“Tissue Health Is Dictated by Your Body’s Chemistry”
This little beauty of a quote was something I picked up from Michael Shacklock while taking one of his courses.
I really think the pathophysiology surrounding our tissues is something we underestimate and ignore once we’re out of the acute phase of tissue healing.
This is nothing new, but inflammation has a strong correlation with the sensitivity of the nervous system (NS). Fluid congestion within the circulatory (vascular and lymphatic) system can reduce blood flow and waste removal. This can back up the system, hindering nutrient delivery and potentially starving the surrounding cells and tissues. At the same time, metabolic waste products can accumulate. This creates an unhealthy environment for the tissues, potentially leading to tissue degeneration and making them more fragile.
The pathophysiology of the environment surrounding our tissues matters. Acute inflammation or swelling is often noticeable to the NS, sometimes causing pain and sometimes not. Common signs and symptoms include muscle and skin tightness, warmth, limited ROM, pressure, and aching (throbbing or constant).
When the swelling dissipates, it becomes barely noticeable. However, it may still be there, and even though it doesn’t hurt, it DOES NOT mean it should be ignored.
The signs of older or chronic swelling are slightly different. Look for pitting edema, tenderness to palpation, muscle tightness, and sensitivity to sustained pressure. Leaving inflammation in one area unchecked can contribute to the gradual deterioration of the tissues in that area, making their cellular structures less tolerant of force and strain.
Here are some great strategies to keep chronic inflammation in check:
Stay well hydrated.
Consume nutritious foods (protein containing essential amino acids, collagen, fats, and carbohydrates).
Sleep 7–9 hours a night.
Get sunlight.
Do gentle, continuous aerobic exercise for a minimum of 20 minutes.
Contract the major muscles of your body with a tolerable load through a full ROM.
Practise regular deep breathing.
Check your major lymph node regions regularly (i.e., neck, armpits, chest, groin, elbows, and behind the knees). More on this later.
Take care,
