Fascia is a multifunctional connective tissue that permeates almost every system within the body. It is primarily made of collagen, a protein. Fascia is soft, loose, and made of multiple layers that are meant to stretch and slide as you move. Inflammation and trauma to an area can affect the way that fascial layers move which can result in pain and changes to movement.
Role of Fascia
Fascia separates and provides form for tissues and organs. It begins under the skin and covers every structure of the body to create a fascial continuity. Fascia wraps, interpenetrates, and provides support for muscles, tendons, ligaments, tissues, organs, nerves, joints and bones. It creates various interdependent layers with different depths.
In the musculoskeletal system, fascia provides stability, strength, and influences movement. Fascia distributes tension and allows muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and joints to move with one another based on the position of the body.
Disordered Fascia
Healthy fascia is flexible, stretchy, relaxed, and able to move with you. Fascia can however, become inflexible and tight which can lead to altered movement patterns and pain. Some common conditions affected by disordered fascia include plantar fasciitis, myofascial pain syndrome, and frozen shoulder.
How to Keep Fascia Healthy
Injuries and certain conditions can’t always be prevented, however, there are ways that fascia can be kept healthy and pain free. These include:
- Exercise
- Stretching
- Physical therapy
- Yoga
- Foam rolling
- Maintaining good posture
- Massage therapy
- Acupuncture
- Heat therapy
Fascia Treatment in Queensbury, Malta & Saratoga
If you are experiencing fascia pain and stiffness, Capital Area PT can help. We have both massage therapists and physical therapists on staff who have experience treating a variety of fascia disordes and can work with you to reduce pain and improve mobility. To schedule an appointment for fascia treatment in Malta, Saratoga Springs, Delmar and Queensbury NY, call (518) 289-5242.
References
- Bordoni B, Mahabadi N, Varacallo M. Anatomy, Fascia. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493232/
- Fascia – Connective Tissue. Cleveland Clinic. Published June 14, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23251-fascia
