what is: myofascial release
What does ‘Myofascial’ mean?
The term ‘Myofascial’ is derived from two words: myo-muscle and fascial-fascia related.
Myofascial Release Therapy
During this therapy, we work and move three layers of your soft tissue: deeper layers of skin, fascia (the layer that connects almost everything in your body), and muscles. This therapy aims to relax contracted muscles, fascia, and scar tissue; improve blood and lymphatic circulation; and stimulate the stretch reflex in muscles. The result is a sense of improved mobility, feeling of lightness in the body, increased circulation/metabolism, and improved posture.
Some massage techniques may be used during this therapy, however, it is not a massage. We look for the skin and tissue restrictions and aim to release them with skin pulling, folding, twisting, and other specific myofascial release techniques. Very little to no oil is used during such therapy
“It has to do with the viscous flow and the piezoelectric phenomenon: a low load (gentle pressure) applied slowly will allow a visco-elastic medium (fascia) to elongate.” – John F. Barnes, PT
What is the science behind myofascial release?
Yes, myofascial release is a very safe and effective therapy technique that involves applying sustained pressure at your comfort level to eliminate pain and restore motion.
Is Myofascial Release safe?
“Trauma, inflammatory responses, and/or surgical procedures create Myofascial restrictions that can produce tensile pressures of approximately 2,000 pounds per square inch on pain sensitive structures that do not show up in many of the standard tests (x-rays, myelograms, CAT scans, electromyography, etc.)” – John F. Barnes, PT
What causes myofascial restrictions?
Although, some people are born with tight fascia and no matter how healthy their lifestyle is, they feel tight.
In other cases, posture, stress holding patterns, overcompensation of one body side for an injury, or skeletal deviations will cause myofascial restrictions.
Increased soft tissue plasticity, increased flexibility, improved lymphatic flow, posture reset, body asymmetry reset, and scar tissue softening.
