Getting Deep Into Your Fascia

You might have heard your massage therapist talking about working on your fascia and connective tissues – ever wondered what they were talking about?

Fascia is another name for the fibrous connective tissues that you

have all over your body. There are three main types of fascia;

superficial fascia which is mostly found in the skin, deep fascia which

surrounds your muscles, bones, nerves and blood vessels; and

visceral fascia which is mostly associated with the internal organs.

For massage purposes, we’re dealing with your deep fascia – the

connective tissue that surrounds your muscles and muscle groups.

What does muscle fascia do?

It’s the connective tissue responsible for holding muscles together

and keeping them where they should be. It also helps to separate

individual muscles within their groups so that they can work independently, and it provides a lubricated surface which allows the muscles to move smoothly against each other.

If you’re inactive for a long time, because of a sedentary lifestyle or illness, your muscle fascia can start to stick together, stopping your muscles moving freely and giving you a tight, stiff feeling. In some

cases, this can also limit your mobility.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial Release is a specialized type of massage therapy that can

help to free up stiff fascia and reduce tension or restriction.

In this type of massage, therapists feel and stretch slowly down into the tissues, all the time feeling for a glue-like texture which means there’s a ‘sticky’ fascia. It’s not the same technique as you’ll get in an everyday muscle based massage so it might feel a little unusual. It’s a very precise massage technique that involves using a gentle yet direct pressure for five to eight minutes. If the fascial release

massage is carried out for too long, the fascia can start to resist the pressure so the therapist will be very carefully feeling for any signs of resistance.

The massage should give your fascia a chance to return to its normal resting length which will feel a lot better, ease any pain or stiffness and boost muscle health.

If you have issues with your posture, this type of therapy could be useful. If the fascial tissue is holding your body in the wrong position, your muscles will struggle to keep you in the correct alignment.

Your connective tissue then starts to work harder and this can lead to

other problems. A combination of bad posture and gravity lead to extra stresses on your body that can be relieved with fascial therapy.

If you have scar tissue from previous injuries, some fascial massage

might relieve some of the discomfort. In scar tissue, the tissue is laid down in a random pattern, which can cause it to pull on the surrounding tissue. Using fascial therapy can help to release some of the pain and stiffness caused by scar tissue dysfunction.

Athletes dealing with muscle strain, lack of flexibility or pain could also make use of this type of therapy. Fascial therapy can help to increase athletes’ range of motion and decrease pain, making

training a whole lot easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if massage is appropriate for me?

Massage is often appropriate for general muscle tension, stiffness, recovery, and stress. New, severe, unexplained, or rapidly worsening symptoms should be evaluated by an appropriate healthcare professional first.

Does massage need to hurt to be effective?

No. Useful massage can be specific and firm without forcing your body to brace. More pressure is not automatically better pressure.

How often should I schedule massage?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Your goals, activity level, symptoms, budget, and response to previous sessions all matter.

About the Author

Corey Richason, LMT, is the owner of Vital Kneads Massage in Surprise, Arizona. He has practiced massage therapy since 2001 and focuses on practical, results-oriented bodywork for pain, mobility, recovery, and stress. His approach is evidence-informed, individualized, and built around helping clients move and feel better without unnecessary hype.