What is fascia?
Fascia is the tough connective tissue that creates a three-dimensional web that extends without interruption from head to toe. Fascia surrounds and infuses every muscle, bone, nerve, blood vessel and organ, all the way down to the cellular level. The fascial system can effect every system and function in the body- muscular, cellular, neurological, metabolic, etc. The white, glistening fibers you see when you pull a piece of meat apart or when you pull chicken skin away is fascia.

What is Fascia Made Of ? Fascia is composed of an Elasto-colegenous complex which has three parts: Elastin- The most elastic part of the complex. It makes up the core of the complex. Collagen- These fibers are extremely tough and give support to the structure. They coil around the elastic fibers in a relaxed, wavy configuration . Ground substance/Matrix- A gelatinous like component that transports metabolic material through the body and also acts like a cushion.

What is fascia's role?
The fascial system generally supports, stabilizes and cushions. Fascia creates separation between vessels, organs, bones and muscles. Fascia creates space through which delicate nerves, blood vessels and fluids pass.

What are fascial restrictions?
Through trauma, repetitive motions, repetitive positions and the inflammatory process, fascia can become solidified and shorten. Fascia will thicken or reinforce in these areas of stress and, in turn, shorten the connective tissue. This shortening or thickening is what is referred to as a fascial restriction. Fascial restrictions have the capability of putting 2,000 pounds of pressure per square inch in a restricted area. That pressure can compromise any system in the body, causing pain and dysfunction.