Muscles

Muscles are made up of thousands of filaments, comprised of bundles
called myofibrils. A complete bundle of myofibril forms just one muscle
fibre, with a number of muscle fibres being bound together by  connective tissue to form a fascicle. A collection of fascicles make up the whole muscle.

Connective tissue, known as the muscle fascia, also covers the outside of
the muscle. Running throughout the connective tissue are blood vessels
and nerves.

When muscles are damaged, through overuse etc., they are repaired by
producing scar tissue, which is made from brittle fibrous material. This
can be felt as a knot within the muscle and can be painful for the client.
If the scar tissue is recent, it is important to avoid the area as massage can aggravate it. Scar tissue can create a reduction in blood serving that area so circulation is limited to the muscle. The scar tissue can also
clamp onto a nerve and create pain in an additional area.

Tendons

Tendons are made up of bundles of collagen fibres and create a cord
like structure, which is tough but also flexible. It extends from the
connective tissues that surround the muscle. Its main function is to
attach muscle to bone, and can act as a shock absorber. Tendons can
be easily injured and can become torn or inflamed and may need
surgery to repair them.

Ligaments

Ligaments are responsible for holding two or more bones together
where a joint is formed. They consist of a short band of fibrous tissue,
made from strands of collagen fibres, which allows the joint to move freely within a certain range.

If ligaments become loose, from overstretching, the joint itself becomes
weak as there is not enough support provided. Ligaments can become
damaged if they are over extended.