250 Million Nerve Endings
Studies suggest that fascia contains approximately 250 million nerve endings, many of which are linked to the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for fight, flight, or freeze responses.
This means fascial tension isn’t just mechanical — it’s neurological.
When the Nervous System Gets Stuck
In a healthy system, the nervous system shifts fluidly between activation and rest. But chronic stress, injury, or trauma can cause the body to remain in a heightened state of alert.
This can look like:
Constant muscle tension
Difficulty relaxing or sleeping
Poor recovery from exercise
Heightened pain sensitivity
Why Fascial Work Can Be Calming
When fascial restrictions are addressed appropriately, sensory input to the nervous system changes. This can help the body move out of chronic fight-or-flight and into a state where healing, digestion, and recovery can occur.
This is why some people notice changes not just in movement, but in how they feel overall.