Stretch Receptor and Somatic Dysfunction: A Narrative Review

Abstract

From its founding by Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO, through the work of many contributors, one of the cornerstones of osteopathic medicine has been its ability to aid health by promoting neuromuscular homeostasis. As part of the understanding of osteopathic medicine since the time of Still, the proper functioning of stretch receptor organs (SROs) of skeletal muscle have been recognized as having a central role in this homeostasis. In doing so, the complexities of these numerous and vital sensors are described, including recent findings regarding their structure, function, and the nature of their neural connections. In their homeostatic role, SROs conduct information centrally for integration in proprioceptive and autonomic reflexes. By virtue of their integral role in muscle reflexes, they are putatively involved in somatic dysfunction and segmental facilitation. In reviewing some wellestablished knowledge regarding the SRO and introducing more recent scientific findings, an attempt is made to offer insights on how this knowledge may be applied to better understand somatic dysfunction.

Bilateral Idiopathic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Clinical‐Functional Characterization and Efficacy of Two Combined Postoperative Physiotherapeutic Treatments

“…The authors observed a beneficial effect after a one-week physical therapy, with a reduction of edema in the MN in the operated hand indicated by MRI examination. 34 The benefits observed from stretching in CTS may stem from improving the viscoelastic properties of the musculoskeletal tissue, 35 restoring proprioceptor and nociceptor dysfunctional patterns at both central and peripheral nervous system levels, 36 and remodeling the subsynovial connective tissue (TCSS). 37 The use of myofascial mobilization in postoperative rehabilitation of CTS has not yet been reported in literature, although it is indicated in TCSS dysfunctions such as fascia pain syndromes, low back pain, plantar fasciitis and myofascial trigger points (Robert 38 ).…”

“…The benefits observed from stretching in CTS may stem from improving the viscoelastic properties of the musculoskeletal tissue, 35 restoring proprioceptor and nociceptor dysfunctional patterns at both central and peripheral nervous system levels, 36 and remodeling the subsynovial connective tissue (TCSS) 37 …”

Aspectos Clínicos E Funcionais Envolvidos Na Reabilitação De Indivíduos Com Síndrome Do Túnel Do Carpo

“…O estiramento e a compressão das fibras musculares influenciam tanto os proprioceptores como os nociceptores, neutralizando os padrões disfuncionais ao nível da medula espinhal e córtex cerebral, decorrentes das cadeias miofasciais alteradas. Além disso, o alongamento promove uma distensão da região de interesse até o final da sua amplitude de movimento, que produz uma distensão das células do tecido conjuntivo, propiciando uma remodelação da matrix extracelular (76).…”

Topographic and anatomical analysis and finite element modeling of dynamic and biomechanical displacement patterns of the muscular-fascial cases of the neck

“…MEDITSINSKIY SOVET Dissertant ВВЕДЕНИЕ Соматическая дисфункция представляет собой функциональное нарушение, проявляющееся биомеханическим, ритмогенным и нейродинамическим компонентами [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. Ключевое значение в формировании соматической дисфункции играет именно биомеханический компонент, главные причины возникновения которого заключаются в реализации имеющихся или в возникновении новых морфологических изменений.…”