Myofascial Release
Myofascial Release is a safe and highly effective hands-on technique where a massage therapist applies gentle sustained pressure into the Myofascial connective tissue restrictions performed in multiple planes of movement to eliminate pain and restore range of motion. The effects are felt immediately in the muscles being treated with instant relief noted.
Trauma, inflammatory responses and surgical procedures create Myofascial restrictions that can produce tensile pressures. These do not show up on standard tests (x-rays, CAT scans, etc.) Therefore people suffering from pain or lack of motion may be having fascial problems, but are not diagnosed.
Myofascial release focuses on reducing pain by easing the tension and tightness in the fascia releasing trigger points. It’s not always easy to understand what trigger point is responsible for the pain being felt. Localizing pain to a specific trigger point is very difficult. For that reason, myofascial release is often used over a broad area of muscle and tissue rather than at single points, unlike deep tissue massage which the focus is more localized.
About Myofascial Tissue
Myofascial tissue is a network of tissue that spreads throughout the entire body much like a spider’s web or knitted sweater. Fascia is a very densely woven covering, connecting every muscle, joint, bone, nerve, artery and vein, as well as, supporting all of our internal organs, including the lungs, heart, brain stem and spinal cord helping keep them in place. It is actually one continuous structure that exists from head to toe without interruption.
Fascia would look like a single sheet of tissue with multiple layers working together. In between these layers is a liquid called hyaluronan that provides stretch and encourages a free range of movement. When this liquid becomes thick, sticky, or dries up, it can impact the surrounding body parts causing them to become adhered.
When you feel stiffness or pain in your body, it can originate from different tissues in your body. Myofascial pain is different from other types of pain because it occurs in places where your myofascial tissue meets or crosses. Myofascial pain may be difficult to identify because it can radiate from the area and spread.
Usually, this tissue feels more elastic and movable across the muscle. However, tight myofascial tissue can restrict movement in your muscles and joints. As you move differently to make up for the loss in movement, you can cause additional tightness without realizing it. This can lead to widespread pain and discomfort.