Pros and cons of using a fascia blaster and when it has benefits for fitness-related scenarios or dangers for 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 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 by 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.
Kelly
I strongly disagree with this article, and I hope anyon who reads this will consider trying the FasciaBlaster for themselves so they can form an educated opinion.
1. Severe bruising is NOT necessary
Many soft tissue modalities (cupping, Graston, Gua sha, STM etc) cause soft tissue bruising because of the improved blood flow after tissue manipulation and remodeling. Are you saying these ancient therapies are dangerous? ????
2. Varicose veins are listed as a contraindication, HOWEVER, many of my clients have used the FasciaBlaster above and below areas with spider veins to improve blood flow and decompress the blood vessels and their spider veins have lessened.
Sorry, but you may need a 2nd opinion, and your practitioner may need to actually use the FasciaBlaster before making these assumptions.
I’ve used the FasciaBlaster for almost 3 years and so do my clients and all my friends and family, and these tools have proven to be safe, effective, and a down right godsend for pain and tension relief.
As with all self treatment tools, use wisely and go at your own pace.
But please, for the love of health, don’t believe an article from someone who hasn’t tried it.
4metoknow
This is probably Kim K. She was head of AB’s social media. I worked for her. There’s several of her social media staff in the comments. I see some other people directly tied to the company as well… Esther worked for her. Most of the people that were originally associated with AB left on their own or were fired by her.
Florence
I’ve actually heard of tons of people who have gotten great results with this and my physical therapist loves this tool!
Have you used it Sarah? Just curious!!!
4metoknow
Worked for and with the social media Grow Online owned by Kim K that was contracted by AB.
Janet Spofford
In my personal experience, there are way more than 3 reasons NOT to use the Fascia Blaster. My body is still trying to recover from using the Fascia Blaster for only 4 months and I stopped using it a year ago. Do not believe the creators claims of “worse before better” you will definitely make it worse and stay that way as well as cause many more problems with your health.
Lidia 's
Hi!
I agree with you!
I sadly fell into the hype and purchased a blaster. I blasted following instructions and all and it made me gain weight,are my skin have lines like crepe skin, made me have spider veins I never had before, cystic acne never had before. I wish I would of never purchased the damn tool. I was told that it’s the worse before better stage and to keep going. Everytime I share my story on the fascia blaster group page I get attacked and people don’t want to believe there are risks and adverse reactions.
Thanks to dry brushing and collagen peptides, supplements my skin is not 100x better and I lost the weight it made me gain (abs belly still are not 100% better but almost there I got ab lines!)
Heather
My question is: is it possible for a FB to cause osteoporosis necrosis of my femoral head. I did blasting, bruised a lot and couple days after blasting developed severe pain in right hip. Awaiting mri but Dr thinks it may be avascular necrosis by my symptoms. Is it possible ? Would like your opinion.
Sarah
I think that question would be best answered by your doctor.
LeAnn
It would be great if you could post a photo of the before and after. Thank you!
Barbara
Thanks so much for your article. I considered using this product because of all the wondrous claims, but having circulation problems from a spinal cord injury, I really wanted to look into it further before trying it. I am so grateful I came across your article. This potentially can be dangerous for someone like me. Thank you, thank you, thank you. And pointing out those corporate trolls is so necessary, so many people think those posts about how amazing these things are come from legitimate users.
nk
This is a very reasonable article. I have been using a blaster on the advice of a physical therapist for a bit over a year and only just saw that people use these for cosmetic purposes. Although I am finding that my back pain has lessened and recovery time for sore muscles has improved enough that I will continue, I have not seem any major cosmetic differences. My spider veins have not gotten worse but the areas on my thighs where they appear do bruise more easily. Anyhow, keep up the great work, I just found this blog and find it has provided plenty of food for thought. Thanks!
Lori
Why is it “too good to be true?” Why do you “assume” these things can’t be removed by releasing the trapped fat in the fascia? I too have had results that made my jaw drop. I lost 16 lbs in a month from just blasting. No diet changes and no exercise at all. The parts I blast look so much more toned, even “I” can’t believe the results, but they are true.
KC
By “science-based research” do you mean AB’s “double blind” study where no legal protocols were followed, no scientists were involved, and no results were published? ????