Fascia, a multi-layered connective tissue, plays a vital role in the human body. It permeates every organ, muscle, bone, and nerve fiber, offering support and continuity. Picture it as a gluey, gooey cellular matrix made up of collagen that binds tissues together. Collagen comes in different types. For example, Type I collagen surrounds tendons, muscles, and bones, while Type II collagen is found in joint cartilage. Fascia is composed of Type III collagen, which surrounds arteries and organs, and Type IV collagen is located in the skin. Type V collagen can be found in cell membranes, hair, and the human placenta.
There are three distinct types of fascia based on location: superficial fascia, deep fascia, and visceral fascia. When fascia experiences dysfunction, it can cause pain, stiffness, fatigue, and reduced performance. Trauma, inflammation, poor posture, and other factors can cause fascia to shorten, solidify, and thicken. This is where myofascial release therapy comes into play. It is a manual therapy method that targets specific areas of the fascia to alleviate pain and improve movement.
Fascia also plays a crucial role in posture, movement perception, and coordination. It provides structure and support throughout the body, allowing muscles to contract and stretch. It creates a smooth surface for muscles, joints, and organs to glide against each other without friction. Maintaining healthy fascia is essential for optimal functioning, as it stretches and adapts with movement.
Two concepts associated with fascia are piezoelectricity and tensegrity. Piezoelectricity refers to the ability of certain materials, including fascia, to generate electric charge in response to mechanical stress. Tensegrity is a structural principle that utilizes isolated components in compression and tension to create a stable structure.
Several professionals have contributed to the field of fascial therapy, including clinical anatomist John Sharkey, physician Antonio Stecco, anatomy teacher Tom Myers, physiologist Robert Schleip, anatomy teacher Gil Hedley, and osteopathic founder Andrew Taylor Still.
Sources:
– https://www.physio-pedia.com/Fascia
– https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-fascia-5079645
– https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23251-fascia
– https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24011-myofascial-release-therapy
– https://www.somasensing.org/post/how-fascial-unwinding-can-heal-trauma
– https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-fascia
-https://www.academia.edu/95228536/Fascia_The_Tensional_Network_of_the_Human_Body_Introduction_The_science_and_clinical_applications_in_manual_and_movement_therapy
-https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Antonio-Stecco/publication/288215443_Fascial_manipulation/links/5a43fbda458515f6b052da25/Fascial-manipulation.pdf
-https://www.jerichophysio.com/tensegrity-and-your-fascia-a-whole-body-approach-to-treatment/
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