Becoming a Fascia-Informed™ Human

You may have noticed the new phrase we have been using lately: fascia informed™. What does this mean, and why is it important?

Outdated Beliefs About Fascia

Historically, fascia was seen as something unimportant. Scientists and healthcare practitioners have always known of its existence, but fascia was thought to be something that merely filled in empty spaces in the body. It was thought to be much like packing peanuts in a shipping box, filling in the empty spaces to provide cushioning for all the body systems and organs that keep us alive and functioning. Fascia does provide cushioning and support, but it actually does so much more. Interestingly, some physicians tried to tell us they believed fascia was important and should be studied. Andrew Taylor (A.T.) Still is one of these fascia-informed™ physicians.

Fascia-Informed Ahead of His Time

A.T. Still, the founder of osteopathy, believed fascia was crucial to health, viewing it as a continuous, interconnected tissue network enveloping muscles, bones, nerves, and organs. He considered fascia a dynamic system influencing and reflecting the body’s health, proposing that restrictions in fascia could lead to various ailments. Still emphasized that fascia transmits mechanical forces and communicates changes throughout the body, affecting both local and systemic functions.

He asserted that optimal health depends on the proper alignment and mobility of the musculoskeletal system, including fascia. His osteopathic treatments aimed to assess and address fascial restrictions, enhancing circulation, improving nerve function, and promoting the body’s innate healing abilities.

Fast Forward to Modern Science

Thomas Findley MD PhD has provided scientific validation for many of A.T. Still’s early insights about the significance of fascia in health and disease. Findley, a prominent researcher in the field of fascia, has conducted extensive studies that elucidate the structural and functional properties of fascia, confirming its dynamic role in the body, including:

• Structural Connectivity
• Mechanotransduction
• Plasticity
• Impact on Pain and Dysfunction
• Highly Supportive of the Vascular System
• Richly Innervated

Many other researchers worldwide have joined in on the fascination with fascia, which has led to many incredible discoveries about this system over the past several decades.

Back to Junior High

In junior high, students typically begin to learn about the fundamental aspects of human anatomy and physiology. They study the major body systems, such as the skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems. Students explore how these systems function individually and interact with one another to maintain homeostasis and overall health. They learn about the structure of bones and muscles, how the heart pumps blood throughout the body, how the lungs facilitate gas exchange, how the digestive system processes food, and how the brain and nerves control bodily functions. This foundational knowledge helps students understand the complexity and interdependence of the human body.

The purpose of teaching junior high students about anatomy and body functions extends beyond basic knowledge. It fosters an appreciation for human biology and encourages healthy habits by highlighting the importance of each system in maintaining health and well-being. Understanding how their bodies work can motivate students to make informed nutrition, exercise, and overall lifestyle choices. Learning about anatomy and physiology also equips students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they analyze how different systems respond to various conditions and challenges.

Modern Healthcare

Unfortunately, most instructional programs for students wanting to become healthcare providers are still teaching outdated information about fascia, if they teach anything about it at all. This is slowly changing, and eventually, integrating the “new” understanding of fascia into healthcare education will become standard. However, the wheels of change in major institutions like education and healthcare move VERY slowly. I do not expect the regular and complete teaching of fascia science in all health programs to happen in my lifetime. However, if someone (like me and many others) is actively looking for the information, it is available in scientific articles and books by prominent researchers and practitioners.

Why do I care so much?

Just as we teach junior high kids about their bodies in hopes of helping them make better choices about their health and think critically about their choices, I believe many adults of all ages want to do exactly that. Many people want to understand their bodies and make good health decisions; to do that, they need to understand some basic principles about their bodies. The fascia system is not only a body system that supports many important functions in the body but also surrounds and supports every other system we learned about in junior high. I believe understanding fascia or being fascia-informed™, provides essential and helpful information.

I initially sought information about fascia to better understand the myofascial techniques I used as an occupational therapist. While trying to better understand this, I learned so much more about the fascial system. I put this information to use in my own personal health practices and my professional practice with clients. I have seen the results of how this information can transform health and function, so I feel it is VERY important to share not just what (the practices and techniques) but why (the science).

Not Everyone Feels the Same

I follow many researchers, clinicians, therapists, and businesspeople of all kinds online. I love to see how people share and explain information. However, of course, none of us always agree on everything. Disagreement and debate can be transformational when it is healthy and respectful. I recently saw a post I very much disagree with.

I recently read a post on a social media platform where a therapist (I will not say who or what type of therapist) posted to their audience telling them that their clients never (yes, they used the word never) need to understand the science behind the techniques being used in their appointment. They said that clients only care about the results they are getting and followed that statement with an all-caps PERIOD. I could not disagree more.

Curious Clients

While clients certainly do care about the outcome of their visit, most of my clients LOVE learning about their bodies. The people who attend our workshops on self-treatment, posture, mobility, etc., also love learning about their bodies. A common comment we hear is, “Why don’t we know about this? It is so important and helpful!”. I also weave tidbits I’m learning into my weekly fascia-informed™ yoga and fitness classes. I often refer to my clients as seekers. They love seeking out new information and learning about their bodies and techniques that can help them not just get rid of pain but also help them feel and function their best.

Additionally, not sharing information with your clients is a very authoritative, paternalistic, white-coat approach to care. Imagine if your doctor told you you needed surgery but didn’t explain why. Or your physical therapist told you to do 100 squats per day but didn’t tell you why other than it will get you the desired outcome. Information (science) is power, and sharing it correctly can motivate, calm, and empower the client. Quality care is a team effort, and the client is part of that team.

Like Attracts Like

I do have some clients who aren’t that interested in their bodies or hearing about fascia science, and that is OK, but I don’t have that many. Most of my clients are like me, lifelong learners who can’t wait to hear what’s new in the world of fascia and all the other health-related topics we love to explore. We often swap book and podcast recommendations and discuss what we think. I have clients who ask me for scientific articles relevant to their issues for us to discuss at their next visit.

I also have clients who aren’t science-savvy but are curious. One of my gifts is making the information practical, digestible, and relevant to them. That is part of my occupational therapy skill set. I love this aspect of my practice.

The writer of the post I mentioned earlier suggested that all we (practitioners) need to do is listen to the problem the client is presenting and offer a solution. I 100% agree with this. That’s a “no brainer”. Listening is the most important part of the client-therapist relationship, regardless of what type of therapist you are.

One Foot in Both Worlds

My clients also like that I have traditional healthcare training and have had one foot in the traditional healthcare world for so long, and I do something new (at least to them) and on the edge. I have had people tell me this at their first visit many times. I can talk traditional healthcare lingo and educate them on something new to them, fascia-science. The therapist I have on my team is the same.

Kaitlyn is an anatomy and fascia-science geek, just like me. She is traditionally trained with a doctorate in occupational therapy, also just like me. She has taken courses with me and through other fascia-focused groups. I have observed her working with new clients, and she is AMAZING at sharing the science and making direct connections to their life experiences and reasons for coming to see us. She is an independent thinker who is wise beyond her years, all wrapped around a huge, caring heart. I cannot wait to see how her career develops..

People are Savvy Science Seekers

Many people walk into their appointments with thoughts and ideas about their problems that they have formulated from their online research. They often want to discuss it. I’m completely good with this and even feel it is my duty to help guide them to the best quality information, not just the right answer. Truthfully, I may not have an answer, let alone the right one for them. I will often say… “Let’s discuss” or “Let’s think this through out loud.” Then I’ll ask them what they think.

Finally! What does fascia-informed™ mean?

I want to create fascia-informed™ humans. When you understand as much about your fascial system as you do your muscular system, your nervous system, your skeletal system, your lymphatic system, your digestive system, your circulatory system, etc., you can make a more complete and informed decision about how to heal and care for your body.

We know much about what we need to eat to keep our digestive system functioning. We know much about what we must do to keep our muscles strong. We know much about what we can do to keep our brain healthy and functioning. We know enough about our circulatory system to know what to do to keep our heart healthy. Most of us aren’t experts and scientists, nor do we always apply what we know, but we at least have an awareness and can draw upon this information when we choose to.

You do NOT have to know all the science I do about the fascial system, but you need to know:

• this system exists
• this system surrounds everything else in your body
• what it does in your body (which is a lot more than cause pain when it is tight)
• what makes it tight and dysfunctional
• what heals it
• what keeps it healthy

When you know this, you are officially a fascia-informed™ human.

I also want to create more fascia-informed™ therapists who will in turn, create more fascia-informed™ humans.

Amy Mayer OTD, OTR/L, RYT

Fascia-Informed™ Resources

We have a ton of free content on our YouTube channels. You can find them by going to the resources for clients page in the main menu above or follow these links: Mayer Wellness YouTube and Fascia-Forward Fitness.

We also have paid courses for clients and for therapists. I’ve put my 32 years of knowledge in neat little packages if you’re interested. You can also find them in the resources section of my website.