Our bodies rely on more than bone, muscle, blood and air to move. Fascia is the mesh of connective tissues lying just below our skin, stabilizing muscles and separating internal organs.
Its uninterrupted construction means that the fascia wrapping around your heart is the same tissue that wraps around your collarbone and down to your toes.
Fascia is at its most healthy when it is pliant and hydrated. Stretching, walking, running and other activities, not only keeps your muscles limber, but exercises the fascia, too. When you stretch, or feel pain from a muscle injury, that is the sensation of the fascia applying tension to what it surrounds. The fascia surrounding the injury is then able to pass on this tension to your organs, which can lead to sickness and a lowered immune system.
Massage therapy is one of the most instantly effective tools to help release constricted fascia. Depending on the location of tightness, and the type of pain being felt, your massage therapist can utilize a range of pressures from Swedish touch, deep tissue work, and acupressure holds to release the fascia.
To keep your fascia flexible after your appointment, your therapist will encourage you to drink lots of water. They may also recommend specific stretches to prevent any tightness from settling in. In order to achieve more flexibility and continued pain relief, your therapist can discuss a massage regimen that works with your schedule and lifestyle needs.