What Is Fascia and Why Does It Matter in Speech Therapy?

Fascia is a connective tissue made primarily of collagen that wraps around your entire body—from head to toe. It provides structure and support, holding everything in place: bones, organs, nerves, and blood vessels. Beyond being a physical support system, fascia is full of nerve endings, making it incredibly sensitive—almost as much as your skin.

This tissue is made of tightly packed fibers, which makes it strong yet flexible. But fascia isn’t invincible. When exposed to physical trauma, emotional stress, or even dehydration, it can become rigid and stuck. Restricted fascia can contribute to pain, fatigue, inflammation, and even disrupt how the immune system functions.

So, what does this have to do with speech therapy?

Because fascia is a continuous web throughout the body, restrictions in one area can impact others—including the mouth. In fact, tight fascia can sometimes present like a tongue or lip tie. This means that things like birth trauma, stress during pregnancy, or environmental factors can all contribute to fascial tension in babies, which may interfere with their ability to feed properly.

A speech therapist can help babies nurse successfully. Looking at how they suck, swallow, and breathe, how the jaw moves, whether muscles are compensating, and their overall posture, can give us a big picture of how the fascia is moving and working together.  One of the first things we assess is function. If fascial tension is limiting that function, we use gentle neurological techniques to help release it. Once tension eases, we can better evaluate whether a true tongue or lip tie is present and if intervention is needed.

We often work with babies who have already had a tie released but still struggle with feeding. In many cases, fascial tension and unaddressed trauma are still affecting their coordination. Supporting these babies with targeted release work can significantly improve their nursing abilities.