Fascia, the connective tissue that encases and connects every muscle, bone, and organ in your body, is an unsung hero of movement and overall health. Despite its vital role, fascia often goes unnoticed until it causes problems, particularly when dehydration and tightness occur. Understanding how dehydration affects fascia and how to address it can significantly enhance mobility and alleviate pain.
What Happens to Fascia When You’re Dehydrated?
Fascia is made up of collagen and elastin fibers suspended in a gel-like matrix, which is primarily composed of water. This matrix allows fascia to be both strong and flexible, facilitating smooth movement and cushioning your body during physical activity. However, when you're dehydrated, this gel-like consistency changes.
Dehydration reduces the fluid content in fascia, making it less pliable and more prone to stiffness. Instead of gliding smoothly, the fascia becomes sticky, causing the fibers to adhere to one another. This stickiness restricts movement, creates tension, and often leads to discomfort or pain. In extreme cases, it can even result in fascial adhesions, where the fascia binds to underlying tissues, further limiting mobility and increasing the risk of injury. Read More