Myofascial Release

When visiting a massage therapist, a client can receive massage work called myofascial release. The human body is composed of fascia, which is dense connective tissue that covers and supports the entire body, including muscles, organs and bones. Healthy fascia appears wavy, stretchy and relaxed. When fascia is damaged, traumatized or unhealthy it will become tight and less flexible. This decrease in pliability will cause tension and pain in the affected area.

Also known as soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release, or MFR, is a gentle form of stretching with hands-on compression. This technique can be performed by a massage therapist, chiropractic physician, physical therapist or osteopaths. The specific tight area will be located and then pressure and stretching will be applied and held until the fascia relaxes. The practitioner will then move on to another area of tension and pain, repeating the process. This technique can also be combined with electric stimulation. These specific “sore spots” are generally referred to as myofascial trigger points. There have only been a small amount of scientific study done regarding myofascial release .  However, the studies that have been done have shown that this form of therapy did indeed decrease pain and increased mobility in patients presenting with neck and shoulder pain. It has been stated by these various healthcare providers that myofascial release may be used to decrease pain while increasing circulation to the damaged areas of fascia, leading to faster recovery times. These practitioners also perform myofascial release to help improve proper body posture and in help with combined treatments of myriad back and full body health issues and pain.

References Cited in this Article

www.myofascialrelease.com

www.cancer.org

www.righthealth.com