The wonders of Fascia
In the intricate tapestry of the human body, one often overlooked and underestimated element plays a crucial role in maintaining our structural integrity, flexibility, and overall well-being; fascia.
While muscles, bones, and organs often steal the spotlight, fascia quietly weaves its way throughout the body, serving as a dynamic and interconnected matrix.
You may have heard of, or experienced Plantar Fasciitis – this is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of each foot and connects the heel bone to the toes, known as the plantar fascia.
Naming individual parts of the fascia matrix can however make it seem like it has different ‘parts’ or ‘sections’; the Fascia is in fact a complex network of connective tissue that surrounds and connects to all our muscles, bones, nerves, and organs.
Think of it as a three-dimensional spider web that envelops and supports the entire body. Pretty amazing!
Fascia can be thought of as a spider-web like network that surrounds and protects all of our organs, muscles and bones, and has an incredible six times the sensory nerves of our muscles.
Composed mainly of collagen fibres, this four-layered almost magical substance serves us like an internal highway.
It transmits biochemical signals that control the sensory and motor pathways in our body, and its’ transmissions can influence our emotions as well as our postures and movements.
In dissection, fascia looks like sheets of white, fibrous connective tissue that are strong yet flexible and perfect for keeping muscles and organs in place. They are also sticky, gloopy and get in the way of looking at the muscles, bones and organs they cover. Which explains why, for years, anatomists cut this tissue off, chucked it away and thought little more about it!
It is now recognised that fascial network is one of our richest sensory organs, the fascial element of the muscle is innervated by approximately six times as many sensory nerves than its’ muscular counterpart.
We are now realising that a better understanding of this tissue is sorely needed. If we manage to figure it out, it has the potential to provide new ways to tackle many common yet hard-to-treat conditions, from immune dysfunction to chronic pain.
What are the functions of Fascia?
1. Structural Support:
Fascia plays a crucial role in providing structural support to the body. It wraps around muscles, bones, and organs, creating a framework that helps maintain the body's shape and integrity.
2. Protection:
Acting as a protective layer, fascia shields underlying structures from external forces and impact. It absorbs shocks and distributes stress throughout the body, preventing concentrated pressure on specific areas.
3. Movement Coordination:
Fascia facilitates smooth movement by allowing muscles, bones, and other tissues to glide past each other. It reduces friction, enabling efficient and coordinated motion.
4. Communication:
The fascial system is not merely a passive structure; it also plays a role in communication. It contains an abundance of sensory receptors that relay information about tension, pressure, and movement, contributing to our body's kinesthetic awareness.
5. Nutrient Transport:
Fascia acts as a conduit for the transport of nutrients and fluids, ensuring that cells receive the necessary resources for optimal function. This function is vital for maintaining tissue health and vitality.
Fascia and Human Health
Recent research has highlighted the significance of a healthy fascial system in maintaining overall well-being. Dysfunction or restrictions in fascial tissue can lead to various issues, including chronic pain, reduced flexibility, and compromised movement patterns. Conditions such as myofascial pain syndrome and fascial adhesions emphasize the importance of addressing and maintaining the health of this often-overlooked connective tissue.
Fascia and Craniosacral Therapy
In the modalities of Osteopathy and Craniosacral Therapy, fascia has long been appreciated and considered a rich source of information in the treatment process.
As the scientific understanding of fascia deepens, more therapeutic approaches have emerged to target this intricate network. Myofascial release, fascial manipulation, and foam rolling aim to alleviate tension, improve flexibility, and promote overall fascial health.
Image by Janusz Jurek from New Scientist website www.newscientist.com
During a Craniosacral Treatment, I can often notice the fascia of the person I am working on under my fingertips in subtle movements such as pulling, twisting or bands of tension. This can guide me as to whether the fascia in that area of the body is restricted or compromised. Fascia should be fluid and have a ‘glide’ between it’s four layers, so often that is the indicator as to whether there is an absence of health in the area.
I regularly notice a ‘popping’ or the sensation of a rubber band breaking as the tension in the fascia releases, and clients also often feel this in their bodies.
Fascia is an incredible hidden matrix within the human body which serves as a linchpin for overall health and functionality.
Resources;
New Scientist Article: https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25433861-200-fascia-the-long-overlooked-tissue-that-shapes-your-health/
Nourishing Massage Blog : https://akronmassage.co/2021/01/23/fascia-the-tangled-web-our-bodies-weave/
Fascia as a sensory organ: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319182467_FASCIA_AS_A_SENSORY_ORGAN_Clinical_Applications
First Line Education : https://www.firstlineeducation.com/blog/five-things-about-fascia
