02/27/2019
WHAT IS FASCIA?
Fascia is a network of connective tissue in the body. Think of it like mesh or a web that runs through the body surrounding and supporting every cell, muscle, and organ. It literally holds the body together. You know that shiny, transparent white stuff on a chicken breast? That’s fascia!
Fascia is composed of cells, fibers, and ground substance. Ground substance is a transparent fluid made of 70% water. Two proteins provide its structure and elasticity- collagen and elastin. Fun fact: Collagen fibers are as strong as steel- seriously!
Fascia is the richest sense organ in the body- more than the eyes, ears, and nose! The fascia is what you feel when you stretch or are in physical pain. It’s the tension of the fascia around the area of sensation that causes feelings of tightness.
The image above illustrates the different lines of fascia, called myofascial lines. Imagine wearing a fitted shirt (mine would be a flannel). When you pull down on it, other parts of the shirt pull with it. The sleeves may move, and you feel the fabric around the back of the neck tighten. In the fascia world, this shirt analogy explains how connected this fibrous tissue is. It’s why rolling a lacrosse or tennis ball on the bottom of the foot can help release the hamstring. It’s all connected, baby.
HEALTHY VS. UNHEALTHY FASCIA
Fascia is a tensional fluid system, and so having a healthy fascia means it’s well-hydrated and strong. For a muscle to function normally, it requires a surrounding fascia that’s hydrated to allow normal tissue gliding. Healthy fascia creates better joint health, better organ health, and more fluid movement. It also results in less injury and pain.
On the other hand, when fascia is unhealthy or dehydrated, it gets tight and restricted. Think of a sponge that’s been dried up. A dehydrated fascia is caused by poor posture, immobility, injury, and repetitive movement and results in limited mobility and pain.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR FASCIA
Everybody can benefit from a fascia care routine. Here are a few ways you can hydrate your fascia:
DRINK WATER
Seems pretty obvious, right? However, it doesn’t necessarily result in more fluidity and hydration to our connective tissue. Imagine the soft tissue as a hose. If it’s all tangled up, water won’t be able to get through. So yes, drinking water definitely helps and makes water more available for the fascia.
MOVE
Moving transforms the gel-like substance to be thinner and more liquid-like. It’s why going for a walk feels amazing when you’re really sore. It’s important when you move to vary the movement and tempo because fascial tissue gets tight and restricted when it’s used the same way all the time, like always running or biking or sitting for a long period of time at a desk.
STRETCH
Gentle stretching keeps fascia healthy. It doesn’t need to be intense to create a change. Remember that collagen is as strong as steel and takes about three years to completely change and remodel. Focus on consistent, static stretching to see the greatest benefit. horizontal stretching on Pravilo Just needs only 15 -30 minutes exercise to totally release all fascia chain and help change the tissue over time.
MASSAGE
A myofascial massage helps the fascia soften and rehydrate by relieving tension. Self myofascial release is a great way to get the benefits of a massage without going anywhere or spending a lot of money. Two tools I personally use and love are a foam roller and a good old lacrosse ball. For something less intense you can try a tennis ball.
I also want to note that fascia can withstand 2000 pounds of pressure per square inch. It’s unnecessary if you are in intense pain during a massage. Gentler work is actually more effective because it doesn’t cause the nervous system to act up and helps the tissues relax better.
DESTRESS
Stress makes fascia unhealthy, and an unhealthy fascia causes stress. It’s a vicious cycle! Any way you can destress will help keep the fascia healthy and loose. Pravilo or Yoga has amazing mental benefits, including reducing stress.
Remember that it’s never too late to start a fascia care routine. But know that just like anything that actually results in lasting change, cultivating a healthy fascia isn’t a quick fix. It takes time and consistency. The good news is once you start taking care of your fascia using the techniques above, you will physically and mentally feel better.