Fascial Gluing

Simply put, fascia is connective tissue that forms a casing or sheathing that enwraps and integrates with every bone, muscle, and ligament of the body. Muscle in combination with the fascia that surrounds it is called myofascia.

The fascia itself is multi-layered and ranges from superficial (i.e. under the skin) to viscera (i.e. enclosing the organs.) These fascial sheaths are all connected and create a web within the body that support as well as enwrap muscular movement, and connect as well as separate the muscles and organs themselves. Therefore the tone and span (e.g. elasticity, response to nervous stimuli) of the fascia is an important contributing factor to comfort, movement quality, and overall well-being (1*)

Ideally, these layers of fascia should slide over each other like pieces of silk, the same way our organs should glide against each other “like a bucket of freshly caught fish.” (2*) However, following inflammatory illness or traumatic injury, layers can begin to adhere or become functionally “glued” to one another. Meaning, they no longer slide over each other, and in turn their respective structures (muscles, bones, ligaments, organs) tug on each other in the process. Ultimately, when the fascia glues or bundles, it limits the independent movement of the structures they envelop. 

In our Sunday practices at Mountain View Studio, we always start on our backs with fascial release techniques that focus on sliding and gliding the musculature. These movements help to encourage the fascia to do the same. Following this, we spend time creating independence of movement, isolating structures that often become bound or glued to each other (e.g. ribcage to shoulder girdle.) The journey of improving the state of the fascia takes time, but the process itself, especially when done with compassionate movement, can feel really good.

My goal each and every class is to dissolve the adhesions that make myofascia sticky and enable students to move more freely and with greater ease.  

I hope to see you in class soon.

Ryan

References:

(1* - Ida Rolf, Structural Integration)

(2* - Tias Little, Yoga of the Subtle Body)