What Is Fascia? And How Block Therapy Can Help You Heal, Release, and Rejuvenate

If you’ve never heard of fascia before, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most important—and most overlooked—systems in the human body. And if you’ve been dealing with chronic pain, stubborn inflammation, slow recovery, a sluggish metabolism, or visible signs of aging, fascia may be the missing link.

Meet the Pioneer of Fascia Healing: Deanna Hansen

Deanna Hansen is a certified athletic therapist and founder of Block Therapy, a groundbreaking self-care system that targets the fascia to decompress the body, enhance circulation, reduce pain, and support healing from the inside out. With more than 20 years of clinical experience, she’s helped thousands of people experience relief and transformation—often from the comfort of their own home.

Her protocol? Accessible. Efficient. Profound.

And it all starts with understanding fascia.

So What Is Fascia?

Fascia is the connective tissue that wraps around every cell, every organ, every muscle. It’s not just a layer in your body—it’s your body’s communication system. It’s made of collagen and elastin, and when those two elements are in balance, your fascia gives you both structure and mobility.

But when fascia becomes restricted or imbalanced—through stress, injury, surgery, poor posture, fear, or emotional trauma—it can create false walls and floors in the body, locking you into patterns of tension and pain. Over time, this can lead to everything from stiffness and poor circulation to visible aging and digestive issues.

In other words: when fascia collapses, everything suffers.

Why Fascia Compression Is Often the Real Problem

We tend to think fat, calories, or inflammation are the issue—but much of what we call "problem areas" in the body are actually compressed fascia.

Here’s what happens when the body is under chronic stress or emotional strain: the diaphragm stops functioning properly, often due to pain, fear, or years of unprocessed tension. As a result, our breath becomes shallow, and oxygen and nutrients struggle to reach our cells. Without this vital cellular nourishment, the body begins to spiral downward—quite literally. Collagen, meant to support flexibility and resilience, instead migrates to brace the body, locking in patterns of tension, dysfunction, and premature aging. This is where Block Therapy comes in.

What Is Block Therapy?

Block Therapy is a self-care practice that uses a wooden therapeutic block—or a rolled-up towel—to target areas of restriction in the fascia. It combines three healing elements: Compression to melt adhesions in the fascia. Diaphragmatic breathing to flood cells with oxygen and activate the parasympathetic nervous system. Stillness to allow the fascia to release deeply and completely.

These sessions are often just 20–30 minutes long and can be done at home.

✨ Want to try a free 20-minute stress relief class using just a towel? Click here

Fascia, Scar Tissue, and Old Surgeries

Have you had a gallbladder surgery, C-section, or other abdominal procedure? Scar tissue and adhesions from those surgeries could still be causing problems years later.

Block Therapy uses a shearing technique—pressing and gently twisting into the layers of fascia—to release these adhesions and bring circulation back to stagnant tissue. As Deanna explains, this creates space for oxygen and nutrients to reenter the area, which is essential for healing.

If you've ever felt like you've "healed" from surgery but still experience pain or bloating, this work could change everything.

What About Stretching and Cellulite?

Traditional stretching only affects the tissue you already have access to. Fascia, on the other hand, grips down to the bone. Block Therapy releases those adhesions from the bone itself, which allows the body to regain length and flexibility.

Cellulite, too, is often a result of fascia gripping in spiral patterns around the body. When circulation is blocked, tissues sag and dimple. Block Therapy helps restore symmetry and flow—supporting visible transformation from the inside out.

Can’t Afford the Wooden Block Yet? Start With a Towel.

If you’re not ready to invest in the block just yet, you can start with a simple bath towel. Fold it into quarters, then roll it tightly. It won’t go as deep as the wooden block (which is similar in density to bone), but it will get you started.

✨ Try the $9 Sampler Class: a 9-part instructional video series using just a towel. Sign up here

When you’re ready to go deeper, you’ll feel the difference:

✨ Ready to dive in and get the full Starter Program + Block? Start here

Supporting Fascia Beyond the Block

In addition to blocking, fascia thrives with:

Hydration (especially from fruits, vegetables, and structured water)
Good fats for cell integrity and lymph flow
Rest and rejuvenation (you don’t have to grind to heal!)
Breathwork that engages the diaphragm
Conscious movement and postural awareness

Final Thoughts

Your body is not broken—it’s patterned. And those patterns can be released. Block Therapy is not a trend. It’s a revolution in self-healing. You have the power to decompress your fascia, restore oxygen to your cells, and realign your body from the inside out.

Whether you start with a towel or jump right into the full block program, your fascia is ready. Your breath is ready. Your healing is ready. Start where you are—and come home to your body.

Affiliate Links for Getting Started:
▶ Free 20-Minute Stress Reliever (Towel)
▶ $9 Sampler Class (Towel): 9-Part Instructional Series
▶ Full Starter Program + Block Tool

You can also explore tons of inspiring transformation photos to see what Block Therapy can do for you right here.