What is Myofascial Release?

What is Myofascial Release?

Myofascial is a connection between two latin terms My = Muscle and Fascia = Connective Tissue. The “o” in a connection between these to anatomical features. Technically Massage Therapists will also be working with Muscles and connective tissue, but the way that a MFR specialist goes about it can be quite different. Most Myofascial Release tecniques are focused on the fascia before and how it interacts with the muscles, instead of focusing on the muscles themselves. Seran wrap. Don’t go through tight tissue first.

What is Fascia?

Fascia is a specialized system of the body that has an appearance similar to a spider’s web, but it is also weaved together like knitted socks.  Fascia is a seran-like covering that encases every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein, as well as all of our internal organs including the heart, lungs, brain and spinal cord. It is one continuous structure that exists from head to toe without interruption.  The entire body is connected through this fascial system.

What is Fascial Restriction?

Fascia in its normal, healthy state is relaxed and wavy in configuration.  It has the ability to stretch and move without restriction.  When you experience physical trauma, emotional trauma, poor posture, scarring, inflammation, or even prolonged strain or tension, the fascia loses it pliability. Fascia can become tight, restricted, and a source of tension to the rest of the body around the restriction and in other areas of the body based on it being one continuous unit.

How does a Myofascial Release treatment work?

Myofascial treatment involves placing hands on fascial points and following the tissue to areas of restriction. Restriction is released through a number of different movements that help increase mobility, release stagnated tissue, and  and break up scar tissue while relieving pain and relaxing tension that, at times, people didn’t even realize was there, until it was gone.

Myofascial Release an individual experience based on personal patterns of restriction and the areas that the restrictions are located. Fascia is involved with nerve receptors in proprioception, and certain concentrations of fascia respond to different kinds of stimuli. Different nerve receptors in fascial tissue respond to stimuli ranging from a stretch or light pressure,  deep or slow pressure, to sustained movement with load pressure. This creates unique treatment experiences, that are tailored to each individual’s needs.

What is Myofascial Unwinding?

Myofascial unwinding may involve very subtly twisting, turning, and pulling areas to “follow” the fascial movements. This can be done while sitting, standing, or laying down. It has been found that being in the same position as  you were at the time of injury can also help resolve the areas that were affected in that position. By gently staying with the fascial movement, restrictions will resolve becoming more balanced and mobile.