Myofascial Release integrates contemporary science with clinical practice. It is a slow, effective technique to relieve symptoms of fascial restrictions. MFR can be used to treat many acute and chronic conditions. The benefits of myofascial release are reduced pain, decreased fascial tension and increased Range of Movement. It involves applying gentle pressure to connective tissue and fascia. The real difference to other treatments lies in how MFR is performed so that this connective tissue is addressed. Instead of just massaging into the muscles, MFR uses slow, steady pressure along with sustained stretching to gently soften that fascia over and through the muscles, more effectively releasing the tension throughout. There are many benefits of myofascial release.
The treatment, like all my treatments. is never a one-size-fits-all approach, but rather how I respond to what the patient's body is communicating, using a gentle and sustained pressure or release. Myofascial release massage is a soft tissue treatment of skeletal muscle pain and immobility.
With this treatment, I won’t only work on the area of pain but rather continue to work out to other areas that may be the original pain site or the root cause of the problem. As the fascia releases, the nervous system relaxes, and the muscle loosens, many people describe a warm, melting sensation. The Myofascial release technique helps to detect restrictions and can facilitate the release of the fascia. Injury, surgery, poor posture or inflammation of tissues can create myofascial restrictions that produce pressure and pain upon sensitive structures.
Fascia is a structure of connective tissues that surround muscles, blood vessels and nerves. In healthy conditions, fascia tissue is relaxed and wavy in configuration. The fascial system can provide cushioning support so that movement is increased and without pain.
Myofascial release helps decrease pain. Myofascial release treats painful areas by breaking through restrictions and relieving tightness. Myofascial release increases blood flow and temperature of soft tissues which can also help reduce pain.
Myofascial release helps release restrictive tissues such as scar tissue. After injury, scar tissue can be formed as part of the natural healing process. Scar tissue can restrict the movement of fascia and cause pain. Myofascial release helps loosen scar tissue and help restore normal function of the tissue.
Myofascial release is also commonly used as a relaxation technique. Myofascial release is performed in a slow and precise way. The slow movements of myofascial release across the skin can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. The nervous system controls emotions and produces feelings of calmness.
Myofascial release is a soft tissue massage treatment to help increase myofascial mobility and reduce pain within the musculoskeletal system. Myofascia is connective tissue that is situated under the skin and surrounds muscle, bone, ligaments and tendons. Soft tissues in the body can become restricted due to injury, overuse and inactivity which results in pain, tension and reduced blood flow.
Benefits
Myofascial release helps reduce pain. Myofascial pain can be caused by myofascial trigger points. Trigger points (or 'knots') are hyper-irritable points located in soft tissues. Myofascial pain causes discomfort and affects the range of movement in the muscles. Myofascial release helps decrease pain by releasing trigger points. Myofascial release loosens restrictions and improves circulation.
One benefit of myofascial release is decreased tension in the fascia tissue. Tension in the tissue becomes a restrictive barrier and can cause tightness and pain. Direct myofascial release helps relieve obstructions and adhesions in the myofascial. Myofascial release stretches and elongates fascia and helps mobilise adhesive tissue.
Myofascial release helps increase movement. Following injury, fascia tissue and muscles may shorten and begin to restrict joint movement and blood flow. The techniques used in myofascial release break down fascial adhesions and relax muscle tension helping to regain range of movement around a joint.
Summary
Myofascial release is a gentle sustained pressure that elongates fascial adhesions so that tissue can return to proper realignment. Myofascial release helps relieve acute pain, treat injuries and promote relaxation. There are many benefits of myofascial release including reduced pain, decreased fascia tension and increased movement around a joint. I use myofascial release to treat many musculoskeletal and systemic conditions.
Matt is one of our bodywork practitioners and works alternate Thursday mornings and Saturdays at Waterloo Body Station. Book a 90-minute myofascial release treatment with him here.
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