According to Cleveland Clinic, "Fascia is the band of thin, fibrous connective tissue that wraps around and supports every structure in your body.
Scientists initially thought fascia only provided support to your organs, muscles and bones. Recently, the definition has expanded to include the tissue that surrounds all of the cells, nerves, joints, tissues, tendons and ligaments throughout your body as well. As part of this discovery, they learned that fascia is a part of a system-wide network that provides form and function to every part of your body. It’s a continuous layer of tissue that’s flexible and able to resist tension.
Fascia is a stringy, white substance made mostly of collagen. Collagen is a type of protein that provides strength and flexibility. Fascia is soft, loose and made up of multiple layers. A liquid called hyaluronan is between each layer. The hyaluronan helps your fascia stretch as you move. Inflammation and trauma can dry up the hyaluronan and damage your fascia. When your fascia tightens, it can restrict the movement of your muscles and tissues, causing pain and other health conditions.
Fascia provides structure and support throughout your body. It holds your muscles together, which allows them to contract and stretch. It provides a smooth surface for your muscles, joints and organs to slide against each other without creating any friction or tears.
Fascia also stabilizes your body structures and gives your body strength. It separates your muscles and eases muscle tension. It also helps with joint stability and movement, and it improves your circulation. Fascia provides an environment that enables all of your body systems to work together.
When your fascia is healthy, it’s relaxed and flexible. As you move, it stretches with you. When the hyaluronan dries up, the fascial layers can tighten around your muscles and other tissues. This can lead to pain and limited mobility.
Fascia plays an important role in the structure and function of your body, so it’s important to keep it healthy. Some ways you can make sure you’re keeping your fascia in shape include:
- Stay physically active: Move around as much as possible instead of sitting. Make sure to get regular exercise.
- Stretch frequently: Stretching makes your fascia more flexible. This can help lessen pain and inflammation.
- Sit up straight: Try to maintain good posture. Slumping over can cause your fascia to tighten.
Your fascia is a sheath of stringy connective tissue that surrounds every structure in your body. It provides support to your organs, muscles, tendons, ligaments, tissues, nerves, joints and bones. Fascia is one continuous layer, so it’s flexible and moves with your body. When your fascia tightens, it can restrict the movement of your muscles and tissues, causing pain and other health conditions, so it’s important to keep fascia healthy by moving and stretching your body."
Myofascial technique, which is the technique I use in my SARGA BODYWORK® sessions, helps to stretch and restore health to your fascia, which in turn,
- Improves range of motion
- Reduces soreness
- Lessens pain & stiffness
- Increases body's natural recovery process
- Helps with overall relaxation in the mind & body
- Improves circulation
- Relieves stress
If you experience muscle pain, stiffness and limited mobility in your body, it could be caused by having tight, unhealthy fascia. Schedule a session with me ASAP. Your fascia will thank you!