05/06/2025
One of the most commonly asked questions we get in our office is how did this happen? How did the pain and restricted movement begin?
The most common and most misdiagnosed cause we see is myofascial adhesion. Myofascial adhesion is when muscles and the thin tissue around them (called fascia) stick together because of an injury, overuse, or not moving enough. This can cause stiffness, limit how well you move, and may lead to pain or discomfort.
🔹 1. Poor Blood Supply
Areas like tendons, ligaments, and fascia have limited circulation
Slower delivery of oxygen, nutrients, and healing cells
Delayed removal of waste products
🔹 2. Repeated Stress or Overuse
Ongoing strain re-injures tissue before it heals
Common in repetitive motion jobs, poor posture, or athletic overtraining
🔹 3. Immobilization or Lack of Movement
Healing tissue needs gentle movement to align fibers correctly
Too much rest can lead to stiffness and adhesions
🔹 4. Chronic Inflammation
Long-term low-level inflammation disrupts the healing phases
Often linked to stress, poor diet, obesity, or autoimmune conditions
🔹 5. Nutritional Deficiencies
Inadequate protein, vitamin C, zinc, or fluids
These nutrients are essential for collagen repair and cellular activity
🔹 6. Poor Posture or Faulty Movement Patterns
Misalignment places abnormal stress on healing tissues
The tissue may heal in a dysfunctional way
🔹 7. Age & Hormonal Factors
Healing slows with age due to reduced cell turnover
Hormonal imbalances (e.g., menopause, low testosterone) impair tissue repair
🔹 8. Scar Tissue from Past Injuries
Old injuries or surgeries can create restricted, fibrotic tissue
These areas are more prone to re-injury and adhesion formation
🔹 9. Infection or Excess Swelling
Infection delays or disrupts healing entirely
Swelling limits oxygen and nutrient exchange in tissues
🔹 10. Medications or Medical Conditions
Steroids, NSAIDs, and conditions like diabetes can impair healing
These factors interfere with collagen production and immune function
Takeaway:
Promoting healing means addressing more than just the injury—movement, nutrition, stress, posture, and underlying conditions all matter.