fascia
Fascia
Fascia is the web of connective tissue through the entire body.
We have osseofascia (bones), myofascia (muscles and tendons), ligamentous fascia (ligaments), neurofascia (nerves), visceral & parietal fascia (organs and the fascia separating the organs from the abdominal muscles), and retinacula which wrap tendons of the wrists and ankles. We have superifical and deep facia.
Fascia is 70% water. Fascia is a colloid — Fascia can change its properties based on hydration levels and mechanical stress.
Fascia is primarily composed of an extracellular matrix (ECM) interspersed with specialized cells like fibroblasts. The ECM itself is made of a fibrous portion (primarily collagen for strength and elastin for elasticity) and a fluid-like ground substance. This ground substance is a gel composed of water, hyaluronic acid, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins that enables lubrication, gliding, and shock absorption within the body’s connective tissue network.
Signals sent through the facial system travel at 720mph while nervous system signals move at 120mph.
Tensegrity (Buckminster Fuller) is a word combining integrity and tension. Tensegrity refers to the physics of strings, levers, and fulcrums. Biotensegrity is currently one of the prevailing anatomical paradigms.
Biotensegrity explains how a local restriction anywhere in the fascial-tensional network can create strain patterns at distant locations.
Fascial adhesions are primarily composed of excessive deposits of collagen fibers. When the body experiences repetitive stress, injury, or surgery, it produces extra collagen that acts like "glue," causing layers of fascia to bind, thicken, and stick to adjacent tissues. Under a microscope, these adhesions appear as interwoven, rigid fibers that restrict the normal gliding motion between fascia and muscle layers.
Collagen: The primary structural protein in your connective tissue. Adhesions form when this protein builds up excessively in response to trauma or chronic strain.
Fibrous Structure: Often described as resembling the hooks of Velcro, these fibers create "cross-links" that bond surfaces together, reducing flexibility and mobility.
Loss of Lubrication: Healthy fascia relies on hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid) to act as a lubricant between layers. Adhesions disrupt this smooth interface, often contributing to the "stuck" or "tight" sensation.
Common causes
Repetitive Movement: Constant stress on the same tissue leads to cumulative collagen buildup.
Trauma or Surgery: The body’s natural healing response to injury often results in the formation of scar tissue, which can manifest as adhesions.
Dehydration: A lack of proper hydration can affect the gel-like consistency of the extracellular matrix, potentially contributing to fascial "stickiness".
Limited Physical Activity: Extended periods of inactivity, such as prolonged sitting, can encourage these restrictive connections to form.
