Yonemoto Physical Therapy

Some disease processes attack connective tissue, such as tissue rejection responses in organ transplants and systemic lupus erythmetosis.  Other connective tissue disorders occur in car accidents.  Certain physical therapy techniques target this type of tissue and bring relief.

As Sheila Yonemoto, Physical Therapist in Alhambra, California, states: "Disorders or diseases of the connective tissue don’t necessarily kill you, but they can make life pretty miserable."

Connective tissue surrounds organs, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels and gives form and structure to the whole body.  If you took all of the items mentioned above out of the body and left only the skin and other connective tissue, you would still be able to discern a body.

Anatomists discard connective tissue when dissecting a body because it surrounds all the “important” stuff.  Research now shows connective tissue is much more important than originally thought. 
• Connective tissue compartmentalizes the body by walling off infections.  It keeps an infection from running rampant throughout the system by localizing it.
• The connective tissue stores water as a backup system when fluids are needed, particularly in the bloodstream.
• Connective tissue allows the body to generate forces in specific ways.  Muscle fibers are grouped in bundles so a specific pull can be generated.  Ligaments are specialized connective tissue supporting the bones/joints for specialized movement. 

When connective tissue is damaged through tears, inflammation, infection and other disease processes, movement can change, posture can change, strength diminishes and other tissues in the body can be affected.  Muscles might go into spasm to protect a damaged area and organs could stick together, preventing the normally smooth gliding action. Connective tissue might even stick to itself, as in a frozen shoulder, greatly limiting movement.

Flu and other viruses affect the connective tissue causing aches and pains.  In some cases hot viruses, such as the Ebola virus, destroy the connective tissue, essentially liquefying organs and other tissues.  Inflammatory processes like those in rheumatoid arthritis weaken the connective tissue causing joint deformities when movement occurs during an acute episode.  Infection can weaken connective tissue by burning a hole in the cell wall as happens in inflammatory bowel or leaky gut syndromes.

Various physical therapy techniques target the connective tissue and can restore normal mobility and function.  Some of these techniques include myofascial release, craniosacral therapy and other manual therapy techniques designed to strengthen the connective tissue.  Some therapists use visceral manipulation to improve the gliding action between organ surfaces.  The general treatment philosophy of physical therapy is to restore normal motion in the body thereby improving function.

Connective tissue disorders frustrate many patients, as the condition has not been readily understood and causes much discomfort in daily life.  The physical therapist seeks to improve the quality of the connective tissue and increase movement.

If you have any questions, please submit them to:
Sheila Yonemoto, P.T.
Yonemoto Physical Therapy
55 S. Raymond Ave., Suite 100
Alhambra, CA 91801
PHONE:  626 576 0591
FAX: 626 576 5890

Links:
http://www.yonemoto.com/ - Yonemoto Physical Therapy home page
http://www.yonemoto.com/programs/IMT.htm - Integrative Manual Therapy, a Hands-On Approach
http://www.yonemoto.com/programs/qigong.htm - Qigong to boost the immune system

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