The Fascial Perspective

A more profound and effective long-term solution

What is Fascia?

Fascia is a tough tissue surrounding every cell in the body, like a three-dimensional spider web from head to toe without interruption. As a whole body system, this network of connective tissue surrounds, protects, cushions and infuses every cell in the body. It provides support and flexibility to all the structures of the body (muscle tendons, ligaments, bones, organs and skin). Modern medicine tends to look at all these structures in isolation, generally ignoring the importance of the Fascial System, the global system that connects it all together.

Why a Fascial perspective?

Trauma (physical, mental & emotional), posture or inflammation can create a binding down of fascia resulting in excessive pressure on nerves, muscles, blood and lymphatic vessels, osseous structures (bones / joints) and organs. Since many of the standard tests such as x-rays, myelograms, CAT scans, electromyography, etc do not show fascial restrictions, it is thought that an extremely high percentage of people suffering with pain and/or lack of motion may be having fascial problems, but most go undiagnosed.

The Registered Physical Therapists at the Carton Clinic incorporate a fascial perspective in assessing and treating patients. Integrating their knowledge and understanding of how fascia becomes dysfunctional with the skills and training in Physical Therapy, they are able to locate fascial restrictions which travel throughout the body. In applying a whole body approach in this way the Therapists can offer the patient a more profound, effective and long term solution to his / her problem.

Further information is available at www.myofascialrelease.com (MFR; The John F. Barnes' Myofascial Release Approach) and www.myofascialrelease.co.uk (iMFT - Integrated Myofascial Therapy).