CONNECTIVE TISSUE: The Overlooked Network in Your Body
Before I even knew what connective tissue was or what it looked like, I learned at a dance academy (1980) that connective tissue had to be strong yet supple. I learned connective tissue massage techniques in anatomy classes, and that’s what I did. There was no internet back then, so I couldn’t look anything up. Fortunately, things have changed now so that I can provide you with some information on this page.
What is connective tissue (the Latin name is fascia)
It’s a network that runs through our entire body like a spider’s web. It envelops and connects muscles, bones, organs, and joints. Connective tissue holds your body and organs together. Healthy connective tissue is supple and flexible, but stress, injuries, surgery, or poor posture can cause the tissue to become stuck, stiff, and painful. According to leading fascia expert Robert Schleip, connective tissue weighs approximately 20 kilograms.
The rise of fascia in the medical world
Did you know that fascia has only recently begun to be taken seriously in the medical world? Until well into the 20th century, connective tissue was primarily viewed by doctors and surgeons as a “filler”—something to be cut open during surgery to access muscles or organs. No one considered that this tissue itself could also play a significant role in our health. Fortunately, that perception has changed.
In 2007, the first International Fascia Congress took place at Harvard Medical School in the United States. This was a real breakthrough: researchers, doctors, and therapists shared their knowledge, and interest in fascia grew enormously.
Since then, fascia has become an important field of study within medicine, physiotherapy, surgery, and massage therapy. A growing number of professionals recognize that healthy fascia is essential for a smooth, well-functioning body.
Fascia is 6 to 10 times more sensitive than muscle tissue
Scientific research shows that fascia contains far more nerve endings than muscle tissue. This makes fascia 7 to 10 times more sensitive. The cause may lie not in the muscles themselves, but in the fascia surrounding them.
Fascia reacts strongly to stress, overuse, poor posture, or even emotional tension. If fascia adheres or dries out, nerve impulses can be transmitted much faster and more intensely, resulting in pain or restricted movement.
When your body is in a safe state, fascia is more flexible and doesn’t need to form armor around the muscles. You experience this safety with the 8 C’s:
- Calm: Calmness in your body and mind
- Connected: Connection with yourself and others
- Clarity: Increased sense of clarity
- Compassionate: Compassion towards yourself and others
- Courageous: Courage and strength
- Creative: Creativity and playfulness
- Curious: Curiosity about your inner experience and needs
- Confident: Full conviction that you can take meaningful action
Of course, achieving this can be a challenge. One of the treatment methods is connective tissue massage. By using various techniques, including gentle manual techniques and cupping massage, I can positively influence sensitivity and make the tissue more supple, resilient, and less painful.
The link contains a documentary spoken in German The Hidden Network Within Your Body: An Intriguing Discovery
This post is also available in: Dutch