Certain massage techniques involve applying gentle, sustained pressure to myofascial tissue to release fascia, increasing its elasticity and mobility, Dr. Swartzon says. Myofascial tissue encompasses both muscles and the fascia surrounding them.
Here are some benefits of myofascial release.
Reducing Pain
Fascia can get tight from inactivity, a trauma like injury or surgery, or muscle or joint overuse.
“In a sedentary person, the fascia can lose its ability to slide against other fascial layers,” Swartzon says. For an overly active person, “repetitive activity is traumatic to tissues, which leads to inflammation and scarring.”
Fascia also has “receptors that signal pain,” he adds. “Fascial release could benefit someone by reducing pain, improving range of motion, and enhancing circulation.”
These benefits may be short-lasting, he says. Ongoing pain could be a symptom of myofascial pain syndrome, which causes deep, aching muscle pain that doesn’t go away or gets worse. If you’re experiencing ongoing pain, see your doctor.
Improving Mobility
Overstretched or torn fascia can limit movement, flexibility, and function, says Mark Gugliotti, DPT, an associate professor of physical therapy at the School of Health Professions at New York Institute of Technology in Long Island.
“Similar to a tight muscle or stiff joint, fascia can lose its extensibility and flexibility, often as a result of misuse, disuse, or overuse,” he adds.
Fascia problems could be caused by overtraining, improper exercise technique, and repetitive motions, and may hinder muscle and joint movement, Kanjiya adds.
“In sports medicine, we often say injuries happen because athletes or patients perform exercises too soon, too often, and too much,” Kanjiya says.
Tight fascia may increase muscle or joint tension, and fascia release could increase elasticity, enhance movement, and reduce pain, he says.
Can You Release Fascia in Your Face to Get Tauter Skin?
Some influencers claim that releasing tight fascia in the face can rebuild collagen and lift sagging tissues in the face, leading to firmer skin, but experts are skeptical about any long-lasting benefit.
The fascia in your face may feel tight due to the chronic activation of certain facial muscles, such as when you clench your jaw or furrow your brow, says Beina Azadgoli, MD, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon at The Practice Healthcare in Beverly Hills, California.
As you age, fascia tissues also naturally become lax, as your skin loses collagen and elasticity, which may contribute to wrinkles and sagginess, says Michael E. Hill, PhD, MD, a plastic surgeon at Renuance Cosmetic Surgery and Medspa in Murrieta, California.
Massaging your face with your fingers or using a facial roller or gua sha tool can stimulate blood flow and may “temporarily give a little bit of a glow,” Dr. Hill says. This can also move lymphatic fluid, reducing puffiness and making you look more awake, Dr. Azadgoli says.
So, “there is a kernel of truth” in the claim that fascia release will improve your complexion, Azadgoli adds. “But most of these claims are overstated.”
Does Fascia Hold Stress and Trauma?
Stress causes your body to tense, and that tension can build and persist, affecting the “mind, body, and spirit,” says Shannon Bruin, a regional clinic director at Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Grand Rapids in Michigan.
People hold stress in their bodies in different ways, such as repeated muscle tightening in their neck, shoulders, or lower back, which may affect fascia, she says. This might be particularly apparent if your body was involved in the trauma, such as from abuse or an accident.
“It’s important to understand that how trauma is expressed physically is dependent upon the individual, their circumstances, and the levels of both risk and protective factors involved,” adds Alexandra Cromer, a licensed professional counselor at Thriveworks in Richmond, Virginia.
Cromer says there is some validity to the claim that fascia can be influenced by stress and trauma, but she emphasizes that stress and tension aren’t the only factors.
Releasing fascia, such as by stretching or massage, can help reduce anxiety, increase feelings of calm, and regulate sleep patterns, Cromer says. It can also lead to deep breathing and overall relaxation, Bruin says.
“If your body is physically less tense, it sends signals to your brain and nervous system that it’s ‘safe’ to relax,” Cromer says.
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