Fascia

What is Fascia?

Fascia is a continuous system connecting every cell in the body.  It is a means of communicating within the body and is responsible for many functions previously attributed to the central nervous system.  Those functions include refined and gross movement, posture, visceral function and autonomic function.

Fascia contains collagen and elastic fibers that varies within the body depending on whether strength or movement or a combination of both is required.

Fascia forms sheaths for nerves and vessels, becomes specialized around joints to form or strengthen ligaments, envelope various organs and glands and binds all of the structures together into a firm compact functional mass.

Injury, inflammation, surgeries, trauma disrupt the fluidity of the loose connective tissue between the layers of fascia in the form of densifications.

Densifications within the fascia impair function whether it is aberrations in movement or posture, nerve entrapment, circulatory restrictions, or autonomic dysfunction. These densifications can be eliminated through manipulation.

Fascia is the only tissue that modifies its consistency when under stress (plasticity) and which is capable of regaining its elasticity when manipulated. Ultrasound studies demonstrate that fascial manipulation requires friction to remove densifications through heat.