Fascinating Fascia
October 16, 2009 · Print This Article
Fascia is the facinating biological connective tissue that holds us together.
Fascia is thin, but very fibrous and strong. It forms directly under the skin and serves as a strong layer of connective tissue between the skin and muscles underneath it.
The top layer of fascia is superficial fascia, which may be mixed with varying amounts of fat, depending on where it is on the body. The skull and hands have a particularly noticeable layer of superficial fascia which connects the skin to the tissues and bone underneath it.
Underneath the superficial fascia lies deep fascia, a much more densely packed and strong layer of fascia. Deep fascia covers the muscles which help to keep the muscles divided and protected.
Sometimes this fascia can create tight knots or connective adhesions which act as trigger points and can cause pain and dysfunction.
Myofascial release (MFR) is a type of soft tissue massage which incorporates stretching and massage of the fascial layers.
MFR operates on the principle that many people hold stress in their muscles, which causes the muscles to seize or lock. This is exacerbated by muscle injury and scarring. MFR aims to access these areas of tension to release them, thereby freeing up the muscle and allowing it to move more easily and effectively.
In patients with fibromyalgia, back pain, and other muscle-associated health issues, MFR can be highly beneficial. For this reason, some doctors prescribe it in conjunction with other forms of therapy to give patients a greater range of options.
MFR is frequently incorporated into pain management plans, and patients often feel positive effects after only a few sessions. Benefits include pain reduction, improved posture and increased flexibility. I am incorporating these soft tissue techniques into my patients’ treatment programmes and have recently attended a Kinesis Course held by James Earls.
Picture courtesy of Thomas Myers Anatomy Trains, showing dissection of teased muscle fibres with surrounding and investing endomysial fascia.
