Fascia & Myofascia

by Gary A Clark, myotherapist

Fascia is the semiflexible fibrous membrane of connective tissue that binds together the various components of the body. Pockets in the fascia contain the various organs of the body.

The myofascia covers, supports and separates the skeletal muscles. Each muscle fiber is wrapped with myofascia, bundles of those fibers are wrapped with myofascia, and the whole muscle is also wrapped in myofascia. Myofascial tissue is dynamic: under strain it increases in density and relative rigidity, giving the muscles more support

In healthy non-fibrotic fascia, collagen fibers are cross-linked to a degree that creates stability. This occurs at locations that are relatively immobile and subject to repeating work loads. Cross-links are less at sites that are highly mobile and involve stretching movements. At these sites the sheets of fascia are able to slide past one another or distort with considerable flexibility.

When the tissue space collects an abnormally large amount of fluid, as in fluid retention or myxedema, the fascial tissue adapts by increasing the space between the collagen fibers, and the elastin fibers stretch to allow expansion required to accommodate the higher fluid content. If the fluid content increases beyond the fascia's ability to stretch, pressure will mount inside the tissue, causing nerve endings to react by sending pain signals.

about the author: Gary A Clark is a myotherapist and founder of Pain Busters Clinic, where he helps his clients find lasting relief from their chronic muscle pain. For more information or to make an appointment phone Gary Clark at Pain Busters Clinic (Western Australia) 9472 3852 or 0402 945 700