Fascia is a tissue whose composition and material properties are constantly evolving in response to its changing mechanical environment. Mechanotransduction, or the ability of cells within fascia to perceive and respond to mechanical forces, is a key mechanism responsible for this fascia “remodeling”. In this session, we will discuss challenges associated with the application of recent advances derived from cell culture systems to the understanding of mechanotransduction in whole tissues, and eventually living organisms.

Myofibroblasts in fascia are connective tissue cells with smooth muscle-like contractile capacities. Originally discovered in the 1970’s, these cells are now known to play a major role in wound healing, tissue fibrosis, and pathological fascial contractures. Their evolution–usually seen as from regular fibroblasts to proto-myofibroblasts, to fully differentiated myofibroblasts, to final apoptosis–is influenced by mechanical tension, cytokines, and specific proteins from the extracellular matrix. Given its relatively recent discovery, many questions still exist about this new cell type. This session will review what is currently known about the biology of this cell, the interactions with its environment, and its presence and role in collagenous connective tissues.

The various viscoelastic tissue that constitute fascia(ligaments, tendons, capsules, discs, etc..) are also sensory organs. Various types of receptors capable of monitoring tension, elongation, pressure, velocity, pain , etc are located in such tissues and create a neurological feedback mechanism by which reflexive interaction with muscles is provided to maintain joint stability and safety as well as coordination of movement. Disruption of the fascia due to injury or overuse also results in corrupted feedback signals and neurological disorders that are exposing the tissue to additional potential for injury or movement disorders.

Pain is a complex phenomenon, including subjective and objective components. The objective component includes nociceptors, the neural components in the peripheral nervous system that can generate signals that can be interpreted by the central nervous system as pain. Most structures are innervated by nociceptors, which are responsive to changes in their environment that are damaging or potentially damaging. In this session, data related to the mechanisms of nociception arising from nerve fascia, muscle, and ligament will be presented.

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The purpose of the Clinician-Scientist Panel is to offer an opportunity for interaction, dialogue, and the sharing of information between two groups, Clinicians and Scientists. Panelists represent a variety of backgrounds: including education, acupuncture, osteopathy, medicine, chiropractic, naturopathy, physical medicine, massage therapy Rolfing / Structural Integration, and pure science.

The clinicians will pose key questions relative to their work, in the hope that explanations may be offered by the scientists, as to mechanisms and processes.

Additionally the panel will offer opportunities for scientists to become aware of possible areas for further research.

Questions formulated by delegates during the Congress will also be posed to the panel.

CLINICIANS
Joseph Audette MA, MD
Leon Chaitow ND, DO (Co-chair)
Diane Lee BSR, FCAMT, CGIMS
Thomas Myers IASI
Michael M. Patterson, Ph.D., DO(Hon)

SCIENTISTS
Peter Huijing PhD
Partap S. Khalsa, DC, PhD, DABCO (Co-chair)
Helene Langevin MD
Jay Shah MD
Moshe Solomonow, PhD, MD(hon)