Fascia...Is it mere filler in the body?

I was surprised to hear from a fellow colleague that while having dinner with a third year medical student, the future doctor referred to fascia as just filler within the body. I was astonished by the comment and believe it goes to the very heart of a disconnect between traditional allopathic medicine and complementary/alternative approaches.

The connective tissue framework binds, supports and protects almost every inch of the human body. In addition, it is the medium through which blood; lymphatic, cerebrospinal, intracellular and extracellular fluids must pass. Where there is restriction in the fascia, stagnation of the fluids will follow.

The late Ida Rolf believed that the fascial system was of the utmost importance, becoming the focus of what we now refer to as Rolfing. The purpose of Rolfing is to bring the body back into natural alignment within the field of gravity. Her opinion was after the systematic manipulation of the myofascia, the body’s systems would function optimally.

In all fairness, I have no idea what medical students are taught about fascia and its part in the health of the body. What I do know is that each year, more clients are showing up at my practice looking for an alternative to prescription medicine when it comes to musculoskeletal pain. The prevalence of this condition within society is widespread.

The time has come for complementary practitioners to work with physicians, facilitating an approach that will bring more vitality and a greater sense of well being for those we serve.Moreover, may we continue to learn more about the role of fascia within the human body.