Exercises against sticky connective tissue
Complaints caused by fascial adhesion can be alleviated by certain exercises and manual therapy. A distinction can be made between active and passive measures: Passive measures include a massage or therapy session with a physiotherapist. The physiotherapist can loosen the adhesions with manual pressure.
A new trend that has emerged in recent years uses foam rolls and balls to imitate this pressure from the physiotherapist by the patient lying, sitting or kicking on them, and then massaging and compressing their own tissue with a rolling movement. These rolls are called “fascial roll” or “black roll”. Active methods, on the other hand, include exercises and movements aimed at moving the layers of connective tissue against each other or stretching and straining them.
The tensile and shear stress causes the cells in the connective tissue to be stimulated to rebuild the tissue and adapt to the stress. Old tissue is broken down and new tissue is built up. Exercises that target, for example, the fascia in the back area are “the flying sword” and “the big cat stretch”. In general, the exercises should be performed dynamically, but not jerkily. A training intensity of about 2x/week is recommended.
Nutrition
Since the fasciae consist partly of water, it is advisable to drink enough fluid to maintain flexibility. In addition, silicon can be helpful in maintaining the functionality of the connective tissue. Silicon promotes the build-up of collagen and elastin, both substances that give the connective tissue its elasticity.
The body cannot produce silicon itself. It can be taken in the form of food supplements or through herbal foods. Large amounts of silicon are found in millet, oats, barley and potatoes, for example.
It is also important that there is a balanced ratio of acids and bases in the body. Overacidification is bad for the fasciae. This is caused by unhealthy nutrition and psychological overload. Physical overloading can also lead to acidosis of the body. In an overacidified body, fasciae quickly lose their flexibility and the connective tissue becomes sticky.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is recognized in Germany as an alternative healing method, although its mode of action according to the principle of similarity and potency of action has not been proven in modern scientifically oriented medicine. In the field of homeopathy, there are currently no significant methods or medications that dissolve adhesions of connective tissue or fascia.
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