In this vlog I will expand on the forms of fascia in their four basic functions briefly describing their type, location and what they do in human movement. It’s the Fascia functions described in Part 1, which form a mutually dependant continuum which I want to expand on briefly.
Shape and Movement
The properties of Fascia differ for these roles as bone to bone ligaments are tough fibrous tissue that help to maintain structure and allow some movement, The muscle to bone tendons are strong and flexible contributing to a wider range of movement and energy distribution,
In addition there are fascial sheaths that encase muscle fibres, fibre bundles and the muscles themselves and are thin layers of fascial tissue. which among other things, allows the muscle to contract and move powerfully while maintaining its structural integrity.
You would probably have been aware of the roles of tendons and ligaments and may even know that fascia sheaths encase muscle fibres, fibre bundles and individual muscles and the bones to which they attach . This connectivity must impact human movement in local areas of the body like arms or feet but the science confirms that the connectivity is global and enables the 3D chain reaction movement clearly seen in all purposeful human activity. Advanced Imaging techniques are allowing us to see fascia in action transforming our understanding of function which had previously been based on dissection of cadavers.
Thomas Myers in his practical study of the roles and locations of fascia has identified long chains of musculofascial units that run through the body like railway lines, and are responsible for posture, stability and efficient fluid motion.
In his seminal work ”Anatomy Trains” he shows that the bones in our skeleton are not what keeps the body upright and supported and is instead the bones held in tension by the fascia and muscles. It’s the tensegrity model, a phrase that Architects use in static structures to convey the ideas of a stable and dynamic system held under of tension. It’s starting to sound very complex so I will pick up these threads in part 3 Training the Fascia and will attempt to explain terms like the fascia wetsuit and the importance fascial Lines in training programmes.
Supply and Communication
To metabolise energy, transport fluid and carry nutrients. and to receive and transmit stimuli and information.
Another advantage in studying live humans is that it reveals physiological actions that only live tissue can perform. This is mostly beyond my remit so I quote from Fascial Fitness by Robert Schleip, ”The fact that every organ in the body is surrounded by fascia makes it indispensable for the whole process of cell metabolism, for our inner perception of movement and organ activity, and for the transmission of many signals throughout the body.
You can see my vlogs on proprioceptive balance and the source of force
I found this earlier video of mine on functional training for the serve, which I will expand on in the next vlogs on the missing ingredients that facia training will develop.
https://youtu.be/UFdCBX5sWwg?si=nemp6Y3Gw4MSsdcf
Vaughan Ebrahim
LTA level 4
Gray Institute Movement specialist. CAFS 2013, 3DMAPS 2017 , FT 2023