Is the pain you're experiencing caused by muscle pain or could it be fascia stiffness? You might think your backache or painful neck is caused by tired muscles or stiff joints, but these symptoms can also be attributed by a part of your body called the fascia. Until recently, this network of tissue (located throughout the body) received little attention despite its major role in every move you make.
What exactly is fascia?
Many of my clients may have heard me talk about fascia, but what exactly is fascia? Fascia is a thin layer of connective tissue that surrounds and holds every muscle, organ, bone, blood vessel and nerve fibre in place. It provides internal structure and has nerves that make it as sensitive as your skin. When stressed, the fascia tightens up. It is made up of multiple layers with liquid in between called hyaluronan.
The fascia is designed to stretch as you move, but there are things that can cause the fascia to thicken and become a bit sticky. Healthy fascia is smooth, slippery and flexible. When the fascia dries up and tightens around the muscles, it can limit mobility and cause painful knots to develop.
Muscle pain and stiffness that is related to the fascia.
The following are factors that can cause fascia to become sticky and crinkle up (called adhesions):
Limited physical activity such as a sedentary lifestyle.
Repetitive movements that overwork one part of the body.
Trauma, such as an injury or surgery.
How do I know if the pain is due to muscles, joints or fascia?
This is a good question and it can be difficult to determine. In general, joint problems and muscles injuries can feel worse the more you move. If it is fascia adhesions, these tend to feel better with movement, which helps bring back the tissue’s elasticity.
In some people, fascial adhesions can become worse over time, causing the fascia to compress and contort the corresponding muscle. This results in hard, tender knots in the muscles called trigger points. Myofascial pain syndrome is a condition in which those trigger points cause pain to occur during movement or when pressure is applied. This is where physical therapy, such as Bowen Therapy, is very helpful in relieving pain and getting the tight fascia and muscle fibres to relax.
How does Bowen Therapy help?
The techniques used during a Bowen Therapy treatment has a very specific effect on fascia. Primarily, Bowen moves are made directly on muscles (and sometimes on tendons, ligaments, joints and nerves), and as all these structures are surrounded by a network of fascia, these movements will also activate the fascia surrounding it. Often, clients experience a relaxation and ‘melting away’ of tight muscles as the treatment is applied.
How can you keep the fascia flexible?
Maintaining a healthy fascia has many benefits, including easier movement, better range of motion and experiencing less pain. Things you can do to prevent fascia problems:
Move more – be active throughout the day. For example, if you have a desk job, take a break every 30 minutes to stand up and move around, which helps the fascia stay supple. Consider walking meetings or stand up and walk around while participating in conference calls.
Stretch regularly – it reduces the risk of inflammation and structural problems in the body.
Mind your posture – slouching over your desk or walking in an awkward way to compensate for an injury can cause fascia to tighten. Be mindful of your posture while sitting or standing.
If you are currently experiencing pain or restrictions and nothing has helped to relieve it, then book in for your Bowen Therapy appointment now.