Myofascial Stretch Therapy

Benefits of Stretch Therapy

What are fascia?

Fascia is essentially all of the connective tissue in the body. It is a tough covering, much like a sausage casing, that surrounds every muscle. It forms a vast supporting network found throughout the body and is continuous from head to toe. It is the white in the muscles shown in the image.

The tendons that join the muscle to the bone, the joint capsules and the ligaments are all fascia. Scar tissue and adhesions occur within the fascia; these areas are typically more restricted and disorganized. In some places the fascia is thinner than nylon pantyhose, but in other places, such as the Iliotibial Band on the outside of the leg, it can be much thicker. Fascia is extremely strong.

Fascia thickens and hardens where there is chronic tension. 

Body workers consider fascia the “organ of form.” Like a coiled telephone cord, fascia holds imprints of our posture and old injuries. Thus, the fascia dictates our shape and freedom (or lack of) movement. All the nerves and blood vessels run through the fascia. Therefore, if the connective tissue is tight, the associated tissues will have poor nutrient exchange. This exacerbates any painful situation because toxic metabolic waste products build up which will further aggravate pain receptors. This creates a viscous cycle by creating more muscle tension, leading to further thickening and hardening of the fascia, which will further limit mobility.

Fascia tends to dry out as we age, becoming stiff and tight. The manipulations of Fascial Stretch Therapy help to stretch, lengthen, loosen and re-hydrate the tissue so it can be more supple and resilient. Regular movement through proper exercise and bodywork help to greatly reduce the fascia from stiffening.