What is a Knot?
That portion of a branch or limb, which has been surrounded by subsequent growth of the stem. ‘Me shape of the knot as it appears on a cut surface depends on the angle of the cut relative to the long axis of the knot. • Small Knot – In hardwood strip flooring not over ½” in diameter. • Pin Knot – A knot that is not more than ½” in diameter. • Sound Knot – A knot cut approximately parallel to its long axis so that the exposed section is definitely elongated.
Since muscles are constructed of fibers, it is possible for a group of fibers to be contracted, rather than the whole muscle. These contracted fibers may become adhered or ‘stuck together’ from overuse, previous injury, strain, repetitive use, etc. due to the formation of inflammation, scar tissue development, immobilization, protective muscle contraction, spasm, chronic conditions, or something to promote a sustained partial muscle contraction. The muscle fibers are not actually in a ‘knot’, however several people have adopted it as a descriptive term. In fact, it is simply a contracted section of a muscle. Due to the state it is in, it becomes depleted of oxygen and therefore sore. A massage therapist cannot feel the soreness. A massage therapists’ ability to locate these ‘sore spots’ are actually just the massage therapists’ ability to identify and locate a contracted muscle. This mysterious ability is complemented by the therapists’ knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, asse
