In Pain? Myofasical Release
Just Might Do The Trick
By Dana Lannon, PTA, LMT

Mosby defines Myofascial Release as “a system of bodywork that affects the connective tissue of the body through various methods that elongate and alter the plastic components and ground matrix of the connective tissue.”

To understand Myofascial Release and how it works, you have to understand Fascia. Fascia is a form of web-like connective tissue that runs throughout the body giving structure and support to blood vessels, bones, muscles, nerves, and organs. Fascia wraps muscle into groups and separates the body into compartments. Following trauma, injury, surgery, repetitive stress, or even poor posture, the Fascia can become irritated. This can decrease mobility, cause pain, and can even lead to organ dysfunction. Fascia shrinks when it is inflamed and heals slowly because it has a poor blood supply. When fascia is inflamed, it is painful, because it has a rich nerve supply.

Physical Therapists and Massage Therapists trained in Myofascial Release use myofascial approaches, which are also known as deep tissue massage and soft tissue manipulation. Through palpation (touching the muscle), the therapist can determine any restrictions in the fascia. Sore spots are called myofascial trigger points.

The goal of myofascial release is to balance the fascial system through release of fascial restrictions. This improves tissue pliability, range of motion, proprioception, and relieves pain. Myofascial Release can be used to treat acute and chronic pain, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, movement restrictions, Fibromyalgia, TMJ Syndrome, and other conditions.

Contraindications for myofascial release include cancer, acute inflammation, infection, hemorrhage, recent fractures, sutured areas, severe osteoporosis, acute rhuematological conditions, inflammatory skin conditions, open wounds, and hypermobile joints.

References:

Calliet, Rene, Soft Tissue Pain & Disability. F.A. Davis Company, 1996.

Fritz, Sandy, Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage. Second Edition, Mosby, 2000.

Geleroff, Claudio, Myofascial Unwinding of the Pelvis and the Lower Extremities Seminar – Course Notes, Fort Lauderdale, 2002.

Internet, Valerie Kerrkes Explains Myofascial Release.