Does Fascia Blasting Really Tighten Your Skin?
Our bodies are ever-changing, and while we welcome some transformations, others can bring insecurities. Cosmetically, most of us don't want a lot of cellulite showing on our bodies, but whether we like it or not, 80 to 90% of women will experience this skin condition. The contributing factors to cellulite are out of our control. But lately, people have been turning to facia blasting, a form of deep tissue massage therapy created by Sports Medicine Therapist Ashley Black, to help reduce the appearance of cellulite and wrinkles. This treatment has many wondering if it is safe and effective — and, well, the response varies.
Although cellulite is very normal in healthy bodies, it is something that many people try to get rid of using lotions and creams. But factors such as age, body fat percentage, and genetics determine how easily others see cellulite. Due to its prevalence in women, health gurus have been studying the best way to help get rid of unwanted cellulite. For some, it's cosmetic, but for others, this can also bring about pain.
But first, what is fascia?
Fascia is a component of the human body that scientists are still studying. While there hasn't been much research on fascia, it is understood that it is a fluid layer of tissue that blankets your organs, nerves, and muscles. Because it is constructed with collagen, it gives our bodies form. Fascia is to blame for the dimpled or discolored parts of our skin associated with cellulite, but it is very beneficial to how our bodies function.
Fascia helps us move our body parts however we desire. If our body is healthy, we feel great because the fascia around our muscles is flexible when we bend or move. But fascia can be sensitive, and if you've experienced any trauma to a nerve or muscle, you might endure some pain in that area. Some forms of this pain are plantar fasciitis and back pain. In addition, simply being sore when you wake or sit for a long time can be blamed on fascia. This discomfort can be debilitating, which is why such a demand for a product like the blaster exists.
So, what is fascia blasting, and does it work?
For years, different therapies have emerged to resolve soreness in bodies. If you have plantar fasciitis, you may have purchased a little ball with small spikes that you can use to massage the bottom of your foot. Your massage therapist might have also performed deep tissue massage to treat the area of your fascia giving you trouble. Fascia blasting is similar to both techniques in that it massages a specific area with little spikes.
For this treatment, you or a massage therapist can employ this little white tool known as a fascia blaster to any problem area. Proponents of this type of therapy say they complete fascia blasting for about 3 to 5 minutes twice a week. Those who swear by this technique say they feel less pain and see a reduction in the appearance of cellulite in about two weeks of consistent use.
However, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Jeffrey G. Lind isn't too keen on the purported efficacy of fascia blasting. "If any improvement is seen, it is likely only temporary and as a result of increased lymphatic drainage or temporary stretching of the fibrous [tissue] that surround the pockets of fat that cause the appearance of cellulite. Any results seen would be temporary and extremely short lived," Lind says to Real Simple.
Is it safe?
Although few studies have been done on the effectiveness and safety of fascia blasting, anecdotal reports have explained that people did see a decrease in cellulite and pain after consistently treating their problem areas. A 2019 study published in Cogent Medicine notes that it is a safe and effective massage form to treat painful fascia and lessen cellulite.
But beginners will want to start small in frequency and application. Before starting, warm the area of the skin you'll be treating, and only work that area over with the blaster for 1 to 2 minutes. If you continue for a more extended period, you may notice bruising or pain in that area, which will work against your goal. Once you have used it consistently for a couple of weeks, you can increase the time you massage your focus areas.
As for the effectiveness of the blaster, though a harmless device, there hasn't been enough research supporting its role in cellulite treatment and whether the benefits of using the tool will be sustainable for long periods.
The drawbacks
While fascia blasting promises many benefits, there are some drawbacks as well. If you use the blaster too long too soon, you may notice some signs of bruising or discoloration around your skin. If you continue longer than you're ready, you may see pain or soreness in an already sensitive area. In addition, discoloration, increased pain, and extreme tiredness can occur.
Your best bet when trying to rid your body of unwanted cellulite and discoloration is to talk to a doctor before trying anything new. While a fascia blaster is a relatively safe alternative to other forms of massage, you can still treat these areas with a foam roller or massage gun. These won't eliminate cellulite, but they will help you get back to feeling healthy and pain-free.
In the end, the choice to attempt fascia blasting for cellulite reduction is yours to make. Nonetheless, it's vital to be mindful of the significant costs and minimal advantages associated with this treatment.