Fascia treatments – what exactly is fascia?

Fascia is the name we give to certain parts and elements of connective tissue. This category includes tissues that take part in producing movement (e.g. joint ligaments and capsules, tendons, muscle sheaths), protect internal organs (e.g. the pericardium), hold them in place (e.g. the round ligament of the uterus), and envelop the entire human body, giving it shape and protection (subcutaneous connective tissue). Fascia therefore takes many different forms, each of which performs a different function in the human body. At the same time, because of their similar structure, these various tissue types share quite a few common characteristics. All fascial tissue contains, among other things, collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Collagen is mainly responsible for the elastic strength of fascia, elastin for its stretchability, and hyaluronic acid for its excellent ability to bind water. Fascia forms a continuous, three-dimensional network beneath our skin that spans the whole body. Keeping it intact and working normally is essential, as it has many roles. Besides the bounding function mentioned above, it plays an important part in mechanical and immune defence, nutrient storage, transmitting information and forming correct movement chains during motion – and thus, indirectly, in protecting the joints. When it is healthy, it allows the structures it envelops or bounds to move easily and freely; but if it becomes restricted for any reason, it will restrict their normal movement too. Sooner or later, this leads to pain. When the source of pain is restricted fascia, we call it myofascial pain. In such cases, releasing the fascia with a roller or manually brings very quick results. The connective tissue loosens, circulation improves in the area, and healthy, normal movement returns. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask our qualified physiotherapists!