Fascia myths that should die (but refuse to)
Fascia is finally getting attention, which is great.
Unfortunately, it’s also collecting myths like a lint roller on a wool jumper.
So let’s clear a few things up.
Below are some of the most common fascia myths I hear - and why they’re… not helping.
Myth 1: “Fascia Is Just Tight Stuff That Needs Stretching”
If fascia were just tight material, yoga straps would have solved everything by now.
Fascia is a living, responsive connective tissue system. It adapts to:
load
movement
rhythm
variation
It doesn’t respond particularly well to being yanked aggressively and then ignored.
If stretching alone fixed fascia problems:
desk workers wouldn’t hurt
athletes wouldn’t get injured
everyone doing mobility routines would feel amazing
Myth 2: “You Just Need to Release Fascia”
Ah yes. Release.
The fitness industry’s favourite mysterious verb. I must admit, I catch myself using it a lot too.
Fascia isn’t a stuck drawer that just needs a good whack.
What most people call “releasing fascia” is actually:
changing sensation
altering nervous system tone
temporarily redistributing tension
That can be useful — but it doesn’t last on its own.
Without follow-up movement and loading, your body will just… go back to doing what it already knows.
Myth 3: “Foam Rolling Fixes Fascia”
Foam rolling can:
feel nice
improve awareness
temporarily reduce discomfort
It does not magically remodel your connective tissue.
If foam rolling alone fixed fascia:
rugby players would be immortal
physios would be out of work
I’d be selling rollers instead of coaching
Foam rolling is input, not a solution. Now anyone that works with me will know I’m a fan of foam rollers! I use them a lot, but on their own they won’t fix you.
Myth 4: “Fascia Work Is Passive and Relaxing”
Sometimes it is.
Often it isn’t.
Effective fascia work usually involves:
assessment
intentional loading
coordination
learning how to move differently
As far as working with me is concerned, fascia work is paired with active movement, not just lying there hoping for the best.
Which brings us to awesome fun tools…
Myth 5: “Strength Training Is Bad for Fascia”
This one causes me physical pain.
Fascia loves intelligent load.
What it doesn’t love is:
repetitive stress
poor coordination
ignoring whole-body connection
Strength training done well:
improves tissue capacity
supports joint health
helps force travel efficiently
The key is how you train.
Why Weird Tools Are Actually Brilliant for Fascia
This is where clubs, meels and bags quietly steal the show.
Indian Clubs & Persian Meels
Circular, flowing movements:
load fascia gradually
access spiral and diagonal lines
connect hands, shoulders and torso
encourage rhythm and timing
They’re basically fascia-friendly by design.
Bulgarian Bags
Bulgarian bags move. Constantly.
That means:
your fascia has to adapt
your body learns to transfer force
hips, core and shoulders work together
It’s not neat. That’s why it works.
Myth 6: “Fascia Work Is Only for Injured People”
Fascia-focused training isn’t just rehab.
It’s fantastic if you:
feel strong but clunky
move well in one plane only
struggle with coordination
want strength that actually transfers
Injury rehab is one application — not the whole picture.
What Fascia Actually Needs (Annoyingly Simple Edition)
Fascia tends to respond best to:
varied movement
progressive load
rhythm and rotation
novelty
consistency
Not hacks. Not suffering. Not punishment.
Just smart input over time.
Fascia Work With Me
When I talk about fascia work, I mean:
assessment using ATSI fascial lines
movement-based tests
targeted exercises
manual work when appropriate
tools that encourage whole-body connection
It’s practical, adaptable, and — crucially — not mystical.
Final Thought
If fascia were fragile, humans wouldn’t have survived very long.
Your fascia isn’t broken.
It’s just responding to what you’ve been asking it to do.
If you want it to behave differently, sometimes you need to:
move differently
load differently
play a bit
And occasionally pick up something weird.
