Fascia therapy

Fascia is a bundle of fibers a few millimeters thick made of collagen, elastin, various cells and water, in which the individual fibers are arranged in parallel. The fasciae are mobile and can become tense, twisted, stuck together and matted. In that case, they can no longer perform their function, nerves are pinched by thickening, water is lost. This is accompanied by a loss of suppleness of the tissue. Fascia therapy aims to correct such problems and their consequences. But what exactly is fascia therapy, how does it work, what is done and when is it used?

What is fascia therapy?

Fascia therapy uses forms of massage and active and passive stretching exercises to bring the arrangement of fibers in the fascia into the normal, parallel position and relieve the discomfort caused by tension, twisting, sticking or matting.

How does fascia therapy work?

The goal of fascial therapy is to improve mobility in addition to relieving both acute and chronic pain. Fascia therapy can also be used for regeneration after high stress, for example during sports. As a preventive measure, regular treatment once or twice a week is recommended.

What is done during fascia therapy?

Fascia therapy is composed of three measures:

• Massage
• passive stretching exercises
• active stretching exercises

While the application of pressure during the massage leads to a loosening of the agglutinated and hardened fiber strands, classic stretching exercises ensure that the fascia chains are stretched in length. The spring function of the fasciae, which is needed, for example, during erratic movements, can be trained in springy movements. Since the fascial system runs through the entire body, a disturbance at one point often leads to a regular chain reaction. It can therefore make sense to start the treatment at a different point than the acutely affected one. Exercises and massages can be enhanced by using a so-called fascia roller and fascia balls. For optimal effectiveness, proper use should be explained and preferably monitored by a therapist.

When to use fascia therapy?

Fascia therapy is primarily used to relieve pain as well as improve general well-being. One of the most common causes of back pain is problems with the fascia, which can be alleviated and prevented by regular fascia training. This is particularly important, since an unfavorable posture when working at the computer, in combination with weak muscles, promotes the painful thickening of the fibers.