All About Fascia
Have you heard of fascia, or myofascial release? Fascia is a fibrous material that surrounds individual organs, muscles as well as groups of muscles or systems. Just as a chicken drumstick has tissue surrounding each individual muscle as well as the the whole leg, or an orange has a covering around each segment as well as the whole, we have groups of fascia around all different parts of our body.
Many of my patients in Viridian and Arlington TX have tight, restricted fascia. The stress and strain of workouts, repetitive postures or activities, and even strain from the birth process or in utero positioning can cause adhesions in your fascia. Foam rolling, different types of breathing, and bodywork all can help unwind restrictions in the fascia in the limbs, pelvis, and abdomen.
As a chiropractor who understands fascia, I am most concerned with the fascia in the head and upper spine. We imagine the brain and spinal cord like a jellyfish, which of course is encased in skull and spinal bones. Fluid called cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF, hydrates the whole system. Rhythm goes from sacrum to head 11-16 times per minute.
Misalignments in the skull or upper neck from a stuck in utero positioning, a difficult birth, lip or tongue ties pulling on the bones and tissues, or head or neck injuries create a pull on fascial system and restricts the spinal cord, which can affect many areas. The fascial system has lots of connections and slings, so sometimes a restricted tongue can create pelvic floor and big toe issues! Or right sided upper neck tension can cause left hip or lower back tension.
Craniosacral therapy is a wonderful tool for promoting ease, balance, and relaxation. We find it even more effective in babies, whose skull and upper spinal bones have not yet fused. Putting an ounce of pressure on these small bones (especially where there are ridges or gaps which are not the typical soft spots) with the intention of taking pressure off “the jellyfish” so it can move more easily can have wonderfully relaxing effects in babies. We often see infants who were stuck in one position be able to move their neck and head more easily, and in many cases have even prevented a helmet.
Releasing the restrictions in the fascia so the CSF motion in head and sacrum is restored is also possible in older children and adults, especially effective when a person tends toward sinus pressure, headaches, vestibular or ear issues, and can help tremendously with pregnancy comfort and making room for baby to get into an ideal position.
Are you looking for gentle bodywork that includes fascia? Look no further. Text (612) 280-6596 to set up a complimentary phone consult to see if gentle chiropractic and Craniosacral with myofascial release can help you.
