Myofascial Release Therapy

Myofascial Release Therapy is for you if:

• You are tired of feeling sick and tired
• You have tried traditional therapy and did not find relief
• You are ready to heal you body and feel energized again
• You are looking to restore your health, inner peace and ability to focus in your daily life
• You have a nagging feeling that something is holding you back from reaching your full potential
• You want to feel empowered and balanced in your life

Myofascial Release Therapy-
An Integrated Therapeutic Approach

Myofascial Release is a bodywork technique that focuses on the fascial system, creating deep and more durable releases and therapeutic benefits. Before an adequate description of the technique can be undertaken, a deeper understanding of the body’s anatomy and physiology has to be established. In traditional massage techniques, the focus is on the relief of symptoms of muscular stress and tension, through the inducement of muscular relaxation. In myofascial release, the objective is to structurally restore the optimal function of the muscle. This is accomplished through the release of the fascia.

The fascia system, in traditional medicine and massage therapy, for too long has not been recognized and subsequently ignored in traditional medicine. It is the largest system of the body. Fascia, or connective tissue, permeates throughout the entire body. It is first present between the skin and the underlying tissue, simply attaching the skin to the underlying tissue, which is often muscle. The muscles themselves a surrounded by a fascial sheath, which differentiates the muscle tissue into the anatomical muscles (i.e. biceps, triceps, quadriceps, etc). The muscles are composed of bundles of fibers, with each bundle and subsequently each fiber being surrounded by fascia. This fascial organization continues down to the cellular level. The interconnectiveness of the fascia gives the muscle the ability to contract and relax. In its optimal organization, the fascia supports the smooth contraction and relaxation of the muscles. However, through trauma, disease, lack of use, improper posture, poor circulation, etc., the fascial layers become disorganized. The layers start adhering to each other limiting the ability of the muscle to contract and relax. Eventually, these adhesions become more solidified, much like a scar, even calcified, like a heel spur. This disorganization and the subsequent adhesions are created three dimensionally and interconnect with fascia throughout the body, creating pain, dysfunction and ultimately disease. While the focus in this description on the relationship between fascia and muscles, the same relationships hold true for the fascia and the joints, bones, blood vessels and internal organs. It is easy to see how fascial dysfunction has the ability to very significantly impact one’s health.

In myofascial release, the intention is to encourage the reorganization of the fascia and to reduce the adhesions between fascial layers. The fascia system is first accessed at the skin fascial layer and as release occur, progresses to deeper layers. The three dimensionality of the fascia is an advantage here. Deep fascia layers can be impacted by working at the superficial level. Myofascial release can be very gentle but deep work. Initially, the technique is a gentle stretch of the fascia. As releases occur and the body reveals itself, the work can become very deep and vigorous (i.e. Deep Tissue Massage or Neuro-muscular Therapy) or the work becomes more energetic, (i.e. Reiki or Healing Touch). The distinguishing feature of the myofascial work however is the longer applications of the techniques, which affects the fascial structure rather than the state of contraction of the muscle. Through this structural reorganization, a greater therapeutic effect is experienced (i.e. greater flexibility and strength). By inducing this structural relaxation in the muscle, rather than neurological relaxation, optimal anatomical position and alignment can occur. Circulation to the muscle is also restored. Similar effects can be demonstrated in the physiology of internal organs.

The beauty and uniqueness of myofascial release is that it truly recognizes the need for structural work, emotional work and energetic work. A session can be composed of traditional manual therapy techniques, range of motion stretching, localized holding of pressure/stretch, or energy work. During the session a client, depending on their needs, experience physical, emotional or energetic releases. Unlike with traditional massage techniques where repeating symptoms are addressed, the sessions build upon themselves with the work often becoming deeper, more subtle and powerful, with the body creating the therapeutic treatment plan. Myofascial release provides the safety and support for the body to activate its own healing potential.

Myofascial release therapy is also indicated and appropriate for general relaxation of stress and release of non-traumatic tension and holding patterns. The gentleness and stillness of the technique encourages deep relaxation of the mind and body. It is equally beneficial for athletes of all levels for recovery from workouts, rehabilitation of injuries or increase strength and flexibility of the body for increased performance. The myofascial techniques are uniquely effective in the release and reintegration of traumatic muscle tension and holding patterns. The efficacy of myofascial release therapy with traumatic injuries, chronic pain and fibromyalgia has been well documented.

Myofascial Release Therapy
is uniquely superior in addressing the following physical conditions:

• Women’s Health Issues
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic Pain
• Migraines
• Traumatic Injuries
• Repetitive Motion Syndrome
• Pediatric Disorders
• Unresolved Scar Tissue
• Arthritis
• Post Surgery Dysfunction
• Postural Problems & Scoliosis

Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Release

As the suffers of fibromyalgia know, the disease can be devastating on one’s lifestyle. The impact on the physical and mental health has profound effects on the ability to perform daily activities, meet professional and home demands, and interact socially. One of the most frustrating aspects of the disease is the inability of the medical community to adequately diagnose, describe the progression, and develop an effective treatment plan for fibromyalgia. Because of the systemic, whole body, effects of fibromyalgia, the most effective treatment plans are holistic and multidisciplinary, compromising of both traditional therapies and alternative therapies. Massage therapy and specifically myofascial release is becoming, with increasing frequency, an integral part of the treatment for myofascial release.

Even though the precipitating factors and progression of fibromyalgia are not completely understood, a consensus of determining symptoms has been formulated. Fibromyalgia has been characterized by the following symptoms:

· Widespread muscle pain with localized tenderness in 11 of 18 discreet points.

· Anxiety/depression

· Chronic headaches

· General Fatigue

· Irritable Bowel Syndrome

· Morning stiffness

· Numbness, tingling

· Sleep disturbance

· Diminished blood flow to fingers and toes

· Sensitivity to weather/temperature, stress and physical activity

· Swelling in hand or feet without associated edema

· Extreme fatigue