When we think about movement, we often picture muscles and joints. Fascia is another part of that picture: connective tissue that helps support the body, organise its structures and accommodate movement. Understanding fascia gives us a clearer view of how muscles and their surrounding tissues work together.
A network throughout the body
Fascia forms sheets and layers around muscles and other structures. In its broader definition, the fascial system includes interconnected connective tissues that surround, separate and link structures throughout the body. Some layers are delicate; others are thick and strong. Describing fascia as a single thin casing captures only part of its variety. [1]
Collagen fibres give these tissues strength. Elastic fibres and a water-rich material between the fibres contribute to their flexibility and ability to accommodate movement. Their organisation changes with the job they perform. [2]
A three-dimensional web is a useful image. It helps explain how the body can have both connections and spaces for movement. Those connections do not mean that a painful area must have its cause somewhere else in the body.
What fascia does
Fascia provides support and helps organise tissues into layers and compartments. Around muscles, it contributes to the connective framework through which muscular force is carried. Connections between neighbouring muscles can also transmit force, although their contribution during everyday movement varies with the situation. [2, 3]
Movement also depends on tissues sliding in relation to one another. Loose connective tissue between some fascial layers allows this gliding. Its water-rich matrix contains substances such as hyaluronan that contribute to the properties of these sliding interfaces. [2]
Fascia is supplied with nerves. Depending on the tissue and location, these include sensory fibres and fibres associated with automatic body functions. Fascial tissues can contribute to information about movement and mechanical loading, and can participate in pain signalling. Pain itself is an experience produced by the nervous system, influenced by many factors. [2, 4]
Different types of fascia
Superficial fascia lies beneath the skin, within the tissue containing subcutaneous fat. It helps link the skin with deeper structures and contains nerves and blood vessels. Research in human tissue confirms that this layer has both sensory and autonomic nerve fibres. [4]
Deep fascia forms stronger layers around muscles and muscle groups. Some layers form broad sheets, while others closely follow individual muscles. Their structure supports different roles in organising muscle compartments, accommodating movement and transmitting force. [2]
Visceral fascia is connective tissue associated with internal organs. It contributes to their support and organisation. The terminology varies between anatomy texts and research fields, so it is helpful to name the specific tissue or organ covering being discussed. [1]
Why definitions matter
You may hear fascia used to describe a particular sheet around a muscle, or the wider connective tissue network. Both uses appear in the literature. Some broader definitions include tendons, ligaments and the connective tissue within muscles; narrower definitions distinguish these structures from fascia. Knowing which meaning is intended makes claims about fascia easier to understand. [1]
The often-quoted figure of approximately 250 million nerve endings is an estimate for the entire fascial network. It should not be presented as a measured count for superficial fascia or proof that this layer has more nerves than skin. For everyday understanding, the useful point is that fascia is richly supplied with nerves. [4]
What this means for myofascial care
Myofascial refers to muscles and their associated fascia. In myofascial care, we consider how these tissues behave together, alongside joint movement, nervous system sensitivity and the person’s everyday activities.
A feeling of tightness alone does not tell us which tissue is responsible. Assessment should explore what makes movement difficult, how symptoms behave and what the person wants to be able to do. Fascial anatomy helps inform that assessment, but anatomy alone cannot establish that a particular treatment is effective.
For us, the purpose of myofascial care is practical: helping people move more comfortably and confidently. Useful progress might mean turning the head more easily, walking further or returning to an activity that matters. Those changes are more meaningful than assuming a treatment has permanently reshaped fascia.
Sources
1. Schleip R, Jäger H, Klingler W. What is ‘fascia’? A review of different nomenclatures. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2012;16:496–502. doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2012.08.001.
2. Fede C et al. A Closer Look at the Cellular and Molecular Components of the Deep/Muscular Fasciae. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2021;22:1411. doi:10.3390/ijms22031411.
3. Maas H, Sandercock TG. Force Transmission between Synergistic Skeletal Muscles through Connective Tissue Linkages. Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology. 2010;2010:575672. doi:10.1155/2010/575672.
4. Fede C et al. Innervation of human superficial fascia. Frontiers in Neuroanatomy. 2022;16:981426. doi:10.3389/fnana.2022.981426.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is fascia?
Fascia is connective tissue that forms sheets and layers around muscles and other structures. Some layers are delicate and others are thick and strong. The word is used for both a specific sheet around a muscle and the wider connective tissue network.
What does fascia do?
It supports the body and helps organise tissues into layers and compartments. It contributes to how muscular force is carried, and loose layers between it allow tissues to slide over one another during movement.
Does fascia have nerves?
Yes. Fascia is supplied with nerves, and it can contribute to information about movement and loading, and take part in pain signalling. Pain itself is an experience produced by the nervous system and influenced by many factors.
What are the types of fascia?
Superficial fascia lies beneath the skin, deep fascia forms stronger layers around muscles, and visceral fascia is associated with the internal organs.
Can massage change fascia?
We don’t assume that treatment permanently reshapes fascia. In myofascial care the aim is practical: helping you move more comfortably and confidently, for example turning your head more easily or returning to an activity that matters to you.
What happens at a first appointment at Muscle Medicine?
You’ll have a short assessment about how you move and what you want to be able to do, then massage tailored to that, then a recommendation for follow-up. You can choose your therapist.
For further information or to discuss any additional questions, please contact Muscle Medicine today or arrange a consultation with one of our experienced therapists. Muscle Medicine is located in beautiful Double Bay, Sydney. Feel free to contact us on 02 9252 9140 or book online.