Fascia- What Binds Us Together

What is fascia? Massage therapists toss the term around like everyone in the world knows what it is, but most people don't. And yet, everyone has fascia. It's the tough connective tissue layer of our bodies. Fascia makes up tendons and ligaments. It keeps everything in its proper place in our bodies and acts as a shock absorber.

There is no beginning or end to fascia. It is the three-dimensional tissue that connects our bones, muscles and organs. Fascia doesn't start and stop, but it can be damaged through tears, injury or incision. As it repairs itself, it often reconnects to places in the body that are not designed to be connective points. This repair process results in scar tissue and many times is the site of lingering tightness in the body.

Fascia can also become inflamed, as in the condition known as plantar fasciitis. It can contribute to trigger points, or knots, a condition where muscle fibers stay in a contracted state.

Stretching is an important technique in keeping fascia in good working order. Stretching helps the fascia stay loose and reactive. Reducing injuries and elective surgeries will also help fascia stay healthy. And lastly, massage therapy techniques help release trigger points and scar tissue, and lengthen fascial connections. So keep your fascia healthy! You'll feel better for it!