Today, most Americans are familiar with the benefits of stretching, weight-bearing exercise and other traditional ways to support our muscles, joints and bones, but why is fascia release now all the rage among wellness influencers? And should you try it? But, wait… what even is fascia?
Fascia, according to Everyday Health, is a continuous web of fibrous tissue that wraps around and supports organs, muscles, bones, and every other structure of the body. It provides stability and strength so that these body parts can smoothly glide against each other without friction or pain.
If your fascia is flexible, it’s healthy, but tight or injured fascia can cause you pain, stiffness and even limit your mobility. What to do? With a quick scan of TikTok, you’ll find numerous users offering their tips for “how to release fascia,” but what should the average person know before attempting their own fascia release?
DISC Tarzana’s Shrey Kanjiya, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, spoke with Everyday Health about this topic.
Fascia also provides a barrier between muscle and surrounding tissue, Dr. Kanjiya told reporter Erica Sweeney. “This allows the muscle to glide smoothly without causing friction in the surrounding areas. The fascia is metabolically active and supports proper muscle activation and recovery.”
Fascia problems could be caused by overtraining, improper exercise technique, and repetitive motions, and may hinder muscle and joint movement, Dr. Kanjiya added. “In sports medicine, we often say injuries happen because athletes or patients perform exercises too soon, too often, and too much.”
Tight fascia may increase muscle or joint tension, and fascia release could increase elasticity, enhance movement, and reduce pain, he continued.
So, how do you release fascia? Dr. Kanjiya suggested stretching or using a foam roller on sore or tight muscles, which can apply pressure to the fascia while stretching the limb.
When pain or other problems linger, despite stretching or other fascia release methods, it’s important that you see a doctor, Dr. Kanjiya said. “Fascia is just one culprit for painful limbs and joints.”
Read the full Everyday Health article HERE.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Kanjiya HERE.
