12/12/2025
Fascial Adhesions: What You Need to Know
What are they?
Fascial adhesions occur when normally smooth fascial layers become thickened, sticky, or fibrotic. This limits tissue glide, increases mechanical tension, and can disrupt local circulation, nerve mobility, and muscle function.
Why do they form?
They commonly develop after surgery, injury, or prolonged immobilisation. Inflammatory processes increase collagen production, and when fibres are deposited irregularly, tissues may bind together, forming adhesions and restricting movement.
How do they present clinically?
Patients may report a persistent sense of tightness, pulling, or reduced range of motion. Sharp discomfort during stretching, localised tenderness, movement asymmetry, weakness, and chronic pain can also be associated findings.
Impact on movement
Restricted fascial glide alters normal biomechanics, forcing neighbouring joints and muscles to compensate. Over time, this can increase mechanical stress on surrounding tissues and reduce movement efficiency.
How we can help
Our treatment approach targets fascial restriction through:
• Soft-tissue mobilisation
• Fascial release techniques
• Cupping
• Neuromuscular re-education
• Progressive loading and functional retraining
These interventions aim to restore tissue mobility and optimise functional capacity—key components of efficient, pain-free movement.
