Pros and cons of using a fascia blaster and when it has benefits for fitness related scenarios or cosmetic use such as reduction in the appearance of cellulite.
In a perfection obsessed culture of photoshopped models and smartphone apps that banish physical flaws with clever lighting and angles, a wellness product called the fascia blaster fits right in.
Promising to banish jiggly, dimpled cellulite among a host of other claims, these devices represent the modern version of the vibrating exercise belt from the Leave it to Beaver era. However, while helpful for certain fitness applications, the use of the fascia blaster for cosmetic purposes is another story entirely.
The problem is that no one seems to be telling fans about the potential for unsightly side effects. In fact, using such a device regularly can trigger far worse skin-related issues than the cellulite.
What is the Fascia?
In a nutshell, the “fascia” is the spiderweb of tissue that holds your body together. It is very densely woven, covering every muscle, bone, nerve, artery, and vein. The connection with the veins is especially important if you suffer from varicose or spider veins. I explain more about this below.
The internal organs are well protected by the fascia including the heart, lungs, brain, and spinal cord. Most interestingly, there are no breaks in the fascial spiderweb. It is one continuous structure from head to toe without a single interruption. (1)
I like to think of the fascia as a sort of biological yarn, knitted together much like a sweater as a living fabric for the entire body.
How Does a Fascia Blaster Work?
A fascia blaster is a self-utilized device that is specifically designed to work on this aspect of the musculoskeletal system. The manufacturer suggests that regular use can:
- Reduce cellulite
- Lessen pain
- Improve flexibility
- Promote circulation
- Increase joint function
- Enhance physical performance and nerve activity
Did someone say C-E-L-L-U-L-I-T-E?
With marketing claims like this, no wonder these types of devices are selling like crazy. But, like the rapid fat redistribution from lower to upper body that can occur from liposuction, be wary of claims of any cosmetic benefits. Before examining the harm these devices can cause, however, let’s look at scenarios where a fascia blaster can be helpful.
Fascia Blaster Benefits
I first became familiar with the fascia blaster when I saw a college athlete using one on his injured thigh before an athletic event, probably on the advice of a trainer.
The fascia blaster was vigorously rubbed back and forth across the area apparently to help improve circulation. The hard plastic prongs attached to a sturdy stick about two feet long dig into the tissue, breaking up any fascia adhesions, reducing pain and assisting with warm-up before competition.
Post-workout or athletic event, some trainers suggest using these types of devices to help heal the area much like a self-administered deep tissue massage or “scraping” used by some physical therapists. The process helps break up lactic acid, release toxins and bring in blood and oxygen to the area for more rapid healing.
I personally use one to help warm up my hamstrings, quads and IT band before weightlifting to reduce the chance of injury.
A less intense and mildly stimulating alternative to scraping is dry skin brushing.
But what if there is no injury and a person is not young and fit?
3 Reasons to Skip the Fascia Blaster
I was having a conversation with a practitioner friend recently about what she thought about the fascia blaster. One of her middle-aged clients was using one for cosmetic purposes. In order to provide an educated opinion, she purchased one to examine it for herself. She warns about 3 problems from using these devices which most people, unfortunately, find out after damage already occurs.
Cosmetic Improvements Minimal
While a fascia blaster does seem to be helpful for athletes who are fit as described above, for someone who is using it for purely cosmetic reasons, the results are doubtful. Worse, you can actually harm yourself in the process.
According to my practitioner, here are 3 things to watch out for.
Danger of Excessive Bruising
Warning: If you are prone to bruising, the fascia blaster can make you look like the victim of a beating. As a shocking example, I recently saw a woman at the store with extensive bruising all over both arms. Very concerned, I asked her if she was alright. She rolled her eyes and responded that the bruising was from using a fascia blaster to try and reduce the jiggle!
While easy bruising (and fatigue) can indicate a B12 deficiency, there’s no doubt that some people are more sensitive than others even with an excellent diet.
So watch out! If you bruise easily, the fascia blaster is probably best avoided!
Got Spider Veins? Fascia Blasting is NOT for You
Many develop red, purple or bluish spider veins as they get older. These tiny clusters of blood vessels near the surface of the skin usually appear on the face and/or legs. The dramatically increased blood flow and weight gain from childbirth, in particular, can cause them to develop on the upper thighs. Since cellulite most commonly develops in this area as well, women using the fascia blaster may discover that it makes spider veins far worse!
