The Surprising Roles of Fascia

As fascia research has accelerated in recent years, intriguing revelations about its role have come to light.

According to a 2024 review published in Frontiers in Neurology, fascia may be “the moderating interface between many tissue types in the musculoskeletal, endocrine, and autonomic nervous systems.” It is estimated to host more than 250 million nerve endings — 25 percent more than in skin, in fact, and 1,000 percent more than the collective innervation of muscle.

“Fascia could be the richest sensory organ in the body,” Harvey says.

As such, the study authors report, “fascial integrity is paramount to movement; bodily sense; hormonal, autonomic, and neurovascular regulation; and purposeful interaction with our environment.”

Fascia regulates posture, strength generation, proprioception, exteroception, and interoception, as well as lymphatic efficacy, thermoregulation, inflammatory and immune responses, wound healing, and hormonal production and secretion. It plays a role in controlling blood pressure and increasing blood flow to the heart and central nervous system during times of stress.

According to the study, fascia also contributes to the release and function of neurotransmitters. Namely, it is involved in the transmission of serotonin, which affects mood, sleep, appetite, digestion, and immune function; dopamine, which helps regulate muscular movement as well as motivation; gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which supports relaxation and sleep; and acetylcholine, which plays a role in movement and memory.

The researchers examined the role that fascia plays in disease develop­ment: “Given its ubiquity, fascia may serve as a ‘watchman,’ receiving and processing information on whole-body health.”

Notably, the study reports, “fascia is constantly evolving.”

Why then, if it plays such a critical role in so many systems, was fascia overlooked for so long?

One reason may be that, unlike the heart or liver, fascia lacks discrete boundaries, a primary function, and a consistent form. A recent scientific report suggests that while researchers have yet to agree on a comprehensive definition of fascia, they do agree on its location. “Fascia covers every structure of the body, creating a structural continuity that gives form and function to every tissue and organ.”

That runs counter to the conventional anatomical understanding that views the body in separate parts. Indeed, many gym-goers look at fascia in relation to a specific area or limb.

Take, for instance, plantar fasciitis. An injury to the thick, fascial tissue that runs from our heels to our toes, PF is often treated by hyperfocusing on the feet or lower legs. But fascia is a multilayered system that is best understood — and treated — holistically. Pain in the feet can stem from stress further up the kinetic chain, such as in the knees, hips, or spine.

Fascia surrounds, supports, and protects every nerve, muscle, blood vessel, and organ in the body. It simultaneously depends on and affects the rest of the body’s systems. And it’s never too late to start taking better care of it.