Fasciae are a connective tissue, net-like, elastic and at the same time tear-resistant tension-tension structure that envelops and permeates the entire body and individually envelops muscles, bones, vessels, nerves and all organs in pouches and septa. The thickness of the fascia varies according to location and strain. There are three different types of fascia in the body:

• Superficial fascia
• Deep fasciae
• Visceral fasciae

Tasks of fasciae

The functions of fascia have only recently become transparent and are increasingly becoming the focus of medicine, sports science and body therapies. Fasciae play an important role in muscular force transmission, the body's own perception, various types of soft tissue pain and in the areas of mobility, bounce (speed) and energy efficiency in movement. Fasciae ensure the exchange and supply of nutrients, they serve to store and release energy, they are elastic and supple, and at the same time they have a high level of resilience and strength. Fasciae represent a whole-body communication system that connects, holds together and exchanges certain information. They play an important role in the overall coordination of movement (proprioception) and in immune defense.

Fascia training - benefits

Targeted fascia training has goals in different areas. During training, an increase in sport-related performance and an improvement in regeneration can be achieved. Therapeutically, problem areas of health (neck tension, back pain, knee problems) can be treated and a significant alleviation of symptoms can be achieved. Fascia training can also be used preventatively and to activate the immune system. Continuous fascia training has long-term effects, such as an improved general state of health, general well-being, better posture and appearance, improved endurance, exercise tolerance, mobility and a lower risk of injury when practising sports.

Fascia training should be seen as part of an overall therapy concept and is designed for long-term, regular use in order to be helpful. The arms, legs and back are primarily "rolled out" with a roller in order to loosen the above-mentioned adhesions and stimulate the interaction of muscles and fascia.

Fascia and pain

Most of the body's nerves run through the connective tissue and also end there. Fasciae are therefore a body-wide, sensitive organ of perception with a close-meshed network of nerve fibers and nerve endings. Prolonged pain changes the tissue metabolism of the fascia, the ability to move decreases, the fascia sticks together and the tone increases. This in turn leads to an undersupply of nutrients to the tissue, as a result of which the pain increases - a vicious circle is set in motion.

The cause of pain and the resulting adhered and hardened fascia can be found in everyday working and leisure activities. Physical and psychological stress (increased release of the messenger substance TGF (transforming growth factor) triggers a contraction of the fasciae and promotes adhesions in the long term, an unbalanced and therefore inadequate diet, a lack of exercise and long-term one-sided physical strain (e.g. relieving postures due to pain) are triggering factors for increased adhesions of the fasciae and consequently increased pain.

Fascia pain can be reduced by consciously and consistently implementing the following basic principles. First and foremost is sufficient exercise to stimulate the metabolism and the shifting movement of the fascia. Another important point is stretching the muscles to activate the body's own processes that make and keep the fascia supple. Regular jumping training (trampolining, jumping rope) or a variation of walking and/or running style with springy, speed-changing parts also help to strain and stimulate the fasciae. After training sessions, extended rest and therefore regeneration and adaptation phases are essential for the formation of collagen to strengthen the fasciae. In addition, there are the aforementioned points of a balanced diet, sufficient fluid intake and reducing stress.