What is Fascia?
Only the past 30 years or so have researches been studying the fascia and how it works. What is fascia? : A fascia ( /ˈfæʃiə/; plural fasciae /ˈfæʃɨ.aɪ/; adjective fascial; from Latin: “band”) is a layer of fibrous tissue.[1] A fascia is a structure of connective tissue that surrounds muscles, groups of muscles, blood vessels, and nerves, binding some structures together, while permitting others to slide smoothly over each other. They are classified according to their distinct layers, their functions and their anatomical location: superficial fascia, deep (or muscle) fascia, and visceral (or parietal) fascia.
The old school belief that your muscles have memory is well, old. The new thought is that every muscle fiber is wrapped in fascia, and it connects and weaves throughout the body and is a web like substance that hold us together. Hence new school thought is, fascial memory. It can be really thick in areas that usually have chronic pain and can pull on other areas of the body creating all kinds of problems. Which is why I work with the fascia to help chronic pain in my clients in addition to manipulating the muscle tissue. There are many great pioneers in this field and many great therapist whom use this modality as a way to help relieve pain with great results. I do right here in Nashville, TN!
It is very different than neuromuscular and swedish massage in technique and feel. To describe the sensation after a treatment is like a lighter feeling in the area worked. And the pulling sensation of the tightness you had before is gone. So after I do connective tissue massage on someone and ask them how they feel, they say better in that area of pain and lighter.
To me, connective tissue massage is like peeling away the first layer of an onion. Then we get deeper into the fascia, then naturally by default, you get deeper into the muscle. Providing a longer relief period for your client and possibly taking care of their particular issue for good.
I love this field and modality because I’ve seen the benefits of it. If you’d like to know more about it, please see the link about John Latz who happens to be on of the said pioneers. Others will include but not limited to Travell and Simons, Ida Rolf, and John F. Barnes. This just happens to be the link I provided for this entry. Connective Tissue Massage by John Latz
If in Nashville whether a resident or a visitor, and would like to experience this pain relieving technique at BeSimple, please go to www.besimplemassage.com and book your appointment online now.
