What is fascia?

Fascia is the connective tissue that gives our body its individual shape. Fascia underlies continuous change and adapts to the physical challenges that affect our body in everyday life. Exposed to particularly demanding stresses and strains such as injury, irritation or inflammation fascia reacts by changing shape and thickening in such a way as to protect the weakened area and to stabilize the body from further damage. By doing so, they lose elasticity, jam and stiffen to build granulation tissue. The downside of this positive moldability is the formation of body asymmetries that will lead to one-sided weight bearing, which will negatively impact body posture in the long term. Reduced range of movement and pain will follow soon after.

Relevance for Rolfing

Fascia is closely innervated by sensitive receptors that react to mechanical pressure and warmth. Under the impact of these forms of energy fascia changes viscosity and reorganizes. Rolfing takes advantage of this particular capacity by molding the body back into balance.

The role of fascia has long been disregarded by academic medicine. Today experts around the globe research this multifunctional, fascinating tissue. However, there are still many functions of fascia that science hasn't unraveled yet.

  • pdf_iconFascial research, WDR, 01/13