In other words, the contractures of the soft tissues are the cells destroyed by the degenerative process of dystrophy, given that they can no longer perform their function. For example, if they are muscle cells (muscle fibres), they cannot contract and relax. If they are cells of the aponeurosis, they cannot perform their static and shock-absorbing function, and overall there is a loss of function and elasticity. These pathological structures prevent the correct operation of the locomotor apparatus:
- they limit movements, they partially block the normal growth of the body, they lead to the formation of deformities and dislocations of the extremities, and they exacerbate the degenerative process of dystrophy by placing pressure on blood vessels and peripheral nerves.
Almost all the structural components of the soft tissues of the locomotor apparatus are linear, and the fibres thereof are positioned longitudinally. Pathological fibres likewise have a longitudinal structure and limit movement in the corresponding direction.
Depending on the seriousness of the altering factor and the seriousness of the degenerative process of dystrophy of the altered fibres, contractures can be more or less considerable.
As from the moment the disease is diagnosed, physicians try to recover the functions of the central nervous system and of the locomotor apparatus, but they do not always get the desired result due to the fact that there are already muscle contractures. These can be soothed or stretched with the aid of massages, manual therapies or exercise, but the causative factor is not eliminated, and patients often only obtain temporary relief. Two or three pathological fibres are enough to limit the movement of a motor segment as a result of being rigid and tense and as a result of being positioned along the entire length of the muscle or other structure, and they can prevent or limit the movement of healthy fibres.
Both pathological fibres and healthy fibres have two fastening points:
