The Barrier with Burns: The Connection to Fascia Begins in the Skin 

It is that time of year again! The extreme heat of the summer season has finally begun its transition, football and pumpkin spice are back, and the desire to spend time outside is at an all time high.  Barbecues are heating as they prepare for tailgating, fireworks are popping in preparation for when the Huskers win (or, if you are like my neighbors, when they also lose). Kids are splashing in the water as they cling to the last bits of summer vacation, the moderate warmth of the air wraps us in its embrace as the greenery is at its brightest. This time of year brings so much to be grateful for, especially thinking back to winter’s touch approaching us as each day grows shorter. Just like the plants come alive and thrive, we too jump at opportunities to move our bodies as we cling to the final weeks of tank top weather.

While we are so glad we have new opportunities for movement outdoors, we must continue to keep a fascia-informed mindset with us as we plan our activities. Our time outdoors creeps up on us, first we are engulfed in the sacred warmth of the sun, next thing we know we have been outside for 4 hours and are starting to feel, well…crispy. The insidious nature of the sunburn: it’s difficult to know it’s happening until you feel the burn. Let’s talk a little about how our fascia plays into all of this.

Why Hydration Is Key for Healthy Fascia

Fascia should be well-hydrated to maintain its elastic, gliding quality. Prolonged sun exposure and sunburn actively dehydrate the body more than many realize. While it is easy to think about hydration when the heat is extreme, we can easily neglect it when the weather seems perfect. To heal burns, the body redirects hydration and nutrients from its storage systems, transporting them along the fascial network to mitigate the damage. This diversion can leave other tissues dry and stiff, making recovery harder.

Sunburns, Fascia, and the Pain-Inflammation Cycle

Fascia is meant to be stretchy and mobile. But when we’re sunburned and in pain, we instinctively reduce our movement. Anyone who’s experienced a sunburn in sensitive areas knows the urge to stay completely still. This immobility, combined with dehydration, can stiffen fascial tissue, increasing soreness and delaying recovery from outdoor fun.

Movement and Hydration: Your Seasonal Recovery Duo

Injuries disrupt routines. A burn—even a mild one—can cause a shift in daily habits. We may stop engaging in regular movement or avoid going outdoors, trading hydration and activity for air conditioning and rest. The longer we’re away from nourishing routines, the harder it becomes to return to them. Recovery is most effective when we keep our fascia moving and hydrated.

Beyond the Sun: Other Seasonal Burn Hazards

Why is our superficial fascia important to our health? As the outermost layer of fascia, it is the environment of our vessels, nerves and even some muscle fibers. Scarring to this area, like when deep burns occur, can put a strain on the systems that reside within our fascial tissues. That dysfunction can affect how we feel the sensations inside of our bodies because that outermost layer of fascia connects to deeper layers similar to a spiderweb. If one part of the web is experiencing stiffness or tightening, other areas of the web can present with deficits also. Already have a previously burned or scarred part of your body that has been bothersome? We have been staying up to date on the latest fascia-informed techniques for scar care. To read more about the techniques we use to decrease pain, reduce stiffness and increase your function, click here. 

Lets review how we can take care of our fascial system as we transition seasons to prevent lasting consequences to our health:

• Wear sun protection clothing, apply and reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and be mindful of the time spent in direct sunlight, especially during peak hour (in every season).
• Keep hydration a top priority. We are losing water in the heat, so continue to drink water, maintain electrolyte content with nutritious foods and don’t be caught outside for too long without a water source.
• Keep movement routines intact by firstly, preventing burns, maintaining hydration and adequate nutrition and reminding yourself of all the fun that can be squandered by not managing these elements of self-care.
• Be mindful around heat sources, explosives and other dangerous activities that could cause lasting trauma to your fascial tissues through direct injury past the superficial skin layers. 

Ultimately, we love this time of year for all the opportunities for nostalgic fun and relaxing community it brings to us. It’s a favorite season for a reason! Being mindful of how we show up in our self-care this time of the year is especially important to the health of our fascia. Feeling stiff after too much sun or a break in your routine? Let’s reset your body before a weekend of fun turns into chronic tension. Our fascia-informed treatment sessions are designed to rehydrate your tissues, restore mobility, and help you feel good moving again. Book your personalized appointment today and give your fascia the care it deserves!

Here is to a great season of movement, gratitude and safety!