clinical aplication using the tensegrity model

I have been attempting to understand the tensegrity model and figuring out the clinical application of this knowledge in physiotherapy.

so far: i have understood this concept can be used to find the path of least resistance and tissue resistance when a bone is loaded.

to understand the mechanism at play one must be aware of the tensile and compressive forces acting about the bone in question. bones undergoe very little structural deformation when under load so the forces acting on the bone are resisted by the net tensile forces of the myofascial soft tissue about the bone. the bone is encapsulated in a myofascial web that is much like a school of fish in a net. the bone will push against the side of the net when forced into a position causing a net structural change throughout the myofascial web. the imbalance in tension can be elicted by increasing the compresion through the bone forcing the bone to move further into the path of least resistance determined by the tissue resistance of the surrounding soft tissue. this wil elicit a greater protective reflex of the soft tissue about the bone to check the path of movement of the bone.
for example if a sphere had 4 springs atached at right angles so that two springs faced in the saggittal plane and two in the frontal plane then when you force the sphere in one direction; say right, the right spring will compress, the left spring wil stretch and the other two will be a combination of the above.

the compressed spring is the path of least resistance and the strectched spring is the brake. in the body the stretched spring will act like a brake by increasing the tone of the tissue to check the movement of the sphere. the therapist can identify this through palpation and changes in tissue compliance when a segment of the body is compressed or distracted.

any other ideas?

dear mulberry,
As far as I have understood, this model is being used as a hypothesis behind various clinical applications. I have read articles about scoliosis treatment, taping and of course all the connective tissue techniques being "explained" with the use of this model.
There is a lot of literature on this subject to be found. I think it is appreciated because it provides a possible mechanical explaination as to how therapy might influence the body.

If you want to know more and discuss this with others have a look at what your colleagues at somasimple: the so simple body, a place for physical therapy have to say about it.

Esther

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Originally Posted by mulberry

I have been attempting to understand the tensegrity model and figuring out the clinical application of this knowledge in physiotherapy.

so far: i have understood this concept can be used to find the path of least resistance and tissue resistance when a bone is loaded.

to understand the mechanism at play one must be aware of the tensile and compressive forces acting about the bone in question. bones undergoe very little structural deformation when under load so the forces acting on the bone are resisted by the net tensile forces of the myofascial soft tissue about the bone. the bone is encapsulated in a myofascial web that is much like a school of fish in a net. the bone will push against the side of the net when forced into a position causing a net structural change throughout the myofascial web. the imbalance in tension can be elicted by increasing the compresion through the bone forcing the bone to move further into the path of least resistance determined by the tissue resistance of the surrounding soft tissue. this wil elicit a greater protective reflex of the soft tissue about the bone to check the path of movement of the bone.
for example if a sphere had 4 springs atached at right angles so that two springs faced in the saggittal plane and two in the frontal plane then when you force the sphere in one direction; say right, the right spring will compress, the left spring wil stretch and the other two will be a combination of the above.

the compressed spring is the path of least resistance and the strectched spring is the brake. in the body the stretched spring will act like a brake by increasing the tone of the tissue to check the movement of the sphere. the therapist can identify this through palpation and changes in tissue compliance when a segment of the body is compressed or distracted.

any other ideas?

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Sorry, Mulberry, but you have misinterpreted tensegrity and biotensegrity. In tensegrities, the compression elements, the bones, 'float' in a highly organized tension network, think of the hub of a bicycle wheel enmeshed in its tension spokes. The best way to understand the model is to build a simple tensegrity. YuoTube has lots of “how to” models. I would suggest building two, one with elastic tensioners, the other with fishing line, as they behave somewhat differently and you can see, (and feel), the affect that different tissue tensions can make. You also should check out my articles on the biotensegrity website. A fuller (pun) explanation needs time and work, but it would be worth it for you. You can then make up your own mind as to if it makes sense as a model.The present 'lever based' model is untenable and must be replaced. Biotensegrity is the only alternative model out there at present. Feel free to ask questions.
By the way, bones do undergo significant compression and deform nonlinearly. Live bones, not the ones you get to play with, are quite spring-like, as a stiff torsion bar is spring-like. They can store a lot of energy and, when released, restore it back into the system. It is the hidden force that puts the spring in your step.

the site to have a peek at is...

Biotensegrity - a new way of understanding anatomy

esther

I really like this forum, it sole my lots of problems.

hi,

The tensigrity model is geodesic design which was designed by buckministerfullerene used by architects in construction of building and superstructural buildings. the same principle is applicable in physiotherpy as it is widely used in the Myofascial release as application of release at one site of the body will permanent changes at the other part of the body as in the body the fascia is in continuum three dimensionally in all the planes.

Shanmugam.S
India