RELIEF® For Chronic Pain

The Role of Fascia in Chronic Pain

Fascia, a connective tissue surrounding muscles, joints, tendons, and other structures throughout the body, is essential for structural integrity and movement. Chronic pain can disrupt fascia's function in several ways. One major factor is compensatory movement. Individuals with chronic pain often alter their movement patterns to avoid stressing their area of discomfort, unfortunately often causing strain on other musculoskeletal structures due to altered alignment. This strain often directly stresses surrounding fascia, causing it to tighten and develop adhesions as it bears additional weight due to the compensation. This fascial stress can often in turn become a driving cause behind chronic pain, as the tightened tissue restricts movement and impedes the comfortable function of joints and other structures.^6,7,8 

Additionally, chronic pain frequently involves an inflammatory response. Prolonged inflammation can cause nearby fascia to become tight, less flexible, and dehydrated, leading to the formation of scar tissue. These changes further restrict movement and increase body tension, exacerbating the cycle of chronic pain.^2,10

Conversely, fascia may become damaged due to injury, surgery, poor posture or other physical stressors. This damage can then lead to chronic pain if not addressed. When fascia becomes tight, dehydrated, or scarred, it restricts smooth movement, which in turn may limit mobility and result in pain. This creates a cycle where chronic pain and impacted fascia may continuously worsen each other.^8,9

However, as a result of this relationship, addressing fascia fortunately may offer an effective solution to chronic pain management, as it opens up new routes for fascia-focused treatments that are often less invasive and may be highly effective.