Fascia’s function in the body is to serve as the ‘glue’ that connects all of our muscles and bones. It is a clear jelly-like connective tissue consisting of elastin and collagen. When it starts to tighten up though, that’s when the tensions, restrictions, and pains start. This is when you need Fascial Release Therapy.

 

Fascia is another one of our anatomical systems (nih.gov), which connects our musculoskeletal structures entirely from head to toe. It surrounds and interpenetrates every single one of our muscles, muscle fibers, nerves, tendons, ligaments, and bones. Very commonly though, due to various factors, fascia turns from its healthy free-flowing state to a “frozen” state. This is when we start to experience pain, tension, limited range of motion, and flexibility.

 

There is most definitely hope and a painless remedy! Fascial Release Therapy returns stiffened fascia back to its healthy, flexible state. “How is this even possible?”, you might ask.

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What is Fascial Release Therapy?

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In Fascial Release Therapy, we use extremely precise and sustained acupressure until the frozen fascia lets up and releases. Over the years I’ve heard, “Wait!? Are your hands moving or are my hips melting!? That is wild!” Or, many just feel the quick release and are amazed that this is even physically possible. Fascial Release is quite the paradox because it is the opposite of deep tissue massage. Logically, we think because we feel the pain so deep, painful deep pressure is the answer or to strengthen already tense muscles at the gym. But, the problem is, is that never seems to work. The answer is: to release the tension, not exacerbate it. Fascia will not respond to quickened and deep pressure; it resists it. What fascia does welcome, is sustained and patient acupressure in which it then generously and quickly releases in response. (It has to do with the biological nature and function of our Proprioceptors - “pressure sensors”, Sarcomeres - the contractile units of our muscle fibers, and the Nervous System.)

 

Many people have told me over the years, “I wish I would have found you 10, 20, 30, 40, 50…years ago!”

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What is Fascial Release Massage?

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This approach is recommended for those also wanting to experience massage. It uses the fundamentals of Fascial Release Therapy and is implemented in the massage. Because fascia is an entire biological system, when implemented in massage, it yields the opportunity to palpate every single restriction so that the entire body may be addressed and released. It’s a perfect world where Fascial Release meets Massage. This option is perfect for those who also want to experience relaxation with Massage. However, if you are experiencing acute and/or chronic pain, this option is not recommended. Choose the “Fascial Release Treatment” instead of “Fascial Release Massage”.

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[Article Citing from NIH.gov: B, Mahabadi N, Varacallo M. Anatomy, Fascia. [Updated 2023 Jul 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493232/]