If muscles were not surrounded by fascia, their action would not be even and coordinated, and they would rupture and tear. They would not reach the strength or power that they are capable of achieving. The elastic property of the fascia helps to push on and maintain venous openings after they have been squeezed by contraction. Lesions of the fascia and the adjacent muscle inhibit venous return and lead to congestion and eventual pathology. The movement of venous blood and lymph depends to a large degree on muscular activity that works against and along the fascial planes.
Fascial thickening develops as a response to forces of tension and mechanical demands.
Excessive thickening is frequently accompanied by shortening, which results in excessive restriction so that movement in the area becomes restricted, and the integrity of the relationships is compromised. The state of the myofascial tissues is directly related to the structure and function of the musculo-osseous and articular structures. Fascia includes the immediate environment of every living cell in the body, and consequently we can see why it influences directly or indirectly the cellular metabolism. Abnormal pressure or tension will affect the diffusion of the nutritional elements of the body, and, in turn, will alter the functioning of the cells. The fascia taken as collagen fiber tissue can be seen as enveloped by a basic substance that is an amorphous semi-liquid gel.