Fascia

Today, we’re going to talk about the wonderfully exciting world of fascia. Fascia is zzzzzzzzzzzzzz……..Ok, it’s not that bad, but definitely under rated. So under-rated, that Harvard (yes, the real one) Medical College decided a few years ago that they were going to start holding 3 day, annual symposiums on fascia and fascia related-disorders.

I’m sure by now you’re asking yourself, what is this fascia stuff?  How should I describe fascia?. 1-after you’ve pulled the skin off a chicken breast there’s that thin little layer of sheen left which is also what all die hard meat smokers know as silver skin on a rack of ribs; that is fascia. Wikipedia says: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fascia. In short it’s kind of like a saran-wrap layer around your tissue that supports and even makes up parts of our structural system. And like plastic wrap-if done right-fits great the first time. Mess with it, and it’s hosed; mess with it anywhere, and you’ve messed with it everywhere.

Fascia is also a key component to our mysterious ‘core.’ The core is what is responsible for keeping our eyes parallel to the ground, and keeps us from falling over when we’re moving forward and it is a key component to performance. If our core isn’t strong, the spine has to do it, and when the spine and other bones do it, they wear out, fast. And when they wear out, they hurt. So, the key to keeping your back from hurting, developing bulged and herniated discs, sciatica, TMJ problems, headaches, heel spurs, neck pain, pre-disposing yourself to nearly all soft-tissue injuries, improving performance, etc. etc. etc. is to keep your core happy and fascia intact.

Step #1, avoid creep (see also blog entry of same name). Step #2, avoid damage to the fascia-which includes but is not limited to: surgery on or around the back, neck, stomach, chest (including cosmetic), feet; pregnancy; injuries; standing too long; going barefoot;  etc., etc., etc.

Now that we know we’ve all crapped out our fascia-what do we do about it? -Simply, keep your hamstrings loose and abs tight. Also, Pilates and yoga based exercises. Beyond that-myofascial release. A fancy type of massage and other soft tissue related therapeutic technique that sometimes also includes dry needling (see website) to correct imbalances, rehab exercises and of course, chiropractic adjustments.

Do you know anyone who’s in pain or injured that may have had fascia damage? Or even ot, we can help!