Tension and Compression

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xeniouska
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2016 1:29 pm
Location: Geneva

Tension and Compression

Post by xeniouska »

Hello,

I was wondering if we can say that ligaments, tendons and fascia are generally more responding to tension than compression AND that cartilage and bones are generally more responding to compression than tension ?
By "more responding", I mean that they beneficiate the most of it.

Thank you very much for your answer.

Cheers.

Xénia
Bernie
Posts: 1293
Joined: Sat Sep 23, 2006 2:25 am
Location: Vancouver

Post by Bernie »

Hi Xénia

Yes, in general, you are correct. We apply a tensile stretch to the stretchy tissues like muscles, ligaments, tendons, joint capsules, and fascia and compressive stresses to the stiffer tissues like bones and cartilage. However, this does not mean we never compress the softer tissues: we do -- think of massage! Compression of the fascia and muscles can also be therapeutic. And, sometimes we do apply a tensile stress to cartilage too! The discs in our spine get stretched as we move. So, never is never right and always is always wrong.

Cheers
Bernie
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