Fascia is one of the least understood networks of the Human Body.
If I were to start a conversation with just about any person outside of the Medical Field, they would say, "huh, I have never heard of fascia".
But if you are a person who likes to have stability and enjoys movement- this part of our anatomy and physiology is very important in terms of living an optimal life. For a thorough explanation of what fascia is, check out Tom Meyer's Anatomy Trains Website which defines fascia as:
Here, though, and increasingly in scientific and research circles and professionals worldwide, ‘fascia’ has a wider definition: all the collagenous-based soft-tissues in the body, including the cells that create and maintain that network of extra-cellular matrix (ECM). That definition includes all the tissues traditionally designated as ‘fascia’ in classical anatomy, plus all the other very similar tissues arrayed in different ways around the body; tendons, ligaments, bursae, and all the fascia in and around the muscles – endomysium, perimysium, epimysium. Also included would be the fascia around the organs: the coelomic bags that hold the organs in the peritoneum and mesentery in your abdominal cavity, the mediastinum, pericardium, and pleura that hold the organs in the chest cavity, and the membranes – dura and pia and perineuria – that surround the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
As a fascial bodyworker for over 15 years, I have seen the extraordinary shifts and changes in many clients as they receive connective tissue massage that releases adhesions and patterns that keep them out of proper alignment. They walk out with less pain, sometimes no pain at all, with better posture, more sensation within the body, emotionally more stable, and definitely more flexible and more connected to their own energy source.
And-I have learned that each client needs a unique approach that best suits where he/she is at the time of the sessions. Some clients like more aggressive or assertive work, and others are best worked with a very soothing and whispering touch. Even that can change from session to session.
How does Structural Integration and Craniosacral Therapy support the Fascial System?
I like to look at these two systems of bodywork (massage) as yin and yang.
Craniosacral (CST) is a very light touch therapy that works primarily with the Craniosacral system. The best practitioners/therapists in this massage area of focus know how to listen well in silence and gather the necessary information to best be able to support the body to find its own corrections through the most gentle support. While much of the intention is based on the flexion and extension movements of the Cranium and Sacrum, while releasing any restrictions there, the myofascial aspect is also necessary to address for re-connection and communication. The soft tissue weblike fascia functions best when it is lengthened and strains are removed. This can be accomplished by a soft following and connection into unwinding and opening with CST. In fact, when the fascia is worked along with the Craniosacral rhythm and balancing, the collagen, elastin and ground substance transforms exponentially. I feel this with my hands as change occurs throughout the whole body. I would call this more "Yin" as it feels more sensitive and receptive.
I first began with a Structural Integration many years ago. With the evolution of my work, I see the 10 sessions as a co-operation between the therapist and the client to dialogue and work from the outside in, meaning the superficial to the deeper core levels to bring the body into easy movement with the force of gravity. Using manual hands-on techniques, the therapist moves in multiple directions to help the body to restore itself into the most natural positioning. In the recipe, the whole of the physical body is addressed with a basic 10 series guidelines as a focus. But it is important to understand that when one part of the body is touched, the rest is too as the fascia is continuous throughout. The Structural Integration work can be quiet like the CST work, but usually it is done more assertively to support dense and scarred tissue to break up and lengthen. It is up to the therapist and the client to dialogue and discuss boundaries in order to build trust. If a client ends up defending or compensating, then the work looses its optimal value. It's always a dance for the massage therapist to find the the "dance of magic" between lighter and deeper touch. Ultimately though, what is desired is health and wellness on all levels.
I have a real passion for working with clients who are in pain, with limited motion and feeling stuck in trauma. Working with the Conenctive Tissue Fascia can be life changing. When you feel better in your body, your whole outlook can change into rays of sunshine!
If you are interested in finding a Massage Therapist in Columbus Ohio who knows fascia, contact:
Sharon Hartnett LMT, CST, SI, BHSP at (614) 372-6598 for a free 15 telephone consultation.
