What is Fascia?
Fascia is a connective tissue that encases every muscle, bone, nerve, and organ in your body, providing structural support and facilitating smooth movement between them. Imagine it as a web that keeps everything in place while allowing efficient motion. However, when fascia becomes tight or adheres to surrounding tissues, it can cause pain, stiffness, and limit your range of motion. This restriction occurs because the fascia loses its fluidity, leading to a domino effect of dysfunction in how your body moves and operates.
Why Does Fascia Get Tight or Restricted?
Fascia can tighten and restrict due to repetitive motion, poor posture, injury, stress, surgery, or lack of movement. In my case, genetics also play a role in tissue restriction—having a variation of the MTHFR gene makes my tissues more susceptible to becoming tight. Stress, coupled with a Type A personality (which I certainly have!), contributes to the recurring restrictions that I experience.
So What Can We Do?
My first experience with myofascial release (MFR) came through LYT Yoga, a practice that incorporates myofascial stretches and movements to improve tissue elasticity without sinking into the joints. This opened up my body in ways I had never experienced before. I learned that fascia isn’t confined to individual muscles—it spans across multiple areas of the body. Moving in specific ways can release fascial tension, providing both physical and mental freedom.
However, despite my commitment to yoga and fitness, my high-energy lifestyle, work body mechanics, and genetic predispositions left me feeling rigid. It wasn’t until I began my training in the John Barnes method of MFR that I saw a true shift. As I learned to assess postures and body patterns, I became more aware of just how stuck I was. Initially skeptical, I was blown away by the results I saw in my patients and myself. Pain and posture improvements that previously took weeks to address could now happen within just one or two sessions.
Personal Journey with Myofascial Release
During this time, my husband and I were trying to conceive our first child. After a miscarriage and subsequent struggles to get pregnant, I found myself mentally, emotionally, and physically more restricted than ever. This restriction not only affected my body but also made me feel disconnected from the possibility of conception. I began receiving regular MFR sessions, and as the layers of tension, trauma, and stress unraveled, my body began to feel open again. I truly believe these treatments played a key role in allowing my body to heal, ultimately leading to a successful conception.
Throughout my pregnancy, I continued MFR treatments and experienced a pain-free pregnancy, a smooth vaginal delivery, and a quick postpartum recovery. These treatments, alongside my yoga and strength training practices, helped me show up as the best version of myself for my family, my patients, and most importantly, for me.
Conclusion
Myofascial release has transformed the way I live and move. It has given me a deeper connection to my body, healing me physically and emotionally in ways I never thought possible. For anyone feeling stuck, restricted, or disconnected from their body, I encourage you to explore MFR. You never know what doors it might open for you—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. Taking care of your fascia may be the key to unlocking your best self.
At IVY Integrative, you can work with one practitioner or build your own team of holistic practitioners! Reach your optimum health in-person or online. Check out our Get Started page to learn how to work with us!
Author: Dr. Sarah Kingsley PT, DPT, RYT
Disclaimer:
This information is generalized and intended for educational purposes only. Due to potential individual contraindications, please see your primary care provider before implementing any strategies in these posts.