What is Fascia?

What is Fascia?

Fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles, bones, and organs throughout the body. It is one continuous network throughout our body that plays a vital role in providing structural support, maintaining the integrity of muscles and organs, and facilitating movement. Fascia is made up of collagen fibers and can vary in thickness, from thin and flexible layers to denser, more rigid sheets.

There are three main types of fascia in the body:

1.Superficial fascia: Located just under the skin, this type helps in insulation and allows the skin to move over muscles.
2.Deep fascia: This type surrounds muscles, bones, and nerves, and helps compartmentalize muscles for efficient movement.
3.Visceral fascia: This type surrounds and supports internal organs, providing structure and allowing them to function properly.

Fascia, particularly deep fascia, plays a role in movement, flexibility, and overall body posture. It can become tight or restricted due to injury, overuse, or lack of movement, potentially causing pain and discomfort. 

How do I know if fascia is the cause of my pain?

Our physician team will perform a comprehensive history and physical examination to determine if fascia is contributing to your pain.  In addition, all patients will be given the option for assessment through ultrasound and elastography technologies.

Some common signs and symptoms indicating fascial restrictions and concerns:

1. Pain with Movement or Pressure
• Location: Fascia-related pain is often localized in the muscles or joints and can be felt in a specific area of the body.
• Tenderness: The area may be tender to the touch, especially in spots where fascia is tight or restricted (often referred to as “trigger points”).
• Pain with Stretching: Fascia can tighten over time, leading to limited flexibility. Stretching or moving the affected area may cause discomfort or pain.

2. Stiffness or Reduced Range of Motion
• If you’re noticing that your muscles or joints feel stiff and you’re having trouble moving them freely, it could be due to tight fascia restricting movement.
• This stiffness may be more pronounced after periods of inactivity, like sitting or lying down for a while.

3. Chronic Pain or Discomfort
• Fascia-related pain is often chronic or long-lasting. If you’ve been experiencing ongoing muscle pain or discomfort that doesn’t go away with rest or typical pain relief treatments, fascia could be involved.
• This pain may not always have a clear cause (like an injury) and might feel like deep muscle soreness.

4. Pain Radiating to Other Areas
• Fascia is a continuous network, so pain or tightness in one area of the body can sometimes “spread” to other areas, even if they aren’t directly related. This is known as referred pain.
• For example, tight fascia in your lower back could lead to discomfort in your hips, legs, or even your shoulders.

5. Burning or Aching Sensations
• Fascia-related pain can feel like a dull ache or burning sensation, especially around areas where fascia is tight or has been overused.

6. Relief with Soft Tissue Work
• If you notice that manual therapies such as massage, foam rolling, or stretching provide relief, it might indicate that fascia is a contributing factor. These techniques help release tension in the fascia and improve blood flow to the muscles.