Fascia plays an important role in the support and function of our bodies, as it surrounds and attaches to all structures, forming an interconnected network. In its normal, healthy state, the fascia is relaxed and wavy in configuration, boasting the ability to stretch and move without restriction. However, when one experiences physical trauma, emotional trauma, scarring, or inflammation, the fascia loses its pliability; it becomes tight, restricted, and a source of tension to the rest of the body. Such trauma may arise from falls, car accidents, whiplash, surgery, or even habitual poor posture and repetitive stress injuries, all of which have cumulative effects on the body.
The changes that trauma causes in the fascial system greatly influence the comfort and function of our body. Fascial restrictions can exert excessive pressure, leading to various symptoms such as pain, headaches, or limited motion. These restrictions affect our flexibility and stability, acting as a determining factor in our ability to withstand stress and perform daily activities.
Benefit
Myofacial release therapy is a safe and highly effective hands-on technique designed to relieve these restrictions by applying gentle, sustained pressure into the Myofascial connective tissue. This technique helps eliminate pain and restore motion. The essential “time element” aspect of this approach relates to the viscous flow and piezoelectric phenomenon: a low load, applied gently and slowly, allows the viscoelastic medium of fascia to elongate.
Trauma, inflammatory responses, and surgical procedures create Myofascial restrictions that can result in tensile pressures of approximately 2,000 pounds per square inch on pain-sensitive structures, which may not be apparent in standard tests, such as x-rays or scans. Using Myofascial release allows therapists to view each patient as a unique individual. During one-on-one therapy sessions, therapists employ a variety of Myofascial Release techniques and movement therapy.
Independence is further promoted through education on proper body mechanics and movement, self-treatment instruction using foam rolling, enhancement of strength, improved flexibility, and increased postural and movement awareness. Each Myofascial Release treatment is performed directly on the skin without oils, creams, or machinery, enabling therapists to precisely detect fascial restrictions and apply suitable sustained pressure to facilitate the release of the fascia.
Who might benefit from Myofascial release therapy?