For a long time fascia was seen only as passive packaging for the muscles. Today we know the fascial network is threaded with nerves and sensors, responds to load and stress, and can 'stick together' with lack of movement, overload or after injuries. Such adhered or thickened fascia restricts the gliding of the muscles and can cause pulling, hard-to-locate pain – for example in the lower back, the sole of the foot (plantar fasciitis) or the thigh.
In fascia therapy the therapist works with slow, deep grip techniques, traction and stretching to make the tissue supple again. Well-known approaches are manual fascia treatment, myofascial release and methods such as Rolfing (structural integration). The grips are often slower and deeper than in a classic massage; they can be intense at first but should remain bearable. The therapy is complemented by active fascia exercises and – for home – rolling out with a foam roller.
Fascia therapy is used for chronic back pain, restricted movement, scar tissue after surgery, sports overload complaints and diffuse tension. A session usually lasts 50 to 60 minutes. As fascia needs time to remodel, several appointments over a few weeks often make sense.
If the fascia treatment is part of medically prescribed physiotherapy, basic insurance covers it. As a complementary-therapy or massage service with a recognised therapist, supplementary insurance often contributes. Self-payers can expect roughly CHF 100 to 160 per session (no guarantee).