Connective tissue is the 'glue' that holds our bodies together. It is a vast network of cells and an extracellular matrix that provides the body's basic and vital mechanical and functional support systems. It provides nutrition, allows for fluid exchange and protects the muscles, vessels, organs and tissues that support your entire body.

Fascia is a band or sheet of connective tissue, made up primarily of collagen and elastin which can be classified by layer (superficial, deep or visceral parietal) or by its function and location in the body. Recent research suggests that fascia is a reactive tissue, contracting and relaxing like muscles and providing sensory feedback. In fact, some believe it may be responsible for much of the chronic pain and injury experienced by athletes.

Sporting injuries may result in adhesions that build up between fascial surfaces potentially leading to pain throughout the body.

Athletes traditionally resort to stretching, foam rolling and range-of-motion exercises to relieve this pain and discomfort, however, this is time-consuming and will not assist with the other athletic enemy - delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). DOMS is thought to be due to an increased release of metabolites into the tissue surrounding damaged muscle cells, resulting in swelling and discomfort.