Muscular System

Question 1

What is fascia?

Answer 1

Connective tissue that covers muscles

Question 2

What is a trigger point in detail?

Answer 2

Caused by a build up of lactic acid and irritation of the nerve endings in the belly of the muscle usually as a result of intense training program or vigorous excersise. Can be latent meaning inactive or dormant, a potential to act as a trigger point, can cause muscle weakness or restricted movement. Or active which is an area of extreme tenderness in the skeletal muscle associated with local or regional pain.

Question 3

What is a sprain?

Answer 3

A tear or overstretch of a ligament commonly caused by a bad landing and thus forcing the body to move out of its normal position

Question 4

What is a strain?

Answer 4

A overstretch or tear in the muscle or tendon caused by the twisting or pulling of the muscle or tendon

Question 5

What are some of the roles of fascia?

Answer 5

• support and stabilise this enhancing posture and balance
• shock absorber
• protection and separation of different body systems

Question 6

What is a stress point?

Answer 6

• small spasms in the muscle fibres found anywhere in the muscle but commonly near the connection to bone due to less movement in the area as a result of heavy exercise and strain
• if not treated soon after injury they can begin to effect surrounding tissue by causing them to pick up more work

Question 7

What causes muscle fatigue?

Answer 7

• intense exercise such as galloping causing the heart rate to increase and oxygen levels to deplete more quickly than they can be supplied. The cells then switch to anaerobic respiration which produces lactic acid which causes inflammation and soreness if it accumulates
• cannot be improved by massage alone. Building up level of excercise helps to condition the body to effectively deliver oxygen to working muscles and improve ability to expel metabolic waste before they build up and cause damage.
• to help avoid muscle fatigue, 30min lead walk following strenuous exercise and before post event massage with agility dogs to help move blood and lymph fluid to expel lactic acid

Question 8

What are the stages of the injury cycle?

Answer 8

• inflammation
• muscle spasm
• reduced circulation and toxin accumulation
• movement changes
• scar tissue
• adhesion