Fascia: A Twisted Web We Didn’t Weave Ourselves

Massage can be more than just relaxing; it can actually correct physical issues such as chronic pain. Learn about one such issue with Groupon's look at the fascia.

Fascia, a dense connective tissue, is essentially a net that holds in muscles and blood vessels. Similar in structure to ligaments and tendons, fascia allows muscles to slide over each other during movement, keeps organs in their place, and gives nerves a protective wrapping for when they intersect with muscles. Fascia is classified into three categories: superficial fascia is a loose layer of tissue just below the skin’s surface; deep-muscle fascia is more intricate and binds muscles together; and visceral fascia envelops organs so that they never feel lonely or afraid.

Osteopathic doctors are trained in fascia form and function, and so they gently move the body to restore full movement to fascia. Fascia-manipulation techniques typically focus on deep muscular fascia, and myofascial therapy is thought to relieve soft tissue of pain. Chronic pain can result from poor posture or misalignment, which leads to tightness, and myofascial release seeks to make fascia more pliable.