What is fascia?

Fascia is a set of subcutaneous connective tissue that runs throughout the body and involves muscles and organs. It is like an elastic web with enough tension to envelop and contain other structures. Imagining the inside of your body, it is as if there is a long band of elastic and communicating tissue all over your body.

Although there is already knowledge of it since the beginning of the anatomy study, only in recent years have studies been carried out on its relationship with muscle pain, as well as on the importance of keeping this system healthy and balanced. Like the nervous system, fascia extends throughout the body and is also a sensory organ.

Its composition is mostly fibrous and viscous, and its structure contains liquid that allows elasticity. Keeping the body hydrated and moving (walking, stretching) is one of the important points for fascia health and to prevent some movement restrictions and pain. In addition to physical factors (such as injuries or scars), stress and the environment can also negatively influence the state of this organ, namely causing stiffness, inflammation and even strain injuries (ruptures).

Given their more superficial nature, treatment therapies are less invasive and even allow the patient to act on the most sensitive areas and discomforts, collaborating with the therapist with a view to faster recovery. In terms of the most well-known pathologies, we have plantar fasciitis, which causes pain mainly in the sole of the foot.

Due to the connection throughout the body, if the patient is not treated properly, he can be left with lack of mobility, incorrect posture and pain in other parts of the body.

A combination of manual therapy, rest and adequate exercise can help overcome these symptoms.

References: https://www.anatomytrains.com/

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