Fascia
- is a tough connective tissue with a tensile strength of 2000 lb.'s per square inch
- spreads through the body in an interconnected web
- surrounds organs, nerves, and blood vessels
- infuses muscle down to the cellular level
- is made up of collagen and elastin supported in a gelatinous matrix
- is the tough outer opaque white covering you see on some store bought meats
Trauma, be it physical or emotional, chronic poor posture, or inflammation creates tension in the fascia causing it to stiffen locally. But, because it is essentially an interconnected web,this then pulls into other areas much like when you pull the threads on a sweater causing all the other threads to organize along the lines of tension. This can create bizarre symptoms such as pain, tingling or burning some distance from the originally affected area as the strong fascia binds down on pain sensitive structures like nerves and blood vessels. The body loses it's flexibility and it's orientation in space becomes compromised so it needs more energy just to stay upright and function. As this process continues the immune system may become compromised; stress may not be as easily managed, and chronic pain can set in.