Role of Fascia in Human Function

Abstract

Fascia has both generalised and specialised function in humans. It is a subject of wide range of scientific research with many specialisation of focus and emphasis. Recent scientific research in the field of the human fascia has resulted in several significant findings. Fascia is a sheath of fibrous connective tissue found throughout the body binding together muscles, organs and other soft structures of the body. Fascia consists of three fundamental fibrous connective tissue layers namely, superficial fascia, deep fascia and epimysium apart from visceral fascia. Superficial fascia is formed by collagen and elastic fibres and deep fascia is formed by a connective membrane that sheaths all muscles. This review also discuss about the dysfunction involving the deep fascia which due to trauma or inflammation may shorten and what was previously a pain free range of motion may become painful and restricted. Before even considering nerve compression, an analysis of myofascial sequence reveals densification of the fascia along its course. Hence this type of fascial manipulation being a potential pain reliever proves that fascia responds systemically as well as locally. Dysfunction such as alteration of the mechanical coordination, proprioception, balance, myofascial pain, and cramps are more related to the deep fascia and epimysium. Understanding of deep fascia is essential for stability and movement-crucial in high performance, central in recovery from injury and disability and ever-present in our daily life from our embrological beginning to the last breathe we take. Understanding the deep fascia provides ample knowledge about various treatment approaches linked to its musculoskeletal dysfunction.