Evolving research is paying much more attention to fascia and the role it plays in keeping your body limber, pain-free and less prone to injury. Join U.K. Aquatic Specialist, Haylley Pittam for an aqua stretching routine that takes a total body approach to releasing restricted fascia. Fascial Movement for Active Aging is ideal for recovery days or when you are dealing with pain or tight muscles.
WHAT IS FASCIA?
Fascia is a thin layer of connective tissue that surrounds and holds every organ, blood vessel, bone, nerve fiber, muscles and bundles of muscle fibers in place. Recent research is starting to view fascia as a sensory organ, along with eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin, with studies showing that fascia may be almost as sensitive as skin. Which is why when fascia becomes restricted, it can trigger pain and other maladies. Fascia surrounds every fiber, bundle and muscle into the tendon and bone, which means the connectivity of fascia essentially holds everything in place. Without fascia, all movement would cease including the ability to stand. If you want to take a deeper dive into the fascial system, Haylley’s mom, Lynda Keane, a U.K Aqua Specialist with an extensive background in aquatic rehab and fascial trauma wrote an article for a Fitmotivation Instructor Online Course - The Fascial System and Water Exercise. Watch Haylley talk more about the video and her mom’s expertise in the field of fascial study.
PAIN FROM FASCIAL RESTRICTION
Healthy fascia slides and glides as you move. Fascia tightens up when it becomes stressed. As it does so, it gets thicker, stickier and drier. The collagen fibers in the fascia dry up and create a restriction, which can limit mobility and cause painful knots and adhesions. Fascial restrictions can cause pain on a scale from dull to extreme. If you have ever experienced Plantar Fasciitis or knee pain from Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome, you know all too well how painful fascial trauma can be. People often think their knee pain is joint-related, when in fact it is often the connective tissue that runs from the pelvic bone to the shin bone.
FASCIAL TRAUMA CAUSES
Fascial damage can often occur after an injury or surgery. A lack of movement can also cause the collagen fibers in the fascia to dry up, hence the old adage, “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” Additionally, repetitive movement can also cause damage to fascia, as can dehydration, poor diet and stress.
HOW TO KEEP YOUR FASCIA HEALTHY
If you want to keep your fascia healthy, start moving more. An active lifestyle and exercise are your best defense for keeping your fascial system in optimal “slide & glide” condition. Likewise, stay hydrated and maintain a balanced and healthy diet. If there is one thing that can help the most, that would be making sure your fitness regimen includes plenty of stretching. Exercise programs that enhance flexibility are recommended. Good news! Haylley has provided you with an aquatic stretching routine that is specifically designed to release restricted fascia.
FASCIAL MOVEMENT FOR ACTIVE AGING
After a brief movement prep, this pool stretching routine includes five movement segments that target different fascial lines, providing a total body approach to releasing restricted fascia. However, the practitioner is encouraged to perform a body scan to become more aware of areas that may need extra attention. It cannot be said enough, it is vital that you balance your water exercise activities and include videos that focus on muscular and joint flexibility, such as the videos in this Poolfit Category.
Poolfit extends a big thank you to Haylley and her mom Lynda for providing this valuable information on the fascial system and how to treat restricted fascia with a potion of motion. If this has piqued your interest and you want to explore additional information, please visit Haylley and Lynda’s business website, Aquatic Rehabilitation Exercise Academy (AREA).
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