In this podcast, I’ll share 9 fascinating facts about fascia and the secret to keeping it healthy.
1. Fascia is the material that surrounds every muscle in the body.
2. Fascia gives the body posture and shape.
3. Fascia adapts to the environment.
4. Cells of the fascia or collagen are called fibroblasts. You have billions of these cells that can migrate through the body and lay down ground substance to allow lubrication and movement.
5. Fascia is highly involved with immune function. Myofascial release, massage, and trigger point therapy can help improve inflammatory conditions of the fascia, such as fibromyalgia and plantar fasciitis.
6. Fascia is stiffened by lack of movement. People often assume they have stiff muscles when they really have stiff fascia.
7. Your fascia extends throughout your entire body and is connected from head to toe. This is why you can often relieve pain associated with tight or inflamed fascia by fascial manipulation in other related parts of the body.
8. Fascia is innervated by tiny nerves that allow the body to know where it is in space, so it’s critical for balance and coordination.
9. Fascia can change in material properties and go from being very rigid to very elastic.
Dynamic motions in different directions can help restore fascia, so don’t do the same stretches and exercises repeatedly! High doses of vitamin D3, along with the cofactors vitamin K2, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin B6, also support your fascia's health.
