesion with sufficient sweep and duration to create a mechanical effect on the tissue treated. The stroke must be applied directly at the site of the lesion, at right angles to the fibers, and be broad enough to separate the fibers without bouncing over them. The treatment is painful, though always within tolerance, and should be initiated only with the informed consent of the client. It should never be applied during the initial inflammatory stage in an acute injury. The first treatment should be conservative, lasting one or two minutes only, followed by a day of rest for the treated part. The treatment is resumed on alternate days until the pain abates and full usage is returned, usually within 3 to 10 sessions. Appropriate application of ice following treatment is recommended. (1) Tendon Sheaths - A tendon sheath (оболочка) is a layer of membrane around a tendon.[1] It permits the tendon to move.[2] It has two layers: synovial sheaths; fibrous tendon sheath. When tendons are damaged and inflamed, the condition is commonly known as tendinitis. If the problem is in the lining of the tendon's sheath, it's called tenosynovitis. Rotator cuff tendinitis affects tennis players, swimmers, and anyone who frequently lifts their arms above the head and in a forward motion. This causes several shoulder tendons to rub together. Inflammation can set in and, if severe and untreated, may start to erode the tendons. Rotator cuff tendons hold the upper arm bone in the shoulder socket. Causes The most common causes of tendinitis are strain, overexertion, injury, repetitive movements, and sudden or unaccustomed movements.Tendinitis is most common in seniors and middle-aged people, since the tendons of older individuals lack the elasticity of younger people and have sustained hundreds of microscopic tears due to wear-and-tear (*) over the years. There are certain diseases that can cause tendinitis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, Reiter's syndrome, lupus, and diabetes. Sometimes, people with gout have uric acid crystals that appear in the tendon sheath that cause friction and tearing. Very high blood cholesterol levels may also be linked with this condition. Quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin*, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin) may increase the risk of tendon rupture.