Your body has two forms of fascia: dense and loose. Each type is key to facilitating movement. Dense fascia, made of sturdy collagen fibres, helps give your body its shape. It holds muscles, organs, blood vessels and nerve fibres in place. It helps your muscles contract and stretch, and stabilises your joints. The loose fascia, which is more slippery, allows your muscles, joints and organs to slide and glide against one another like a well-oiled machine.
It can be tricky to determine whether pain is coming from your fascia or from your muscles and joints. Generally, muscle and joint problems tend to feel worse the more you move, while fascia pain lessens with movement.The most effective way to keep your fascia sturdy and elastic is to stay active. Experts also recommend a few things in particular.
If you choose to use a self-massaging device, don’t overdo it: No evidence supports the recent trend of ‘fascia blasting’ Along with moving, experts recommend sipping water throughout the day, which can help fascia glide with ease.