Sometimes, the best way to explain something is to draw a picture.
Especially where medical terminology and concepts are concerned, we believe this is the case. While some have competing opinions as to the validity of non-medicinal treatments of muscle and fascia pain – treatments such as massage therapy, physical therapy, or exercise therapy – the following evidence-based information should help to clear up any questions.
After years of study, specialists have come to identify and scientifically observe the fascial system which is interconnected with the musculature and other tissues of the body. The diagram above and the imaging that follows are taken from a study of the effects of autoimmune diseases on the body’s various tissue systems. [1]
The diagram above shows what is called a “transverse section” of the thigh, or the view if you were to cut into the thigh at a 90-degree angle. The second image is a close-up photograph and its corresponding microscopic image of healthy “subcutaneous” (situated under the skin) tissues around the “peroneus longus muscle” in the lower leg (or, in laymen’s terms, the side of what we more commonly call the “calf”). The white arrows point to the fascia. [2]
https://insightsimaging.springeropen.com/articles/10.1007/s13244-018-0650-1/figures/4
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “Fascia is a thin casing of connective tissue that surrounds and holds every organ, blood vessel, bone, nerve fiber and muscle in place. The tissue does more than provide internal structure; fascia has nerves that make it almost as sensitive as skin. When stressed, it tightens up.” [3]
For those interested in reading more, this peer-reviewed journal article explains in more detail how these layers of tissue are classified, and how they interact and function to support the body’s structures: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526038/#article-21624.s6
As you can see from these visuals, and hear from the descriptions, it is next to impossible to talk about putting pressure on a muscle without also understanding how its fascial connection is affected. Due to that interconnectedness of fascia, muscle, and nervous system, it is a very distinct possibility that the pain you are feeling is not as simple as a broken bone, a tight or pulled muscle or even a torn ligament. After surgery or injury, you are likely to experience some type of tension, bruising, or damage to the fascia as well.
Luckily, along with years of improved research about these connections comes a host of specific techniques and therapeutic treatments for their respective issues. From yoga to gently assisted stretching, foam rolling, or Registered Massage Therapy, we now have the means to target and treat this vital component of the body’s soft tissue.
Don’t have the room or tools for these practices? No problem! Come check out our self-guided exercise therapy space!
Concerned about an ongoing pain or injury? Click HERE to book your Registered Massage Therapy appointment.
Interested in checking us out first? Click HERE to read more about our clinic.
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1. Schematic drawing – https://insightsimaging.springeropen.com/articles/10.1007/s13244-018-0650-1/figures/2
2. Kirchgesner, T., Demondion, X., Stoenoiu, M. et al. “Fasciae of the musculoskeletal system: normal anatomy and MR patterns of involvement in autoimmune diseases”. Insights Imaging 9, 761–771 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13244-018-0650-1
3. Physiopedia. 2021. “Peroneu (Fibularis) Longus Muscle”. Retrieved April 28, 2021 from https://www.physio-pedia.com/Peroneus_(Fibularis)_Longus_Muscle
4. Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Muscle Pain: It May Actually Be Your Fascia”. 2021. Retrieved April 28, 2021 from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/muscle-pain-it-may-actually-be-your-fascia
5. Gatt A, Agarwal S, Zito PM. “Anatomy, Fascia Layers”. 2020. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved April 29, 2021 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526038/
