What is Fascia?

Anatomically, fascia is a combination of connective tissue (think gauze) and ground substance (think water) that seem to function compartmentally and hydraulically in service to all the systems of the body in natural everyday functioning and performance. The founder of Myofascial Release, John Barnes, defines it as “very densely woven, covering and interpenetrating every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein, as well as, all of our internal organs including the heart, lungs, brain and spinal cord.” Fascia also has an emotional/psychological connection worth integrating, “The physical response to emotion is through the soft tissue…..the fascia is the emotion of the body….ideally, feelings are felt in the total body…emotions travel through the fascial web” (Shultz&Feitis 1996)

Myofascial release is the type of massage technique and approach used by our therapists at Inspire Health. This technique uses slow tissue stretches combined with different levels of pressure to release the tissues that are chronically shortened and tight. These tissues are often the source of numerous dysfunctions and can directly affect posture and strength.

During a therapeutic myofascial release massage session, clients are clothed. We do not use oils or lotions. Before treatment, we recommend clients get a good night’s sleep, drink plenty of water, and decrease caffeine, alcohol and refined sugar intake. Clients should not eat 30 minutes prior and after a session. We also recommend scheduling a session 24 hours prior to any high-level athletic performance.