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Strange Symptoms of Extremely Tight Fascia
In this video we discuss 5 strange symptoms of extremely tight fascia. The fascia is the connective tissue that lies just underneath the skin. It wraps around muscles, bones, nerves, ligaments, and organs. It runs deep, runs wide, lengthwise and connects everything together.
When the fascia becomes extremely tight, there are typical symptoms. Typically you can see, pain locally where the fascia is tight. You can also have pain away from the area of tightness. For example you can have tight fascia of the calves and feet and symptoms can reflect in the hips and lower back.
These are the most often seen. Did you know that there are also strange symptoms that can come from tight fascia? This is a list of 5. Watch this video now to learn!
Symptom 1; Pulling Sensation
Symptoms of extremely tight fascia can include a sensation of pulling. For example you move your arm and shoulder and you notice a pulling sensation in the shoulder, arm and maybe into the neck. This can be a symptom of fascial restrictions.
Realize that this symptom can also point to an issue with nerves. Always consult with your healthcare provider such as a physical therapist, chiropractor or massage therapist to assess the root of your symptoms
Movements where this pulling sensation can occur can be slight motions with relatively short ranges of motion.
Fascial treatments and deep tissue massage can help alleviate symptoms of extreme tightness of the fascia.
Symptom 2; Possible Chronic Swelling
A great example of this is when someone rolls their ankle a few months ago. The person does their rehab and feel better but they are still noticing some annoying discomfort. There is still noticeable swelling around the ankle. It seems to be staying.
In this case, it can be that the fascia around the ankle is super tight, compressing the area and because of the compression and tightness, hindering fluid movement. This chronic swelling can press on pain sensitive structures causing pain and dysfunction. The other issue that can compound the issue is that more scar tissue can be laid down, causing more pain and discomfort.
There are techniques that can drain fluid. In this particular situation, the fascia needs to be treated first and aggressively. Once the fascia relaxes, it is a a lot easier to drain the fluid. This can typically significantly decrease the symptoms.
Symptom 3; Breathing can be Hindered
Symptoms of extremely tight fascia can also include hindered inspiration (breathing in). The fascia around the ribcage and abdominal area can become tight that it can feel like breathing in is difficult. This can be caused by stress and anxiety.
Aggressively using deep tissue massage and treatments to the fascia targeting the muscles and fascia of the ribcage can alleviate this symptom.
It is very typical that patients, after treatment can be observed taking deeper breaths. They can comment about how much of an improvement their breathing has gained.
Symptom 4; Head has a Tight “Net-like” Feeling
Strange symptoms of extremely tight fascia that is common, is a tight net-like sensation around the head. The sensation basically feels like your head is being pulled down tightly with a net, towards your shoulders.
It is unlike a headache , where referral can be towards the front of the head, side or back of the head. This symptom can be very annoying. Usually releasing the fascia of the shoulders, head and neck can alleviate this symptom.
Symptom 5; You have good range when you stretch but still feel very tight
An example of this is when you stretch your hamstrings. You can have good range, maybe even better than most but still feel like your hamstrings are restricted and tight.
This can be a symptom where the fascia of the hamstrings and calves are super tight. Release the fascia first and you can notice that, the sensation of tightness can fade or become lessened.
Treatment
Strange symptoms of extremely tight fascia can be treated. You first need to consult with your healthcare professional to confirm that the issue is mostly fascia. Remember there are conditions that present similar to what has been described. It is a good idea to have it assessed first.
The treatments to extremely tight fascia can be aggressive and painful. This is usually in tandem with deep tissue massage. Once the fascia releases the symptoms typically become better.
More resources:
Watch our video on keeping your fascia mobile now! This tip can help with relieving shoulder and lower back pain. You can watch this video on our Pain Relief Fitness site vprc.ca.
