Fascia: The Overlooked Tissue Gaining Attention
Fascia, a thin layer of connective tissue made mainly of collagen, has recently become a subject of scientific interest due to its importance in supporting muscles, bones, and organs. Often overlooked in the past, fascia plays a crucial role in maintaining musculoskeletal health.
What is Fascia?
Fascia surrounds every organ, muscle, and blood vessel in the body, allowing smooth movement between different tissues. There are different types of fascia, including superficial fascia just beneath the skin and deep fascia around muscles and bones.
Role in Musculoskeletal Health:
Recent research shows fascia helps muscles contract and aids in force transmission throughout the body. For example, the achilles tendon transfers forces to the plantar fascia in the foot, and similar force transitions occur in the upper body. Proper fascia function is crucial for smooth movement and muscle coordination.
Fascia Damage:
Injury to fascia can impair movement and take a long time to heal due to poor blood supply. Damaged fascia is often linked to chronic pain, such as after surgery or due to sports injuries. Up to 30% of people with musculoskeletal pain might have fascia-related issues.
Treatment and Trends:
Fascial manipulation, a massage technique developed by Luigi Stecco, has shown positive results in treating conditions like patellar tendinopathy and chronic shoulder pain. Kinesio tape, though evidence is mixed, is used to support fascia in injury recovery.
Fascia in Disease:
Fascia can act as a pathway for infections, especially in areas like the neck, where bacteria can spread along the layers. Severe infections, like necrotizing fasciitis, can travel through fascia and be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Advancements in Imaging:
Fascia has been historically hard to study, but newer imaging techniques like MRI and ultrasound now allow researchers to see it more clearly, aiding in diagnosing conditions like plantar fasciitis.
Looking After Fascia:
Taking care of fascia through stretching and techniques like foam rolling can improve mobility. While we still have much to learn about fascia’s full role in health, maintaining its function is becoming a new focus in overall musculoskeletal care.
