Fascia refers to certain parts, or elements, of connective tissue. This category includes tissues that play a role in creating movements (e.g., joint ligaments and capsules, tendons, muscle sheaths), protect internal organs (e.g., pericardium), anchor them (e.g., uterine round ligament), and envelop the entire human body, providing shape and protection (subcutaneous connective tissue). Fascia, therefore, takes on various shapes, and each serves a different function within the human body. Despite their different tissue types, they share common characteristics due to their similar structure.
Every fascial tissue contains collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, among others. Collagen is primarily responsible for the fascia's elastic strength, elastin for its stretchability, and hyaluronic acid for its excellent water-binding capacity. Fascia forms a three-dimensional network under our skin that envelops and connects the entire body. Its integrity and normal functioning are essential because it has diverse functions. In addition to the previously mentioned encapsulation, it plays an important role in mechanical and immune defense, nutrient storage, information transmission, and the development of correct movement patterns during motion, indirectly contributing to joint protection. When it's healthy, it provides smooth, unobstructed movement for the structures it encases or surrounds. However, if it becomes restricted for any reason, it will limit the normal movements of those structures, eventually leading to pain. This phenomenon is called myofascial pain, where the source of pain is the restricted fascia. In such cases, fascia release through rolling or manual techniques can yield quick results. Connective tissue loosens, circulation improves in the affected area, and healthy, normal movements are restored.
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