What is Myofascial Release Massage?
Myofascial Release
You may have heard the term myofascial release before, but are still unclear as to what precisely this modality entails. Myofascial release therapy, also known as myofascial trigger point therapy has the ability to relieve soft tissue restrictions that can cause mild to severe pain. This form of treatment utilizes safe, low-load stretching that offers relief of tightness throughout the body.
This article provides an overview of the treatment technique, including:
What the myofascial system consists of
The differences between a traditional massage and myofascial release therapy
A description of the technique and outcomes that can be expected
What is Fascia?
When trying to visualize what fascia is, imagine a large three-dimensional webbing of sorts, that permeates the whole body. Another term for fascia can also be connective tissue, which starts with a top layer that can be found directly underneath the skin and extends further down into two deeper levels.
When fascia is healthy, it can be noted as soft and relaxed almost like a loose-knit scarf or sweater. When there are concerns with restriction, it will become less pliable and dense. This lack of movement and hardness of the connective tissue is what causes the lack of range of motion you might feel when you try to lift your arms over your head or bend over to pick up an object off the floor. For more information regarding fascia, please check out (Hopkin’s Medicine).
Benefits of Myofascial Release Massage
Myofascial release massage utilizes sustained targeted amounts of pressure on connective tissue (the fascia) that surrounds muscles and bones. When this type of long-term pressure is applied, it allows restrictions to become released. Why is this important? You will find soon after that your range of motion becomes greater, and even better: less overall chronic pain. Those that have not experienced myofascial release before may find the first session unusual in that the massage therapist will hold for up to 3 to 5 minutes in some areas. It is vital to ensure that the fascia has adequate time to be warmed up and softened underneath.
Traditional Massage Therapy Vs. Myofascial Release
More traditional massage practices (such as deep tissue or Swedish massage) involve practices of kneading and stroking motions versus the long-held pressure of myofascial release. With this comes more oil/cream applied to the client instead of applying only a small amount to ensure the pressure holds on the fascia for a longer duration. What is truly amazing about myofascial work is that in general, once the layers of fascia begin to warm up underneath the skin, there is a tremendous amount of movement involved without the use of lubricants at all.
Conclusion
Myofascial release therapy can be a tremendous benefit to your overall health and well-being. Optimizing these fine-tuned pressure points can be one of the best ways to gain back your ability to have a wider range of motion and freedom of pain in your muscles and joints.
I have often found in my own massage therapy practice that those who are not able to potentially handle a full deep tissue or sports massage for extended periods of time on the table will also benefit from myofascial release. There is also the ability of course to mix modalities together, perhaps combining Swedish or therapeutic techniques in some areas, and applying the myofascial in other areas where the fascia requires more detailed work.
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