04/29/2026
New Word OTD: Thixotropy
In physics, thixotropy is the property of certain gels to become fluid when shaken or stirred. Well, wouldn't you know it, but your fascia is thixotropic! When you are stationary or "stuck" in a pattern (such as a couch potato), your ground substance becomes a thick gel (more adhesions). To keep it fluid, you need "micro-movements" throughout your workday—gentle shaking of the limbs or "joint circling" (THINK: shoulders, hips - and/or to a lesser degree - upper neck, pelvic clocks/torso circles, wrists, ankles, fingers/thumbs)—to prevent the gel from hardening.
In the context of hypertonicity, "circling" these joints serves as a lubrication protocol. When you move a joint through its full range of circumduction, you are stimulating the Synovial Membrane to secrete Synovial Fluid.
Think of this fluid as your body's "WD-40." It contains Hyaluronan, which reduces friction and feeds the articular cartilage. As they like to say in physiotherapy, "motion is lotion!" And, "The hinges of a busy door never rust." (An ancient Chinese proverb often applied to the joints).
