Fascia news

Research over the past 20 years has revealed much about fascia. Dr. Ida Rolf was ahead of her time in understanding the importance of this system in the body.

Science writer David Coppedge describes the main types of fascia in an Evolution News article:

Cushioning: The main ingredients in “loose” fascia (the “gloopy” kind) are “hyaluronic acid, for lubrication, and proteoglycans, molecules that provide cushioning.” These are secreted by cells in the tissue such as fibroblasts and the “recently discovered fasciacytes.”

Packaging: Fascia surrounds internal organs to offer protection and hold them in place.

Research has found that fascia has many nerves, similar to your skin. It has layers that slide over each other.

Dr. Helene Langevin researches connective tissue at the National Institute of Health. Her studies found that people with chronic lower back pain had low back fascia with less relative motion between the layers than those without such pain. An interview with Dr. Langevin is here: Academy of Clinical Massage transcript

Structural Integration (SI) is thought to help address the fascial layers and improve freedom of movement. I have personally benefited from SI. Many client have experience relief from back pain and other movement or stiffness limitations. I recommend it!