A good massage therapist knows to take great care with areas of the skin containing spider veins. The pressure if too firm can cause the blood vessel clusters to spread. A fascia blaster can do the same thing.
Consider yourself warned!
Making Varicose Veins Worse
While spider veins are an unsightly nuisance and don’t cause pain, varicose veins are another matter!
Varicose veins are blood vessels that have become painfully twisted and enlarged. Blood flow is sluggish in these veins as well. Pregnancy is the typical reason women develop them, but anyone with circulatory issues can be susceptible.
They are not just unsightly. They can be a blood clot risk as well. My grandmother almost died from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) from a varicose vein. Following her recovery, she used witch hazel extract as an astringent to keep the swelling in check.
Using a fascia blaster in areas where varicose veins are present to improve circulation or reduce their appearance can do much more harm than good. Like spider veins, my practitioner warns that such a product can worsen the severity of the condition!
In summary, if you’ve been thinking of getting a fascia blaster, it is best to consult with your practitioner first. Be sure to rule out any skin or health conditions that might be aggravated from its use. While beneficial for some physical therapy scenarios, cosmetic benefits are not as certain. In some cases as described above, unsightly or dangerous side effects are possible.
I have been blasting for a couple weeks and my spider veins have gotten worse. I didn’t know why. The only thing I was doing differently was blasting. So I looked it up and found this site. I believe this info is correct. I’m so upset with myself for making it worse. I wish I would’ve known beforehand. Instead of my legs looking better, they look worse!
Reducing cellulite isn’t just about physical appearance. It’s reducing the fat and releasing it from being trapped in the fascia. If it’s trapped, you can’t lose it from your body. Fascia also builds up to protect muscles from injury. When you injure yourself, it builds up. When you sit hunched over hour after hour, adding extra weight to your head, your muscles struggle and the fascia builds up to protect those muscles. Enter: Dowager’s hump. It’s actually just fascia built up. I don’t use a blaster, I only use a foam roller, but my cellulite is disappearing and I’m finally losing the weight I gained during my two pregnancies that wouldn’t come off. My spider veins have also diminished. (And don’t call me an internet troll like you did the other lady who stated the same thing. Releasing fascia so it isn’t so tense reduces the appearance of of spider veins.) I encourage you to look into tongue ties and their connection to fascia build up as well. You might change your stance on things.
“Practicioner” AKA not a physician
If you know so much about it, perhaps you should be able to spell “practitioner” correctly! LOL
Really ,this are article is very informative. Thanks alot.
I purchased the blaster a few years ago to help with aches and pains I was having due to intense training for a marathon. I have always been a slim person who keeps very active and maintains good health. After two months of blasting I noticed my pants were getting tight. At first I passed it off to muscle development (I was hitting the weights hard at the gym). After another month I couldn’t deny it any longer – I was gaining fat. I had a belly and had to go up a bra size. I also started feeling very achy much of the time. I didn’t even think it could be the blaster. I got checked for vitamin D deficenicy and lyme disease, changed my diet around and tried to get more sleep. I got my thyroid tested, which was normal. I thought maybe I just was burnt out from work and training and took a two week vacation. I continued to blast thinking it was helping me but my aching joints and weight gain continued. In less than a year’s time I went from my normal 124 pounds to 142 pounds. I hurt all over. My legs looked weird and soggy, even though I had been a runner for many years. I had cellulite all over them. I felt really inflamed and depressed. I posted several times to Ashley’s page and the comments were removed. When I complained I was blocked and sent a private message about being ‘negative’. Then I found a FB page for the thousands of women who had the SAME EXPERIENCES I DID. I have never in my encountered such reckless and blatantly greedy people as these folks who make money from the blaster. I guess I was naïve. I hope they go down in flames for their evil.
Ashley Black lost me when she posted a photo of an X-ray to her Facebook page and implied it was hers. After a commenter did a reverse search and determined it was a photo from a medical journal it was deleted. Every person who questioned Ashley’s behavior was quickly deleted and banned from her site. The Facebook page for women who have suffered negative effects and who were banned for asking questions has grown to over 5,000 members. I seriously think Ashley is a sociopath. Buyer beware.
Did you read the comments of people who have had negative side effects. Not all have had the results you claim to have, which by the way your claim does not invalidate this article. Since there is plenty of evidence to the contrary of horrible side effects with these FB devices.