The Injury/Re-injury Cycle and Cross-Fiber Frictioning

Part II: How Cross-fiber Frictioning can Help

Very specific, targeted cross-fiber strokes are applied perpendicular to the direction of the fiber in the tissue, breaking up any fiber not aligned with the fibers in the structure.

1.

A small tear occurs in tendon or ligament.

2.

Collagen fibers are laid down in a random fashion forming initial, weak scar tissue.

3.

After inflammation subsides, cross-fiber frictioning is applied, leaving only those fibers which provide a strong, flexible bond.

4.

Continued frictioning, accompanied by specific stretching and exercises, allow more fibers to be laid down properly, and the tear heals.