What Is Fascia? (01:51)

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Fascia is a whitish tissue that wraps around our muscles, tendons, and organs, accounting for about 20 kg of our body weight. Thomas Myers' book, “Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual and Movement Therapists" reveals groundbreaking research.

Thomas Myers' Theories (02:17)

Fascia tissue connects along countless lines throughout our bodies. When treating back pain, plantar fasciitis and other problems, he often finds the root cause in another part of the body.

Transfer Effect (04:16)

Jan Wilke puts Myers’s “train lines” theory to the test as he studies the alignment of ligaments and fascia in the back, neck and legs. His experiments indicate there may be some transfer effect that allows for the relief of tension in one part of the body by stretching another.

Filming Fascia (02:26)

Jean-Claude Guimberteau films connective tissue in the living body using a special camera. Our bodies contain a network of flexible fibers that reaches from the surface of the skin to the depths of the loose connective tissue in cells.

Fascia Atlas (05:39)

Carla Stecco created the “Functional Atlas of the Human Fascial System.” Thanks to her research, we know that fasciae exist everywhere in the body in a diversity of shapes and textures.

How Can Fasciae Cause Pain? (05:28)

Robert Schleip is writing a thesis on fascia tissue for the Institute for Applied Physiology. Fasciae consist of fibroblasts and their surrounding matrix, which is made of collagen. They can become damaged and stiff from lack of movement and press on nerves, causing discomfort.

Importance of Movement (04:26)

Helene Langevin investigates the link between movement, stretching, and back problems. Whenever fasciae produce too much collagen, their sliding capacity reduces. Movement can help end overproduction, allowing fibroblasts to expand and send out signals that allow tissue to relax.

Stress and Stiffness (02:07)

Schleip conducts experiments that show fasciae can stretch without stimulation from muscles or nerves. He also finds a link between stiffness and emotional stress.

Tensegrity and Water (03:26)

Myers and Schleip explain the concept of tensegrity and how it relates to fasciae interaction. Water may be an important factor in alleviating back pain.

Hyaluronan and Movement (06:04)

Hyaluronan is the lubricant of our connective tissue. Its molecules branch out into a spongy structure that binds with large amounts of water. Massage and movement help collagen fibers realign and fibroblasts to produce fresh hyaluronan; old water is replaced with new water, and fasciae can move more freely.

Fascia and Acupuncture (03:10)

Whenever an acupuncturist inserts and manipulates a needle, he or she can feel tissue tightening around it. Langevin provides a scientific explanation.

Pain and the Sympathetic Nervous System (05:06)

Fascia tissue is permeated with countless pain receptors, making it our most sensitive organ of perception. Siegfried Mense explains the relationship between the connective tissue, stress, and the nervous system.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (02:56)

Jonas Tesarz uses EMDR to treat patients who suffer from chronic pain and emotional trauma. Patients follow hand movements with their eyes to activate the self-healing capacity of the brain and allow negative experiences to be re-evaluated.

Fascia Summary (02:29)

Fascia tissue plays a significant role in chronic back pain. Stress can cause back pain and may relate to certain types of illness.

Credits: Fascia: Secrets Under the Skin (00:21)

Credits: Fascia: Secrets Under the Skin