What Is Fascia & Why Is It Important?
When you feel tight, stiff, or sore on a continual basis, you might assume you have injured a muscle or pulled a tendon. Unless you are a health professional, a dedicated athlete, or a biologist, you might not consider that the surrounding tissue—known as fascia—could be the source.
What Is Fascia?
You are probably familiar with the placement and purpose of your muscles, tendons, organs, and other connective tissues, but you may not have heard of fascia.
Fascia is the Latin word for “band,” which accurately describes the fibrous connective tissue beneath the skin. Fascia is a series of stretchy layers designed to move with your muscles and joints. This meshy tissue covers the entire body, connecting, stabilising, organising, and separating the muscles, bones, and internal organs. Simply put, this band of tissue helps hold us together and provides protective armour to our insides.
To learn more about fascia, see our post on fascia and why it is important for your overall health.
What Causes Fascial Pain?
Healthy fascial tissue is flexible, smooth, and heals well. When fascia becomes unhealthy, it can tighten and adhere to itself, creating stiffness. Stiff, sticky fascia may restrict movement and cause discomfort.
Fascial pain is often caused by repetitive movements in a specific area, which can happen during work tasks or daily routines at home. It can also be caused by a lack of movement; a sedentary lifestyle may lead to fascial pain over time. Injury or trauma—physical or emotional—can contribute as well.
Other causes of fascial pain include:
- Inflammatory responses
- Poor posture
- Muscle injuries
- Surgery
- Chronic stress
- Dehydration
- Lifestyle choices
An Overview of Fascial Therapies
Fascial pain manifests differently depending on the cause and location. The best therapy depends on how you were injured and the quality of your pain. Three common fascial therapies include:
Fascial Stretch Therapy
In recent years, world-class athletes have highlighted the benefits of fascial stretch therapy, increasing the popularity of this targeted stretching technique. The idea is to move your joints and surrounding tissues so muscles and fascia relax together. Gentle movement with mild pressure creates deep relaxation from head to toe.
Benefits can include faster recovery from intense workouts, improved athletic performance, increased range of motion, support for rehabilitation, and relief of joint and muscle pain.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release specifically targets the myofascial tissue surrounding and connecting muscles. Treatment begins with gentle work to locate tight spots or stiffness. When trigger points are found, the therapist applies direct but gentle pressure for a few minutes before releasing, continuing until stiffness eases. It may also include myofascial cupping to stimulate greater release. After therapy, many people feel relaxed and more mobile.
Myofascial release is generally mild with low risk. As with other massage, it is not recommended for individuals with burns; broken, fractured, or fragile bones; or those taking blood-thinning medication.
Rapid Neurofascial Reset
Rapid neurofascial reset uses a method often referred to as rapid reset massage. The therapist applies precise, direct tension to the problem area while you perform guided movements, with ongoing assessment throughout. The goal is to create enough sensation to stimulate the nervous system and restore normal function to fascial tissues. You may feel sore the next day, followed by reduced pain, more mobility, and less overall tension. This fully clothed treatment involves movement, so wear stretchy, comfortable clothing.
Which Fascial Therapy Do You Need?
Are you physically active?
- Fascial stretch therapy is ideal as a preventative for athletes seeking to avoid injury or support recovery.
- Myofascial release can help professional and recreational athletes with stiff or sore joints.
- Rapid neurofascial reset can help with back or knee pain, as well as tendonitis.
Do you suffer from headaches and migraines?
- Myofascial release can relieve pressure and tension in muscles and myofascial tissue contributing to headaches and migraines.
- Rapid neurofascial reset can target contributing fascial areas and help reset neurological function.
Do you have a muscle injury?
- Fascial stretch therapy can help heal muscle injuries caused by physical activity, sports, and/or accidents.
Do you suffer from TMJD?
- Rapid neurofascial reset is recommended for temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD) to reduce soreness in the jaw and mandibular muscles.
Have you been diagnosed with myofascial pain syndrome?
- Myofascial release is often the ideal treatment approach.
Do you have tendonitis or carpal tunnel?
- Rapid neurofascial reset has been used to treat tendonitis and carpal tunnel–related pain.
Ideal Clients for Fascial Therapies
Fascial stretch therapy is ideal for:
- Athletes and active people
- Individuals with injuries
- Those with joint and muscle pain
- Individuals with a reduced range of motion
Myofascial release therapy is ideal for:
- Individuals with stiff and sore muscles
- Anyone with chronic headaches or migraines
- Individuals diagnosed with myofascial pain syndrome
Rapid neurofascial reset therapy is ideal for:
- Anyone with chronic migraines
- Individuals with back or knee pain
- Anyone with tendonitis or carpal tunnel
- Individuals with TMJD
Book a Fascial Therapy Appointment in St. Albert, Alberta
If you are experiencing fascial pain, book with St. Albert’s highly rated clinic, Urban Massage & Wellness. Our professional therapists will help you leave feeling refreshed, relaxed, and energised. Book your next appointment online today or reach out to learn more about fascial therapies.
