Fascia is connective tissue that is found throughout the body that attaches, stabilises, separates and encloses muscles and organs. Science has proven it to be one colleganous net (like a spider wed throughout tissue) which has transitional layers between individual internal parts found from head to toe.
Fascia is mostly made up of collagen that gives it a tough but pliable texture, which varies in density depending on the layer and purpose. Fascia provides a surface for tissue to smoothly slide, allowing easy free movement. It is also now thought to be our richest sense organ and responds to stress without conscious command.
Its only recently recognised that fascia is key to not only explaining the body’s movement but stability too. Its finely balanced to allow flexible unrestricted movement, whilst holding muscles, bones and organs in place. Given the extent and importance of fascia to the body, the understanding of it is essential to the diagnosis and treatment of injuries.
A key aspect of fascia is that it is strong enough to hold the bodies shape but it cannot support weight well. This explains why functional movement pattern impairments and postural decomposition conditions affect fascia, causing pain and restrictions. These restrictions mean that fascia has formed adhesions, the result of which the layers have become sticky and distorted from lack of movement. Chronic stress also causes fibres to thicken in an effort to protect the underlying muscle, repetitive movements pull the fascia into ingrained patterns.
What are the benefits to keeping fascia healthy?
- Improved blood flow, meaning healthier tissue
- Improved postural symmetry and alignment
- Reduced scar tissue
- Reduction in pain levels
- Reduced cellulite
- Improved flexibility
- Improved sorts performance
- Better balance
How do we keep fascia healthy?
- Stretch for ten minutes a day and use a foam roller
- Try active release techniques on muscles
- Physical therapy such as chiropractic, acupuncture and craniosacral therapy
- Retrain faulty movement patterns
- Don’t stay in one position for too long
- Stay hydrated (muscles and surrounding tissue are made up to 75% water)