Think of fascia as your body’s soft, stretchy wrapping – a type of connective tissue that surrounds and connects your muscles, organs, and bones.
Fascia is comprised of strong collagen threads nestled in a watery gel that are strong enough to support you, flexible enough to move with you. They help support and hold your body together, the layers sliding smoothly to transfer force through your body and coordinate movement. 
When fascia threads becomes stiff or restricted, it can contribute to pain and affect everything from exercise to everyday movement.
Fascia is part of your body’s support team, helping you get out of a chair, walk, jump and run. It surrounds and connects muscles, bones, organs, nerves and blood vessels, assisting neighbouring tissues slide smoothly as you move. 
Injuries, surgery, inflammation or prolonged periods of moving less can affect that glide, sometimes contributing to stiffness, discomfort and reduced flexibility. Stress can also increase muscle tension and make pain feel stronger

So how can you help keep your fascia in tip top condition? 
1. Your body loves variety: so, walk, dance, stretch and take regular breaks from sitting to help keep your fascia moving smoothly.
2. Drink plenty of water. 
3. Fit in gentle stretches throughout the day, especially when you have to sit a lot. 
4. Massage or a foam roller may help ease tight feelings and make movement more comfortable. Keep the pressure gentle as it should not hurt. 
My top tip when choosing a roller is to get a smooth one, not one with angry-looking bumps and grooves, because it’s not the most pleasant of experiences! I bought one, tried it once, put in in a cupboard for 3 years then gave it away. Be kind to yourself 

The professional approach  
Achy, stiff, or spending too long at your desk? Fascia release may help. It can ease persistent pain, including fibromyalgia symptoms, and support smoother movement and recovery after exercise or repetitive strain. After injury or surgery, guided techniques may improve scar mobility and help restore movement. For desk-bound bodies, focus on the chest, hip flexors, and upper back, alongside exercises to strengthen and support your posture

Fascia needs to glide as you move. It is rich in sensory nerve endings, too, so pain can sometimes be felt away from where it starts, and I would highly recommend seeking professional help.

What does a session involve?
Fascia release – often called myofascial release – involves gentle pressure, stretching and movement to help reduce muscle tension, improve mobility and encourage our bodies to move more freely. 
You can find out more at:

• jackieearl.co.uk/myofascial-release-massage-sevenoaks.php

• serenitytherapies.com/treatments/myofascial-release-tunbridgewells/

• surreymassageclinic.co.uk

• theopendoorlewes.com

• thewellingtoncentre.com/therapy/2025/3/19/myofascial-energetic-release-mer

The science 
Myofascial/fascia release has been implemented by physiotherapist and holistic therapists for decades and recent scientific studies are showing the benefits. So, ensure you know all about the fascia and what you can do to keep it in tip top condition. If you do, you will reap the dividends.

Sarah Maxwell is a multi-award winning Lifestyle Wellbeing and Fitness coach. You can find her at sarahmaxwell.com 
Get in touch via email at sarahmaxwell@mail.com and on social @sarahmaxlife