FASCIA » THE BODY’S OVERACHIEVER

Could Your Fascia Be a Hidden Source of Pain?

B y K erry H agner , LMT, BCTMB

Fascia is quite the buzzword as of late and rightfully so. But what is it, exactly?

Simply put, fascia is a connective tissue that envelops all muscles, organs, vessels and nerves. It connects the whole body, gives us our structure and creates our posture.

Until recently, fascia was merely known as the tough stuff anatomists cut through when studying the human body (much like layers of plastic wrap). We now understand that fascia is an organized matrix of collagen fibers suspended in a gel-like substance. When healthy, these fibers balance stability with flexibility.

Where It Goes Wrong (Or Too Right)

The nature of fascia is to thicken and harden under chronic strain or injury to provide extra stability to vulnerable structures. Similarly, fascia adapts to held postures, such as slouching at the computer or looking down at our phones. It mirrors the way we hold ourselves, thickening in areas where we are out of alignment with gravity.

Fascia is very good at its job—often too good. Rigidly bound fascia becomes dehydrated and inflexible, causing pain and reduced range of motion. It can put immense pressure on the areas it envelops, as much as 2,000 pounds per square inch – ouch!

Myofascial Release to the Rescue

Myofascial release (MFR) therapy uses our body’s natural processes to promote fascial restructuring and restore hydration and flexibility. Gentle, sustained pressure on restricted fascia triggers a neuro-chemical response that increases blood flow, reduces inflammation and elongates tissues.

No two MFR sessions are the same. There are common fascial restriction patterns, but ultimately your fascia is the unique architectural story of you. A session will often start “where it hurts” and lead to unexpected places. Fascia connects your whole body, and like a snag in your favorite sweater, a pull in one corner may cause a pull in another.

To find a myofascial release therapist near you, visit mfrtherapists.com. n

Supporting Your Fascia

Bring awareness to how you hold your body in stillness. Over time, these positions become reinforced by your fascia.

Our bodies are not designed to be stationary. Make time throughout the day for gentle movement.