What is Myofacial Release (MFR)?
Myofascial Release is a specialized therapy that adresses the underlying cause of pain that most people suffer with. It is highly effective and safe using gentle sustained manual pressure into myofascial restrictions. MFR is a whole body therapy due to the interconnectedness of the fascial system. A skilled therapist takes into account your symptoms, how you are feeling and also an assessment to get to the root cause of the pain for lasting results.
WHAT IS FASCIA?
Fascia is a matrix of dense connective tissue covering and penetrating every muscle, bone, blood vessel, nerve, internal organ and cell in our body. Fascia is likened to a spider web or sweater, and is continuous and three- dimensional from head to toe. Every area in the body is connected to every other area through the fascial system. Healthy fascia supports the functions of the body. It maintains the body’s current form and allows us to stand upright without collapsing. It stretches and moves with the body while still maintaining the structure and stability of the joints and muscles.
used with permission from John F. Barnes, PT
FASCIAL RESTRICTIONS
Fascial restrictions occur through physical and emotional trauma, surgery, inflammation and poor posture. The fascia tightens and solidifies, losing its normal pliability. The fascial system is so strong that when restricted can place up to 2000 pounds per square inch of pressure on all the structures it supports and maintains. This can cause decreased motion and strength and increased pain which results in decreased function. These restrictions can also create imbalances which affect our overall flexibility and stability.
Like a rip in a sweater (above), a restriction can pull on all areas of the body. Pain in one area can have an origin in another area. This is why myofascial release treatment incorporates techniques on the site of the symptom and other areas as well. Fascia takes a minimum of 90-120 seconds to start the release process, therefore, techniques are held for at least that duration so a complete release can occur.
There are not any standardized tests (x-ray, MRI, CT scan etc.) at this time to show fascial restrictions. Unfortunately this is why many people are misdiagnosed or told that nothing is wrong even though they are in pain.
MFR techniques are effective in releasing the restrictions that are causing your pain. Myofascial release is not a protocol or systematic form of treatment. Several sessions may be necessary to resolve chronic or acute pain. Every person is unique therefore every treatment is too. Myofascial release is truly a WHOLE body approach!
