How is fascial damage diagnosed? | Fascias

How is fascial damage diagnosed?

In the past, the treatment of chronic back pain primarily focused on muscular tissue and joint mobility, and involved a wide variety of muscle relaxation techniques, joint techniques and strength building. In the holistic diagnosis of the causes of pain and pain therapy, muscles, fasciae, joints, nerves and organs must not be considered independently of each other, as they are inseparably connected. Muscle strength, mobility and joint function are always provided by a unit of muscle groups and the associated fasciae, tendons, ligaments, joints and nervous connections.

For the examination of the connective tissue, the therapist can use anamnesis, postural, tactile and functional findings as diagnostic tools. In the anamnesis the therapist learns about the patient’s history, information on pain behavior, accompanying diseases and functional disorders of the musculoskeletal system by asking specific questions. The postural findings show habitual and relieving postures, constantly shortened areas and body sections that are under permanent stretching are identified and documented.

Shortening and scarring or overstretching of the connective tissue have on the one hand local effects on the adjacent muscles and joints, and on the other hand global effects on the entire posture. During palpation, the state of tension and thickening of the connective tissue can be palpated in a side comparison. Pain provocation is used to localize the painful areas. The functional findings are used to determine movement restrictions, pain-inducing movements and loss of strength. The increase in tension and thickening of the fascia can be measured and detected with highly sensitive ultrasound equipment.

What pain is caused by the fascia?

Adhesive fasciae can cause a very large number of different types of pain. It is important to remember that fasciae surround all muscles superficially, but that we also find them in combination with joints, bones and internal organs. Since we do not have to see the fasciae individually, but as a large interconnected system, a fascial adhesion can cause pain in more distant places.

Pain in the back, neck and shoulder area is a major issue with fascial adhesions. Due to the constant sitting at the PC, it is assumed by fascial specialists that many back problems that are attributed to the intervertebral discs are actually caused by the fasciae and could be reduced by regular stretching and fascial training. As a result of the tensile loads, adhesions are often found in the tendon plate on the outer side of the thigh (the tractus iliotibialis).

Due to constant sitting, fascial adhesions can also be found as a cause of pain on the back of the thigh, the buttocks and in the lumbar spine area. Pain in arms and legs can be caused by fascial adhesions in the hip and shoulder area, which affect the nerves and radiate into the hands and feet. Since the fasciae are connected from foot to head, a disturbance of the fasciae in the feet can cause discomfort all the way to the top. Here, using tennis balls or fascia balls to work on the sole of the foot can bring about extreme improvements.