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2 The varying fiber direction in deep fascia. Image courtesy Ron Thompson, used by permission. I t p a y s t o b e A B M P C e r t i f i e d : w w w. a b m p . c o m / g o / c e r t i f i e d c e n t r a l 115 with adjacent layers. Gently stretch and move these layers, and you'll find that they slide or stretch to different degrees, and in different directions. The superficial fascia (or subcutaneous layer) lies just under the skin. Some sources reserve the term superficial fascia solely for the fibrous membrane between the dermis and the deeper fascia surrounding the muscles; others define it as including all of the looser tissue layers adjacent to this membrane. Whichever definition we use, it is here that we find the retinacula cutis fibers: the numerous and minute small skin ligaments that are arranged above and below a fibrous membrane (Image 1). These tiny, column-like skin ligaments suspend this fascial membrane between the dermis above and the deeper fascia below. The retinacula cutis' varying angles are responsible for the palpable "grain" of the superficial layers—the way in which these layers slide easier in some directions than others. The spaces between the retinacula cutis fibers are filled with fatty tissue, nerves and nerve endings, vasculature, and interstitial tissue fluids, giving these outer layers their looser or softer feel. Just below these superficial layers, you can feel the deeper antebrachial fascia (Images 4 and 8). 2 This glove- like layer is part of the deep fascia: the tough membranes that surround the entire body just under the superficial fascia, but over the fascia of the muscles themselves. The deep fascia is in some places called aponeuroses and, where it dives deeper between muscles, is referred to as the investing fascia or intermuscular septa. These contiguous structures tend to be denser and more resilient than the freer superficial layers. They are usually composed of several sublayers of collagen fibers. Some of these fiber layers are arranged parallel to the muscle fibers underneath, and others are organized at oblique angles, like the layers in plywood, in order to resist differing lines of force (Image 2). Between the deep fascia and the fascial wrappings of the individual muscles below them (the epimysia) is a thin layer of slippery hyaluronic acid (Images 1 and 3), which allows the large amount of gliding necessary for free muscular movement. Once you can distinguish these layers from one another (see "Exercise: Layers"), switch from using your fingertips to your forearm (Images 5 and 6). Use the broad, flat surface of your ulna, just distal to the elbow. Avoid using the point of the elbow itself (the olecranon process) at this point. The forearm is a powerful tool, so focus mainly on perception rather than manipulation. Take some time to explore these outer layers again. Compare the lower arm's palm side, where the skin is thin and the layers are usually clearly palpable, with the 3 Hyaluronic acid is one of the slippery fluids that lubricate and nourish the fascial layers. The Forearm Flexor Technique begins with the outermost layers of arm fascia. Use the forearm to palpate the layers before going deeper to gently feel between the fascial compartments of the arm. Image 4 courtesy Primal Pictures, Image 5 courtesy Advanced-Trainings.com. Actively close and open the hand to further differentiate layers and compartments. Courtesy Advanced-Trainings.com. 5 4 6 ABMPtv.com "Forearm Flexor Technique" Watch Til Luchau's technique videos and read his past Myofascial Techniques articles in Massage & Bodywork's digital edition.