In the previous article, I mentioned the fact that when fascia tightens, we seem to feel pain. But why does fascia tighten?
The cause seems to be related to the hyaluronic acid that is between the fascia layers. *4

Fascia is a complex membrane made of collagen that envelops structures at all levels of the body, from muscle fibers within muscles to the muscles themselves, nerves, blood vessels, and organs, thereby shaping our body. There are multiple layers of fascia from the skin to the muscles, and these layers usually slide smoothly over each other, allowing for our movements.

The lubricant that facilitates this is hyaluronic acid.

You may have heard of hyaluronic acid in the context of skincare and joint treatments. Hyaluronic acid is a substance that can gather water molecules up to 1,000 times its own volume. In the human body, half of the hyaluronic acid is found in the skin, helping to maintain our body’s moisture. It has a chain structure where just two molecular structures can repeat and connect indefinitely.
Depending on its length, it can have completely opposite functions : Short chains promote inflammation, while long chains have anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the longer the chain, the higher the viscosity.

Overuse of the body can lead to a decrease in hyaluronic acid levels, while immobilization can cause an increase in hyaluronic acid concentration, resulting in chain elongation and increased viscosity. As a result, it creates adherence between the layers of fascia, preventing smooth sliding and leading to tight and awkward movements. It is believed that the nerves abundant in the fascia are thus stimulated and cause pain.

*4 Pratt RL (2021) Hyaluronan and the Fascial Frontier. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 22:6845

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