Connective Tissue and Fascia in Massage Therapy

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts of connective tissue and fascia from the lecture.

Connective tissue

Cells, fibers, and a gel-like ground substance that connect, support, bind, or separate tissues or organs; provides mechanical support, organizes tissues, and participates in metabolism and immune support.

Adipose tissue

Fat tissue; one of the five main types of connective tissue.

Fibrous connective tissue

Dense connective tissue that forms fascia and supports structures; includes fibers that transmit force and provide structure.

Fascia

A thin casing of connective tissue that surrounds and holds every organ, blood vessel, bone, nerve, and muscle in place; contains a large sensory network and is the body's largest sensory system.

Superficial fascia

The first layer of fascia beneath the skin; lies between the skin and deeper tissues and is a common target for 45-degree or skin-rolling techniques.

Deep fascia

Fascia surrounding muscles and muscle fibers; targeted by deep tissue friction and stripping to affect deeper fascia.

Visceral fascia

Fascia surrounding the organs of the body, including deep abdominal work that can affect distal fascial connections.

Meningeal fascia

Fascia surrounding the nervous system and brain; related to craniosacral work.

Fascial system

The interconnected network of fascia throughout the body; contains far more sensory nerves than muscles and can influence multiple body systems.

Viscoelasticity

Property of fascia that is both elastic and viscous; tissue deforms under stress and can return or re-form depending on duration of pressure.

Piezoelectric (in fascia)

Sustained gentle pressure on fascia that generates a flow of energy (bioelectric) helping reorganize restricted fascia and support rehydration and elongation.

Remodeling (fascia)

Healing phase where fibroblasts lay down new connective tissue; movement facilitates fascia remodeling and alignment to improve function.

Adhesions (fascial)

Localized areas where fascia sticks to itself or tissues, restricting movement and contributing to pain if untreated.

Fascial restrictions

Areas of tension or tightness in fascia caused by physical or emotional stress, capable of affecting multiple body systems and often not visible on MRI/CT.

Four main types of fascia

Superficial fascia, deep fascia, visceral fascia, and meningeal fascia—the layers or envelopes that organize and compartmentalize tissues.

Direction of ease

Movement or treatment direction chosen to follow tissue with less resistance for progressive release.

Direction of restriction

Direction where tissue shows the least movement; may guide the practitioner to work toward that direction for release.

Palpation

Touch-based assessment to feel tissue texture, mobility, and resistance before and after treatment.

Compassing

Palpation technique pushing in four directions (north, south, east, west) to map tissue movement and plan work.

Myofascial release

Techniques using sustained pressure to release fascia and restore mobility; can involve superficial to deep layers.

Cross fiber friction (deep friction)

Rough, directional friction across fibers to create micro-tears and promote remodeling; performed in short bursts with rest to prevent oxygen deprivation.

Stripping (deep effleurage)

Deep, long strokes or pressure along muscle fibers to release deeper fascial adhesions.

Skin rolling / 45 degrees (cross hand)

Techniques using a light, sustained pressure at approximately 45 degrees or with crossed hands to mobilize superficial fascia and skin and elicit softening.

Therapeutic pulse / vasomotor response

Transient throbbing, heat, redness, or systemic changes during fascial work indicating tissue release and autonomic nervous system involvement.

Butter melting sensation

Common subjective feel of fascial softening during release, described as tissue softening or melting under the fingers.

Post-treatment stretch

Stretching the treated tissue for a minimum of 15–30 seconds (often 30–60 seconds) to solidify fascia changes and promote permanence.

PNF after fascial work

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercises used after fascia work to reset muscle resting length and enhance permanence of changes.

Heat preparation (thermophores/stones)

Use of heat sources to warm tissue before fascial work to increase pliability; not a substitute for therapeutic heat applied during treatment.

Clinical note for fascia work

Explain to clients what you’ll do, obtain permission, and monitor pain; assess tissue pre- and post-treatment with palpation, compassing, ROM, and pain scales.