Matrix Repatterning and Bio-tensegrity

What is the matrix of the body?
The matrix consists of all connective tissue and its relationship to and interaction with itself. To understand the matrix, you must understand that the human body consists of molecules, cells, tissue, organs, and systems that give our body a network for structure and flexibility. The microcellular biologist, Donald Ingber, observed the interaction and changes in cell shape and tension that determined the cells’ function. Understanding the matrix helps us to understand how the body moves, managing extraneous positions and responds to external forces from strains to impacts. Treating the matrix will identify where the trauma from previous injuries is located in the body and correct the pain and symptoms the body is experiencing, thus restoring normal function, strength, balance and movement.

Development of the Biotensegrity Theory:
The well-known architect, Buckminster Fuller designed the geodesic dome based on the relationship of tension and compression rods that gives a structure its framework, stability and flexibility. Kenneth Snelson, an artist whose “Needle Tower” sculpture is displayed at the Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Washington, D.C., created sculptural structures of poles which were held up in space by using a tension-supported network with a secondary support of compression.

Upon observing these two artists’ work, Stephen Levin realized the human body was not a series of levers, as taught in medical school, but that it consists of tension and compression elements, providing our body with its framework, stability, and flexibility. Therefore, the term biotensegrity was coined by Stephen Levin as the biological application of Fuller’s and Snelson’s “tension integrity” concept.

“The bones of the skeleton are not a supporting column but compression elements enmeshed in the interstices of a highly organized tension network.” - Stephen M. Levin, M.D.
http://www.biotensegrity.com

Development of Matrix Repatterning:        
George Roth heard Dr. Levin speaking on biotensegrity at a physical medicine conference in Toronto. Being inspired, he clinically applied Levin’s structural theories when treating patients. Roth perfected his application and coined the term: Matrix Repatterning.

“The goal of Matrix Repatterning is to restore or repattern the natural state of balance at the molecular/cellular level, the matrix…The treatment normalizes the structural effects of physical injury and allows the body to be restored to its normal, balanced pattern and optimum function.” 
- George Roth, DC, ND                      
http://www.matrixinstitute.net          

How do impact injuries affect the body? The network in the body can be disrupted by a strain put on our tissue or from impact trauma to our body. The disruption can cause a pattern of tension—a distortion to normal tissue alignment—resulting in physical limitation and/or pain. Picture the body as a fabric covering itself. When there is an impact injury, the fascial system will pull toward the injured area to protect it. The lines of tension can cause pain and restriction in other parts of the body, thus causing it to move abnormally. The more injuries that are incurred, the greater the layers of restrictions in the matrix. The more out of  balance the matrix is, the more likely it will create strain and pain.

How do strains affect the body? A strain is an overstretching of tissues involving muscles, ligaments, fascia or joints. The body has amazing elastic properties that can resist some strain. Yet a significant force can be absorbed into the tissue, resulting in a semi-permanent change in the body’s network system.

How does scar tissue affect the body? Scar tissue is developed by the body to replace damaged cells and tissue. Scar tissue is less elastic than normal tissue, thus causing restrictions in the fascial system.

How can physical therapy help me with a tissue restriction? The physical therapist will use manual therapy to find where the tissue restriction is originating. This is done by placing the indicator hand on specific regions of the body to determine increased movement or softening of the tissue. Through the process of comparison, the primary lesion site is determined. The body uses its own electrical system to determine and release the fascial and connective tissue restrictions through the compression of tissue, resulting in a piezoelectric effect at the molecular level. This causes the electrons to generate a form of intrinsic current. The flow of electrons allows a change in the tissue fiber patterns, resulting in a release of the restrictions at the site of the primary lesion. The compression normally consists of a pain-free gentle pressure on the site of the primary restriction, resulting in restoration of the tissue to normalcy. Tissue changes will be recognized during reexamination, at which time there is frequently improvement in movement, improvement in function, and a decrease in pain. The key to the success of the therapy is treating the primary lesion first.

For more information regarding Matrix Repatterning and Biotensegrity you may read journal articles by Donald Ingber (link to article and Bookmark) and Stephen Levin (link) as well as purchase an excellent and descriptive DVD on Biotensegrity at www.biotensegrity.com. The Matrix Repatterning Program for Pain Relief  by George Roth also gives an excellent description of Matrix Repatterning as well as a self help book for home treatments. 

• What is the Matrix