FASCIA
Fascia, you may have never heard of it, but it is an absolutely integral network of thin connective tissue that holds your organs, blood vessels, bones, nerve fibres and muscles in place. Although it may appear as no more than a tightly woven cobweb, fascia plays an incredibly important role in the way you move and feel.
Fascia is designed to stretch as you move, but it can be negatively impacted by our lifestyles, (such as inactivity or overuse of a muscle or joint) and dietary habits. Other factors include trauma, such as from surgery or injury. This causes the fascia to become sticky and immobile, translating to a lack of mobility and pain in your muscles and joints.
To get a greater idea of just how important fascia is, put yourself in any stretched position. It may surprise you to learn that the majority of the ‘stretch’ sensation you are feeling is not in your muscles, but your fascia! Fascia responds well to heat, so it is vitally important that you warm up before stretching to prevent injury to your fascia. In fact, the same can be said when starting a workout routine. If your fascia has been largely immobile due to inactivity, it won’t matter how fast or strong you are, you will still be plagued with pain if you fail to warm your body first.
Working with tight fascia won’t be an overnight fix, but myofascial massage therapy techniques combined with regular stretching and movement can go a long way to helping you feel your best.
Maureen RMT
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Disclaimer
None of the information provided on this website should be substituted for medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed healthcare practitioner.