Fascia – what is it and what does it do?

Fascia – what is it and what does it do?

  • Posted by Andrea
  • On November 24, 2014

Fascia is what we call the flexible collagen fibres that surround muscles and other structures in the body. If you have ever looked at a chicken fillet you might have seen the clear film of fascia surrounding the fillet. That is one type of fascia.

Fascia is classified into superficial fascia, deep fascia and visceral fascia. Fascia is the biological fabric or connective tissue structure that surrounds our muscles, and organs and holds us together. Sometimes this connective tissue can get somewhat tight and restrictive, due to injury or illness or simply ageing. It is therefore important to keep mobile to reduce the possibility of injury.

A therapist can assist in maintaining mobility and flexibility by increasing bloodflow to stiffened areas and by assisting with stretching .

Dr Gil Hedley, PhD. has made an excellent short Youtube video in which he explains fascia. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCfclmGrjMk

Bowen moves are done at the level of the superficial fascia and it is common to see adhesions loosen up, and mobility improve after a Bowen treatment.