The Scottish Massage Therapists’ Organisation holds an annual conference keeping us in touch with pioneers in their fields and the latest research.
2018 was all about Fascia, led by the inspiring Ruth Duncan (founder of Myofascial Release UK) and Linda Currie.
You might have seen recent media articles about ‘The Interstitium’ being classed as a new organ – it’s basically fascia by a different name – how interstiti-eresting!
Fascia runs throughout the body covering all muscles and organs and has often been dismissed in favour of muscles & bones, with the assumption it’s a fairly inert, boring thing. However, research is demonstrating it’s actually highly sensitive and responsive tissue which plays an active role throughout the body including involvement in muscle contraction and pain perception.
Ruth describes superficial fascia as ‘a big yellow onsie’ as it covers our entire body. As hands-on therapists, we have access to this superficial tissue, which in turn gives us access to deeper tissue – it’s all connected like a 3D web.
For me, it was an exciting and thought-provoking weekend and I want to know more (hence the 2 books and a lot of new internet bookmarks). Although I’ve only just started learning about this, I could probably ramble on, but I think I just heard someone snore so maybe I should move onto:
What this means for you as a client ...
I have some new ‘fascial’ techniques which we could include in treatments
Fascial techniques can be particularly useful in helping chronically tight muscles and persistent pain
Fascia responds to a much more gentle approach and it’s got to be ssslllloooooooooooow – so a hold or pull can last for 5 minutes or more. It might not feel like much is happening, however, having spent a weekend practising with other therapists, I’d say it’s definitely worth investing 5-10mins of your appointment time to give it a go.
If you want to know more …
Intro to Interstitium [Independent]
Ruth Duncan @ British Fascia Symposium 2014
