Myofascial release therapy is a type of gentle, constant massage that releases tightness and pain throughout your myofascial tissues. We locate trigger points, or knots, in your fascial tissues. Then, they’ll gently apply pressure until they feel the tension release. It these ‘knots’ that can commonly contribute to postural imbalance, pain and dysfunction.
What is myofascial release therapy?
Myofascial release therapy is a hands-on technique used to manage musculoskeletal pain. “Myo” means muscle. “Fascial” refers to the connective tissue that covers and supports the muscles throughout your entire body. During myofascial release therapy, your therapist doesn’t focus specifically on your muscles. They focus on releasing tension in your fascial tissues (this network is an organ in itself and we are discovering more on the importance of our fascia all the time.
What is fascia?
1. Fascia is a newly discovered organ system that permeates the entire body.
2. Fascia tissue surrounds and permeates every muscle, organ, and structure in the body.
3. Fascia tissue has 10 times more proprioceptors than muscle.
4. Fascia is the body’s largest and fastest network signaling system.
5. You are born with your entire fascia system intact and model it over your entire life—no two fascia systems are alike.
6. Fascia remodels based on the stress (or lack of stress) we place on our bodies.
7. Fascia is the reason we now mobilise joints soon after surgery. The buildup of matted fascia from inactivity after surgery inhibits future range of motion.
8. Fascia tissue is responsible for up to 30 percent of our explosive power.
9. Many soft tissue injuries are caused by a disturbance, disruption, or lack of strength in the fascia tissue, not the muscle.
10. Fascia is highly trainable and responds best to omni-directional forces with sub-maximal loads.
(Above is the fascial slings; Anatomy Trains - Tom Meyers)
Who would benefit from myofascial release therapy?
Myofascial release therapy may help anyone who has tightness in their fascial tissues. Myofascial release therapy may benefit people who have experienced:
Physical trauma: From incidences such as falls, car accidents or whiplash.
Scarring: From conditions such as frozen shoulder, burns or surgery.
Inflammation: From conditions such as bursitis, osteoarthritis or plantar fasciitis.
Compressed nerves: From herniated disks or carpal tunnel syndrome.
Repetitive stress injuries: From heavy lifting or poor posture.
If you’re interested in myofascial release or getting to the root cause of any pain or discomfort so we can eliminate it for good then book a FREE initial consultation now, or skip that and book straight into our initial assessment and treatment appointment here
If you are experiencing joint pain be sure to download my free ebook here
This includes many hints and tips on how you can improve joint health from home.
Thanks
Yours in health
Chris