It's okay to be a little skeptical about fascia. Scientists have only started paying close attention to it in the last few decades. So if you're over the age of 30, you might find yourself wondering if fascia is just one of those woo-woo West Coast things. But it's real, and really important. Let's have a look!
What is fascia?
Fascia is the connective tissue that weaves us together. It connects skin to muscles, muscles to bone. It encases our organs. It contains a lot of water and acts like a lubricant, allowing our movement to be fluid.
It also has 6-10 times the amount of nerves as muscles do, giving us awareness of where our bodies exist in space (also known as proprioception).
And due to that concentration of nerves, if we have an injury there’s a good chance this is where the pain is coming from.
“It gives our bodies levers and fulcrums so we can move. If part of that system is compromised, we get less range of motion and less of an exchange of nutrition for the joints.”
How it works
This video explains the remarkable properties of fascia that allow it to adjust its viscosity, transforming from a liquid into a solid and back again as it needs to!
How to take care of your fascia
Yin yoga — where you gently hold poses for many minutes at a time — helps to release the tension in fascia. Instead of engaging muscles, it focuses on releasing tension and allowing the fascia to align.
Stay hydrated. A lot of the body’s moisture is contained in the fascia. Well-hydrated fascia helps us move with grace and ease.
Keep moving. Try gentle exercises with a foam roller or tennis ball like we mentioned in our post on self-care. Vary your movements with play, dance and different kinds of exercise. Don’t stay in one position too long!
Proper posture throughout the day can also help to keep our fascia healthy.
How chiropractic and massage can help
Chiropractic and massage are wonderful modalities for addressing imbalances in the fascial system. Because of the interconnectedness of the fascia (and the whole body for that matter), tension in one part of the body can throw things off in a totally different part of the body. Our chiropractors can help with any adjustments you may need and our massage therapists are trained in myofascial release which can help loosen up tense fascia. We look forward to helping you on your journey toward optimum health.
Come visit us at Parkside
Whether you’re recovering from an injury or just need a tune-up, we’re here to help. We tailor our care to your specific condition and tap into your body’s natural healing ability. Make an appointment, or if you have any questions, contact us.