Often disregarded by health professionals, the fascia is a sensory organ that helps shape our health and often holds the key to tackling chronic pain.
Myofascial Release Therapy is a manual technique that helps to relieve discomfort and recover the fascia.
What is the fascia?
To explain myofascial release we first have to explain what fascia is. In some way, fascia resembles tendons and ligaments as it is an elastic, connective tissue made primarily from collagen. However, its role and location are different.
Tendons attach muscles to bones and ligaments connect bones to other bones. Fascia encases all of our body parts such as our organs, bones, nerves, tendons, and muscles, therefore, helping provide structure and support to our whole system.
What is myofascial pain syndrome?
“Myo” stands for muscle and “fascial” means fascia. Myofascial pain syndrome is a condition that causes pain and tenderness in specific muscles or muscle areas. It results from muscle injuries, spasms or excessive strain that damage the fascia often leading to symptoms such as muscle stiffness, impaired muscular biomechanics, postural abnormalities, fatigue, and headaches.
It is not to be confused with fibromyalgia. The discomfort from myofascial pain syndrome is associated with trigger points (small, tender knots or bumps) that, when pressured, radiate pain throughout the body. Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that causes pain throughout the whole body and does not include trigger points.
Keeping your fascia healthy
The more flexible and smooth your fascia is, the better your mobility and the less the chances of developing painful knots. In order to keep it healthy, you should have a consistent exercise routine (avoid excessive strain on the muscles), regularly stretch and keep a good posture while sitting or standing. Also, keep in check for any inflammatory conditions, nutritional deficiencies and musculoskeletal injuries that may affect the fascia.
What are the benefits of Myofascial Release Therapy?
Myofascial Release Therapy is a beneficial physical therapy that works beyond just the muscular tissue and focuses on releasing tension in the fascia. This therapy enhances muscle and joint mobility, improves blood circulation, and is proven to significantly reduce pain and functional disability in conditions such as chronic lower back pain.
How does Myofascial Release differ from Massage Therapy?
Massage typically involves the application of pressure and manipulation of the muscles to promote relaxation and increase circulation, while myofascial release focuses on releasing restrictions and strain in the fascia. MFR therapists use a slower, sustained pressure on rigid and fixed myofascial areas on the body, often holding the pressure for several minutes to allow the fascia to release and stretch.
If you prefer a gentler style of massage that will still provide significant relief and further help you address chronic pain conditions, book a myofascial release session with us: in our current booking system, select remedial massage and add myofascial release in the notes.
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