Welcome back! This is Part 2 of our Fascia-chan series, and today’s theme is “Fascia and Inflammation.” Once again, let’s learn from our hardworking friend inside the body!
What Is Inflammation, Really?
When you hear the word “inflammation,” you might think of something bad. But actually, inflammation is a natural and necessary response for your body.
Fascia-chan says: “Yeah! Like when you get injured or catch a cold — your body calls in immune cells to fix things. That’s inflammation! It’s your body’s way of saying, ‘Let’s heal this!'”
The problem is when that inflammation doesn’t stop. This is called chronic inflammation, and it can happen inside fascia too. When inflammation continues, there may be no visible swelling or heat — just a silent, creeping fire slowly wearing your body down.
Fascia-chan says: “It’s like a quiet flame that keeps burning inside me… I don’t even notice it myself, but it leads to stiffness and discomfort over time.”
The #1 Cause of Pain: Not Moving Enough
Here’s an important point we often share at our clinic: the most common cause of pain is “not moving enough.”
At our clinic, we explain that pain typically comes from one of three things: (1) overuse, (2) underuse, or (3) incorrect body mechanics. In most cases, it’s number two — underuse.
The fact that “not moving” can also trigger inflammation in fascia is a crucial point.
Fascia-chan says: “Right! Things like sitting at a desk for hours, staring at your phone nonstop, or just not exercising — when that goes on too long, the fluid inside me stops moving, I stiffen up, and inflammation sets in!”
We call this “reduced gliding” or “fascial stacking” — when the layers of fascia can no longer slide smoothly over each other.
But telling people to “exercise hard every day” isn’t realistic for most. (Ha!)
Fascia-chan says: “I’ve said ‘I’ll do it!’ so many times, only to quit after three days! (Ha!) That’s why it’s important to start with something manageable!”
Yoga at Our Clinic
That’s why our clinic offers free yoga classes four times a month, led by Chiaki Kurosawa, the director of our Maebashi clinic. As a body specialist, she makes it safe and comfortable for beginners — even if you’re not flexible at all.
Fascia-chan says: “I love yoga! My breathing settles, my movement gets smoother, and I feel all moisturized and happy from the inside!”
Your stubborn pain might be caused by invisible inflammation burning quietly inside. Move well, take care of yourself, and be good friends with your fascia!
Check our official LINE for class schedules. In the next installment, we’ll explore how stress turns into pain — with Fascia-chan and the nervous system!
Before You Visit…
Fair warning: our English is a work in progress! (Ha!)
But thanks to the magic of translation apps, we communicate just fine with patients from around the world.
Your body speaks a universal language — and that’s the one we’re fluent in.
