Fascia is a type of connective tissue in the body. It surrounds, protects, and supports the structure of the body. Fascia surround every muscle, muscle fiber, blood vessel and nerve down to the cellular level. New research also is confirming the role of connective tissue and the extra-cellular matrix in the immune system and as a whole body communication system!   Fascia is composed of elastin (which is elastic), collagen (which is strong), and ground substance (a gel like fluid that fills the spaces between the elastin and collagen). This composition makes fascia flexible and very strong.

Injury, trauma, surgeries, cancer treatments, childbirth, sustained postures and repetitive motions can cause fascia to thicken, shorten, adhere and dehydrate.

When this happens, there can be pressure on the muscles, joints, nerves, blood vessels, lymph vessels and even restrictions of the organs.

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Fascial tightening and adhering  often causes pain, decreased range of motion, structural misalignment and dysfunction of the body systems including the immune system, gastrointestinal system, respiratory system, circulatory system and genito-urinary system.   Restrictions even disrupt  the vital whole body communication!

Fascial restrictions respond very well to manual therapy.  Fascia responds best when when loaded or tensioned  with the correct amount of force in order to engage the tissue and create communication between the brain and body.  This requires therapist skill and finesse for assessment and treatment of the fascia.  Similar to  a telephone call: too little sound and no connection is made, too much sound and no one can listen.... It is the right amount of engagement that creates mind-body connection and fascial change.

I am skilled at multiple techniques to address the fascial system and these include myofascial release, visceral manipulation, craniosacral therapy and joint mobilization.  Knowing multiple manual interventions gives me the skills to provide optimal treatments for my clients.