# Do I really to do anything to my fascia? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 30, 2021, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-really-to-do-anything-to-my-fascia/947621 "2021-07-30T00:29:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![CookingWithGas](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cookingwithgas/32/485_2.png) [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2021, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-really-to-do-anything-to-my-fascia/947621/1 "2021-07-30T00:29:06Z")
This may veer into IMHO but I am looking for the current scientific consensus, not personal opinions. My wife is into yoga, stretching, Pilates, all of the trendy stuff. She uses a foam roller to knead the fasciae. Other sources offer courses and videos and whatnot for how to make your fascia supple and stretchy. It does not seem as trendy to charge people to teach them about how to stretch out other types of connective tissue. Nobody gives courses in tendon or ligament care, or the bursas, or labrum, unless you’re going to PT for a diagnosed problem. Should I really care about my fasciae? Or is it just the fitness flavor of the month? ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2021, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-really-to-do-anything-to-my-fascia/947621/2 "2021-07-30T00:46:26Z")
> **[Muscle Pain: It May Actually Be Your Fascia](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/muscle-pain-it-may-actually-be-your-fascia)** > > Unhealthy fascia can lead to tight muscles and stiffness, limiting your mobility and causing pain. Learn what fascia is and how to prevent and relieve fascia-related muscle pain. > **[Learn More About the Role Fascia Plays in Flexibility and Form](https://www.runnersworld.com/advanced/a20784481/understanding-your-fascia/)** > > Fascia is a major player in movement. Here’s how to take better care of it. ---
**Author:** ![RedSky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/67e7ee/32.png) [@RedSky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedSky)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2021, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-really-to-do-anything-to-my-fascia/947621/3 "2021-07-30T05:29:28Z")
There are secret ways of working with the fascia in chinese martial arts, the first thing I would say to anyone I’ve discussed this with is “its just a visualisation or feeling and has zero scientific basis”. My understanding is fascia is designed to stabilize you body, it can take tension but you don’t want it starchy and supple. I’m no medical training however the bones have ligaments to hold them in place and the muscles have the fascia if I understand it correctly . ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2021, 6:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-really-to-do-anything-to-my-fascia/947621/4 "2021-07-30T06:02:50Z")
Just keep it watered and partially shaded, and enjoy watching the hummingbirds that come to feed off the red/pink blossoms. ---
**Author:** ![CookingWithGas](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cookingwithgas/32/485_2.png) [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2021, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-really-to-do-anything-to-my-fascia/947621/5 "2021-07-30T13:42:12Z")
The Hopkins article might be from credible source, but the Runner’s World article is exactly the faddish type of sensation I’m talking about. The article was written by a runner/journalist, not a medical professional. The article includes ads for foam rollers–is this article just a conduit for advertising revenue? It sprinkles in just enough cites to credible sources to make it look credible by association. It includes an anecdote by a runner/coach, not a medical professional or physiologist. It has a tone of “Here’s what YOU have to do!” and ends up as a listicle. I don’t know whether this type of therapy aimed at the fascia is something you should do under the direction of a PT or whether is a DIY job.