Fascia is a type of connective tissue in our bodies comprised of elastin and collagen fibers.  The fascial system is three dimensional and runs head to toe, it is what gives our bodies support and structure.  Fascia surrounds all structures in the body including muscles, bones, organs, blood and nerve vessels right down to the cellular level.  Fascia is amazingly strong and can hold up to 2000lbs per square inch.  Thats a lot of pressure!  When fascia is  healthy it is viscous and moves freely.    Fascia works to protect our bodies during trauma. Trauma can be accidental, surgical or accumulative. Injuries/traumas to the body can effect our beings  very deeply involving our physical, mental, and emotional selves. When fascia is injured  it can become tightened down  causing restrictions and placing pressure on pain sensitive structures.  The fascial tightening causes dehydration of tissue which restricts tissue mobility, energy, tissue nutrition/and elimination (circulation), and PAIN.  Although symptoms of fascial restrictions can vary greatly, some common symptoms include a feeling of tightness, a persistent dull ache that usually feels better with mobility/movement, sensation of improvement with use of moist heat or showering alleviating or decreasing discomfort for short periods of time.

Myofascial release is a type of manual therapy (hands on therapy)  that addresses the fascial restrictions by providing a gentle sustained pressure.