05/05/2026
What is Fascia, and how does the Graston Technique Address it?
By Kim Freetly **Not written by AI
The Graston Technique addresses fascia in a targeted and precise method using the highest quality, medical grade stainless steel instruments. Stay to the end and read testimonials from clients who received Graston recently for their sports injuries and nerve pain. where would I want to insert, "sound/vibration has an effect on fascia, by resonance and softening, structure remodeling, nervous system relaxation and even improving the full body flow of hyaluronic acid."
In 2019, there was a documentary called “The Secret World of Fascia,” which was a 3-part series. The documentary had some beautiful, mind-blowing images of our stretchy, webby, translucent connective tissue. However, that is old news today. In 7-years time, much has changed. The most recent scientific discovery has come in September of 2025. I am following these studies regularly, as I am a member of the International Fascia Research Society, an organization dedicated to monitoring research and sharing it with clinical practitioners like myself. Folks… if you want to understand, honor, and maintain great health, you would want to nurture this component of your organ system. As of 2025 and 2026, there is a powerful scientific movement to classify fascia as its own organ system. I wrote you all a newsletter in 2023 presenting this case. It’s come even further. Researchers now know fascia to be part of the peripheral nervous system, containing approximately 250 million sensory neurons. It also has its own ability to contract independent of muscles fiber contractions. 20 years ago, it was considered to be just a glue type of material holding everything together in our bodies. Currently, there is evidence that it may be part of the endocrine system (hormones moving slowly through fascia?). Now questions are being asked if fascia carries its own consciousness. It may hold physical memories. A few details about fascia: Sound/vibration has an effect on fascia, by resonance and softening of tissues, structure remodeling, nervous system relaxation and even improving the full body flow of hyaluronic acid. Fascia is the new super-material in the human body. Pain in the soft tissue can be a direct cause of inhibited/restricted fascia. Adhesions are an example of this. Scar tissue and dehydration can be the cause, directly and indirectly, for pain. Releasing fascial planes and disconnecting areas that are “stuck” relieves pain from head to toe. I could write 100 pages on this topic. For this short article, I’ll keep short and clear.
Here is A BIG ONE!
Fascia is a primary biological record holder for emotional stress and trauma. Journaled: (Retrospective Cohort Study of Fascial Release Therapy 2026, and Fascia’s Role in the Mind Body Continuum, Frontiers in Psychiatry). Former studies believed neurochemicals only effected the psychological benefits of massage. Now we know emotional trauma shows up in fascia for many reasons. What this means today: Bodywork and massages aimed at relieving fascia is a POWERFUL tool for overall well-being. This reminds me of the TMJ study that I did in 2024. Of the 10 individuals studied, almost half of them had suffered a strike to the face as a child, by a parent. As I write this, I am not suggesting that bodywork take the place of therapeutic counseling. I am just presenting information for your use in total self-care.
How Graston Technique Helps
Don’t let anyone tell you that all tools on Amazon are equal to Graston instruments. I have tried many of them. The Graston tools are the highest quality of medical grade stainless-steel instruments out there. I find that there is some very positive relationship between soft tissue and the metal itself. (This is not scientifically proven yet). The 7 instruments have a very cool sensation and a beveled edge that “scrapes” across the skin/muscle at a specific angle using specific force that physically breaks the cross-links of junk fibers that are “fused” together (stuck). The certification, which I have, requires extensive reading, tests and clinical practice. With these instruments and my hands, I can release years of dysfunctional modeling in your body. It’s not just physical, it’s sensory, because, as I stated, your fascia has millions of sensory nerve endings. This literally blows my mind.
Looking at Fascia Health and Preventive Measures for Longevity
Nutrition and hydration are key. Here is a short list of foods and supplements to support fascia health: Fatty fish, olive oil, avocados, chia and flax seeds, turmeric, ginger, nuts and seeds, dark chocolate (70% or more), legumes, eggs, berries, leafy greens, watermelon, cucumbers, celery, minerals rich in magnesium like almonds, pumpkin seeds, oats, bananas, and my favorite, coconut water on the regular.
Cupping Also has a Place in Myofascial Health
It lifts and decompresses tissue using negative pressure, increases local circulation, helps move and circulate lymphatic fluid, and provides relaxation to the nervous system.
See what our clients are saying:
Recent Age Group Winner at the Pasadena Triathlon: “As a senior age group triathlete, Kim is an important part of the support team that helps my body function at the highest level possible. When I started working with Kim, I immediately knew that her work with fascia and Graston Technique was a game changer. I highly recommend Kim’s services to anyone in need of quality bodywork. I encourage you to try the many tools and techniques that she has to offer. – Bruce B. Carpinteria Ca.
Sailing Enthusiast and Florida Snowbird: “I have been seeing Kim for a few years for regular deep tissue massages, which help me stay active in golf and tennis. I recently had a spring break sailing trip planned with the family, a 7-day trip to the Bahamas. Just a few days before going out, I got a painful nerve impingement and couldn’t turn my head. I thought I was going to have to stay home and miss my family vacation. I got in to see Kim. She introduced me to the Graston Technique and worked her magic. I was 95% out of pain in 1 treatment and was sailing with my family there-after.” Kaye H.,Fort Pierce, Fl.
2026 Boston Marathon Participant: “I was just 4 weeks out from The Boston Marathon with a hamstring injury so severe, I thought I was probably going to have to scratch the race. I was devastated. I contacted Kim. In 3 sessions the pain was gone and I was able to get in some good last-minute training. I finished the marathon strong. Kim used the Graston tools to yield some astonishing results.” C. M., Ventura, Ca.
To book appointments for Graston work, as usual just go to the webpage www.bodysmartvc.com When you come in for your appointment, we will discuss your options for being treated. There is no additional charge for Graston, when added to the regular treatments.
See photos and videos of The Graston Technique. Follow the page: Bodysmart Medical Massage Solutions and watch some fun events, including ladies pro cycling races, where I’ll be working with some Olympic hopefuls this season as Swannie. Palm Sport and Wellness on Facebook, where new talent is being trained. Haylee S. will be manning the spa in Fort Pierce. Get on line to book her there now. I’ll be in Florida next week taking a few appointments, then I’ll be back again in November.
Many thanks, love and Namaste’
Kim Freetly, LMT, NCBTMB, Graston Practitioner
Palm Sport and Wellness, Fl. 772-801-5584 Personal in Ventura Ca. 772-979-4415
Kim is board certified through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a Licensed Massage Therapist. She is one of only a handful of local massage therapists to have met this board’s rigorous standards, and holds licenses in both California and Arizona.
