What is fascia? Why should you care about it?
Fascia is the forgotten organ.
Fascia = all collagenous, fibrous connective tissues that are part of a body-wide tensional force transmission network.
Let’s take a look at the fascial anatomy and physiology of the fascial system.
The Superficial Fascia (SF) is a white, fibrous layer between two layers of subcutaneous adipose tissue (fat). It’s important for metabolic exchange, thermoregulation, and the passage of nerves, blood, and lymphatic vessels. It is thicker in the lower extremities than upper extremities, on the posterior part than anterior part of the body, and in females compared to males. It separates the skin from the muscles and bones allowing for normal sliding of the muscles and skin upon each other. Most nociceptive fibers (carry noxious or painful stimuli) are located here, especially in the thoracolumbar fascia, which has been associated with unspecified low back pain.
The Deep Fascia (DF) is a well-organized, dense, fibrous layer that interacts with muscles. It’s important for mechanical function of force and transmission, and it is thought to have a role in proprioception (awareness of posture, balance, and position). In scar formation, there is a fusion of skin, superficial fascia and deep fascia.
How does the Graston Technique (GT) affect the fascial system?
30-40% of the force generated by muscle is a result of its surrounding fascia. The force is transmitted not along the tendon, but by the connective tissue surrounding the muscle! By restoring motion to restricted fascia, you help to facilitate the normal force of contraction that is transmitted by the fascia.
A substance called Hyaluronic Acid (HA) may be responsible for diminished gliding abilities of fascia. The alteration of HA in the extracellular matrix creates a gel-like, dense feeling that your clinician can identify with both their hands and GT instruments. Overuse and trauma can cause the HA to become fragmented and proinflammatory, leading to decreased viscoelasticity of tissues. If the HA assumes a packed formation, the behavior of the deep fascial and underlying muscle would be compromised. Have you ever heard the term “myofascial pain”?…Well this might be the basis of that common phenomenon! The Graston Technique is said to break down the HA fragments into smaller sizes which then act as an anti-inflammatory molecule.
GT aids in restoring mobility and function by addressing fascial restrictions and adhesions in a specific and controlled way.
Do you think you might benefit from the Graston Technique? Do you have questions and aren’t sure if you are a good candidate?
Contact Plus Forte today!
Email: courtney@plusforte.co
Phone: 978-590-6951
References:
Carry-Loghmani M.T., Schrader J.W., Hammer W.I. Clinical Foundations for Graston Technique Therapy. In Graston Technique. Edited by Ploski M.R., Shakar J.J., Vincent R.E. 2019.
Avison J. et. al. Fascia in Sport and Movement. United Kingdom: Handspring Publishing. 2015.
