Fascia is a fibrous connective tissue band containing bundles of collagen fibers. This band of tissue protects and separates muscles, bone and organs, as well as binds together skin and underlying structures.
Fascia is composed of a superficial and a deep layer. Its thickness, density, elasticity and composition varies. For instance, fascia is dense and tight around the scalp, back of the neck, palms and soles. Whereas, it’s loose and thin in other areas, allowing your skin to move freely.
Fascia can be injured due to constant strain or trauma, resulting in fasciitis. The most common health condition demonstrating this is plantar fasciitis, which is marked by excruciating heel pain.
Fasciotomy is a last resort treatment to relieve chronic fascia pain. This surgical procedure cuts away a small section of fascia to relieve tension or pressure. The goal of a fasciotomy is to lengthen the fascia, and in some cases prevent necrosis.
Fascia can also create knots or adhesions which act as trigger points for pain, what’s known as myofascial pain syndrome. Another health condition involving the fascia is necrotizing fasciitis, which is a rare soft tissue bacterial infection.