The fascia system is indispensable for the body and is largely responsible for its support. What's interesting is that there are parallels between the structure of an orange and the human fascia system. The fasciae form a network that runs through the body and keeps everything in place, much like the fine, white fibres in an orange hold the pulp together. In addition, both the fasciae and the structure of an orange are flexible, can stretch and contract again to enable movements. This similarity can help us understand the complex and fascinating system of fasciae better.
Fasciae or a fascia, derived from the Latin word "fascia" for band, literally holds the human body together. They are a connective tissue that stretches across the entire body, in which all fibres and strands are interconnected. Fasciae keep everything in the body in place and are primarily responsible for support. It envelops all organs, muscles, vessels, bones, tendons and ligaments. In addition, the fasciae form a significant protective layer that greatly hinders the penetration of foreign bodies. Fasciae consist of collagen fibres, water and various adhesives. This combination ensures that the tissue is not only tear-resistant, but also elastic.
Fasciae can be the trigger for many types of pain in the body. The fascia system is said to contain over 100 million sensory nerve endings, making it similar to a sensory organ. Due to the networking throughout the body, pain chains can be the trigger for knee pain, for example, being caused by a hip problem. The result is usually a restriction of the freedom of movement of the affected region. Therefore, you should consider your fasciae as a problem causer when you have unexplained pain.
The most common complaints of stuck, hardened or injured fasciae are:
Fasciae generally stick together through the body's own "adhesive" fibrin, which is formed by a connection of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and fibrinogen. Fibrinogen is a blood clotting factor present in the lymph fluid, while ATP is released during muscle tension. If, for example, a muscle is tense for several weeks, the lymph flow, which is only maintained by muscle tension, is impaired. The process can then lead to a lymph blockage. As a result, the fibrinogen is no longer transported away, but accumulates in the tissue. Fibrin is formed, which is normally produced for the healing of wounds. However, since there is no wound, it instead sticks the fasciae together. This process can occur anywhere in the body, making it difficult to identify the correct cause.
With increasing age, the body's fluid balance decreases, which also affects the fascia tissue. The fasciae increasingly consist of solid, less flexible collagen fibres. This leads to a change in structure. The fasciae begin to grow into each other and can stick together at all corners. The former diamond shape of the fasciae increasingly resembles a knotted ball of wool. As a result, the freedom of movement of the muscles is restricted, the fasciae harden and muscle and joint complaints arise.
Fasciae can be damaged by external factors and subsequently cause pain. A common example is muscle soreness. Overexertion of the muscles causes fine tears in the fascia tissue, which fortunately heal after a few days. It is different with muscle strains or tears. Here, fasciae are more seriously injured. Pain due to tennis elbow, a heel spur or tendon inflammation is also due to injuries to the fasciae.
It's nothing new that movement has positive effects on the body in every respect. Just getting the circulation going once a day and stretching your legs a bit can help with stress relief and give your mood a boost. But this also does good for fascia health. Especially in people with predominantly sedentary activities, back or shoulder pain is more common. These are often caused by incorrect posture, which results in affected individuals adopting a protective posture. This exacerbates the situation even further, as the overexertion elsewhere also affects the fasciae. With a lot of movement, the muscles loosen up again and with them individual stuck or hardened fascia strands.
Our body filters out toxins through the skin, liver, lungs and kidneys and excretes them. However, if there are too many toxins in the organism, these, including acids, are deposited in the connective tissue. The fasciae lose their flexibility with an acidification and also the nerves that surround the fasciae are affected. This can cause inflammation throughout the body, the cause of which is unclear. A balanced acid-base balance therefore contributes significantly to the health of our fasciae.
There are various ways to balance the acid-base balance in the body. Here are some tips:
Silicon is a good food for the fascia tissue. It is a plant substance that stimulates the formation of bones and cartilage, as well as the production of collagen and elastin. Collagen is for the firming of the tissue and elastin for the elasticity of the fasciae. In combination, this leads to more tear resistance and flexibility of our tissue. Silicon is found in many foods and can be taken as a dietary supplement. Those who regularly eat spinach, potatoes, millet, peas, peppers, grapes, strawberries or bananas usually have a sufficient silicon balance.
One of the best-known methods to strengthen the fascia tissue is fascia training with a roller or a ball. When rolling off, both the tissue and the skin and muscle fibres are stretched. In addition, metabolism and the nervous systems are stimulated, and the bone structure is supported. This can have a positive effect on the perception and processing of pain.
The various fascia massage devices from Beurer support you specifically in your fascia training.
Both the fascia roller and the fascia ball from Beurer can loosen tense parts with a slight vibration and, with regular use, cause a noticeable increase in mobility.
The fascia releaZer® and deep releaZer® is specially designed for the treatment of the back and neck as well as hips and thighs and can rejuvenate and regenerate the muscle tissue.
Beurer Healthguide
This advice page was made by Beurer GmbH and is intended to help you feel healthy and happy all round.
The content of the Healthguide is intended to provide assistance and information and can in no way replace the advice of a doctor.
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