Fascia – a term not often encountered outside of anatomy and therapeutic settings – is a crucial component of our body’s structure. Robert Schleip, one of the leading figures in fascia research, describes fascia as “the biological fabric that holds us together”. A fascinating tissue that envelops, interpenetrates, and connects muscles, bones, and organs, fascia is fundamental to our body’s function and structure[1]. While it is easy to get caught in the faulty reductionist thinking that our bodies are made up of individual muscles that work independently to create movement, we know now that muscles do not function by themselves but as complete tissue complexes including the fascia, tendons, ligaments, and bones that all blend together to form a continuum of tissue.
Anatomy and Physiology of Fascia
Imagine peeling an orange and discovering the white, fibrous layer that separates and wraps around the fruit segments. In a way, our body is similarly organized with fascia playing a pivotal role. It is a continuous, three-dimensional matrix of structural support, extending from the top of our head to the tip of our toes.
At a microscopic level, fascia is like a grapefruit[2]. Just as a grapefruit is composed of sections, each section is wrapped in a thin film, and within each section, there are individual juicy parts separated by thin strands. Similarly, fascia consists of collagen fibers suspended in a gel-like ground substance. This structure provides a delicate balance between stability and movement, allowing muscles and other structures to glide past each other while also distributing forces throughout the body.
Fascia and Manual Therapy
A unique aspect of fascia is its responsiveness to manual therapy. Research has shown that fascia is a dynamic tissue, capable of adapting its structure based on mechanical stimuli[3]. When subjected to sustained pressure or stretching, like during a massage or physiotherapy session, the fascial tissues respond by becoming more pliable. This phenomenon is often described as “thixotropy,” where the tissue shifts from a more gel-like state to a more liquid state, enhancing flexibility and potentially alleviating pain and discomfort. Recent research has shown that SLOWER, LIGHTER touch produces the most profound changes in the physiology of fascia and thus creates the greatest therapeutic response. Deep, deep fascial work (often painful) has been shown to have less physiological benefit.
Structural Significance
But why is fascia so crucial to our bodily structure? A study presented by the Fascia Research Society underscores that fascia, with its extensive interconnectivity, acts as the major structural component of our bodies[4]. Without fascia, we wouldn’t have the ability to hold form or move. It’s akin to removing the frame from a tent; without its supportive structure, the tent collapses.
Stretching and Fascia
The latest findings from the Fascia Research Society offer practical advice for stretching fascia. Contrary to the traditional quick, bouncing stretches, recent research suggests that longer, sustained stretches are more effective for fascial flexibility[5]. Holding stretches for a duration of three minutes or more can evoke the thixotropic properties of fascia, facilitating optimal flexibility and function. Such stretching not only enhances mobility but also can contribute to injury prevention and recovery.
Conclusion
Fascia is, undeniably, a fundamental tissue that weaves through our entire body, playing a pivotal role in our structural integrity and movement capabilities. As research continues to unveil its mysteries, our understanding of fascia’s importance in health, movement, and therapy will only deepen. Embracing this knowledge can pave the way for better therapeutic techniques and a more profound understanding of our body’s intricate design. As we learn more about the properties of fascia we can tailor our treatments to the most effective strategies possible to help you feel, move, and live better!
Yours in Health,
Joey
References:
[1]: Schleip, R. (2003). Fascial plasticity – a new neurobiological explanation: Part 1. Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies, 7(1), 11-19.
[2]: Findley, T.W. & Schleip, R. (2009). Fascia Research: Basic Science and Implications for Conventional and Complementary Health Care. Elsevier/Medizinisch Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft.
[3]: Langevin, H.M., et al. (2005). Mechanical signaling through connective tissue: a mechanism for the therapeutic effect of acupuncture. FASEB Journal, 19(12), 2275-2282.
[4]: Fascia Research Society. (2020). Structural significance of fascia in human anatomy.
[5]: Guimberteau, J.C., & Armstrong, C. (2015). Architecture of Human Living Fascia. Handspring Publishing.