Fascia-Related Muscle Pain and Stiffness
Factors that cause fascia to become gummy and crinkle up (called adhesion) include: A lifestyle of limited physical activity (too little movement day after day) Repetitive movement that overworks one part of the body. Trauma such as surgery or injury.
Doing multi-directional movements like lunging in all directions or doing push-ups with the hands in a variety of positions strengthens the fascia by placing different loads onto the tissues. Plyometric movements are for young and old athletes.
Eosinophilic fasciitis is a rare disorder characterized by inflammation of the tough band of fibrous tissue beneath the skin (fascia). The arms and legs are most often affected. Inflammation is caused by the abnormal accumulation of certain white blood cells including eosinophils in the fascia.
“Springy movements, like butt kickers, skipping and high knees, are an integral part of fascia training. The aim is to strengthen structures and train your elastic storage capacity. The principle of tensional energy is the basis of all these exercises that work with elastic rebound.
There are several key vitamins and minerals that are associated with myofascial pain relief—vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, C, D, E, K, biotin, folic acid, potassium, sodium, calcium, iron and zinc.
Collagen-rich fascia foods: bone broth, eggs, fish, kefir, oysters, red meat, and yogurt.
Eosinophilic fasciitis is a rare autoimmune disease that causes your fascia (the stretchy layer of tissue under your skin) to thicken and swell. It shares symptoms with other more common conditions, so talk to your healthcare provider as soon as you notice pain and swelling under your skin.
Typical rehab for a plantar fascia injury (tear) begins with immobilization of the foot such as a walking boot or crutches. This is normally followed by physical therapy and other supportive techniques and devices such as taping and orthotics.
However, there is some good news: Fascia can heal itself. The problem with this? Fascia doesn't typically heal in its original configuration. Instead of restoring to its previous flat and smooth texture, fascia may heal into a jumbled clump.
Causes of a Rotting Fascia
The first common cause is the improper installation of the gutters and drip edge. The drip edge is installed at the edges of the roof to keep water away from the fascia while the gutters are responsible for transporting runoff down to the downspouts and into a drainage in the ground.
Another indicator that the problem is in the fascia is not getting results from traditional stretching or exercise. The fascia doesn't respond to conventional stretching. You may get temporary muscle lengthening, but if the fascia is tight, it will be pulled right back where it was.
Most injury to fascia heals within a six to eight week period. Occasionally chronic inflammation and pain affect fascia. This may cause problems such as painful movement or fibromyalgia.
Myofascial pain syndrome symptoms include: Pain that's aching, throbbing, tight, stiff or vice-like. Trigger points (small bumps, nodules or knots in your muscle that causes pain when touched and sometimes when they're not touched). These commonly develop as the condition worsens.
Fascia forms a sheath around individual muscles throughout the entire body. Tight fascia can be a result of physical trauma, such as an injury or surgery. It can also be a result of inactivity or habitual poor posture. There are several manual therapy methods that can help keep fascia flexible and healthy.
In its normal healthy state, the fascia is highly flexible, fluid, and will glide easily. However, when mental stress or physical injury occurs, the fascia can become tight, inflexible, dehydrated, and essentially glued, inhibiting your natural movement.
Fascia, simply stated, is a thin sheet of fibrous tissue enclosing muscles and organs. There are 3 different types of Fascia and damage to any of these can cause long lasting injuries, pain, discomfort, more permanent damage, and will hinder your bodies range of motion.
Fascia holds on to harmful toxins if it's not hydrated, and sticky, sludge-like fascia fluid is acidic and toxic and can quickly become a migration point for cancer cells.
Because fascia is not an elastic tissue like muscle and tendons, the amount of deformation when a stretch is applied is minimal. The adhesions that occur between fascia and the underlying tissues, or between the fascial fibers themselves, are the primary cause of dysfunction.
Research has shown that dehydration can cause the fascia to become stiff and less elastic, which can lead to pain and decreased mobility. A study published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies found that drinking water before and after exercise can improve fascial hydration and mobility.
How Does Sugar Consumption Promote Thickened Fascia? Although sugar is both highly acidic and highly inflammatory, its propensity to result in AGES (Advanced Glycation Endproducts) is the biggest culprit in the thickening and subsequent stiffening of connective tissues.