Myofascial Release Therapy

What Is Myofascial Release Therapy?

A gentle blend of stretching and massage, Myofascial Release Therapy uses hands-on manipulation of the entire body to promote healing and relieve pain. Therapists use this technique to ease pressure in the fibrous bands of connective tissue, or fascia, that encase muscles throughout the body. Sheaths of this dense and elastic connective tissue weave about blood vessels, bones, and nerves as well, forming an intricate, 3-D web that supports your organs and joints from head to toe and acts as the body's shock absorber.

Scarring or injury to this network of connective tissue is a major cause of pain and impeded motion. The therapy's easy stretches aim to alleviate these problems by breaking up, or "releasing," constrictions or snags in the fascia. People with longstanding back pain, fibromyalgia, recurring headaches, sports injuries, and a host of additional complaints are all said to benefit from the technique.

How Does It Work?

Myofascial Release Therapy is based on the idea that poor posture, physical injury, illness, and emotional stress can throw the body out of alignment and cause its intricate web of fascia to become taut and constricted. Because fascia link every organ and tissue in the body with every other part, the skillful and dexterous use of the hands is said to free up, or "release," disruptions in this fascial network. Pressure on the bones, muscles, joints, and nerves is relieved in the process, and balance is restored.

Health Benefits

Myofascial Release Therapy is used to treat a wide array of painful ailments affecting the muscles and connective tissues. These include fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, muscle spasms, whiplash injuries, and carpal tunnel syndrome. People with diabetes, who are at increased risk for painful plantar fasciitis can also benefit from this technique. Elite runners and Olympic athletes have used the technique for stress injuries (it has also been used in racehorses and their riders), as have weekend warriors with tennis or golfer's elbow, shin splints, or a bad sprain that is having trouble healing.

The therapy is used for many other conditions as well in people of all ages. Those with jaw pain, discomfort from the scars of surgery, headaches, and chronic fatigue syndrome may all benefit. In women, the technique is sometimes used for relief of pelvic pain, menstrual problems, incontinence, and even infertility. It is also offered to children with, among other conditions, birth trauma, head injuries, cerebral palsy, and scoliosis.

To Learn More

For more information about Myofascial Release Therapy, please call (574) 523-3242.