This month, we celebrate the “underrated” work that our human body does day in, day out, without us fully realising it. Today we shall focus on the fascia system and learn how we can move a little better.
Fascia
Fascia works in the body as a protective, supportive, and connective tissue that surrounds and holds together muscles, organs, blood vessels, and nerves.
The fascia allows our movement to be smooth, by reducing friction between internal structures. This helps stabilise the body by distributing pressure evenly as we go about our day.
Fascia is also a sensory organ with many nerve endings and helps with balance, coordination and sends signals to the brain, like when you need to stretch or lay down.
Myofascial
When you book in for a massage, the term Myofascial appears, which basically means fascia joined to the muscle (myo).
Myofascial release technique is a slow and sustained pressure to the tight area on your body while the therapist waits for the tissue to release, rather than moving it quickly. This “slow-style” technique helps the fascia and muscles to relax, allowing the restricted tissue to begin to lengthen and restore.
Remedial Massage
During a Remedial Massage Therapy session, it is very important for clients to focus on their breathing to facilitate the healing process, as in some cases pressure can be painful depending on the injury. The therapist’s pressure applied to the body should feel more uncomfortable rather than painful.
Myofascial release therapy takes time, but the results—less pain, more freedom of movement—are absolutely worth it to gain back your quality of life. In your session it’s Important to communicate with your therapist, to ensure the treatment is effective.
It can be supported with additional aids to help your body heal faster. Services like dry needling, cupping and even Fijian hot rocks can benefit and support recovery. So always chat with your therapist!