Myofascial Release is a very effective treatment usually employed by our massage therapists, physiotherapists, and chiropractors for treating recurring conditions. It is a hands-on technique and has been used many decades for treating difficult and chronic back conditions.
What is Myofascia?
A healthy Myofascia is a tissue resampling a spider web and covers all your muscles and bones. It is a very strong yet flexible tissue that runs from the top of the head down to the bottom of toes and can be found almost everywhere in the body. A healthy myofascia is soft and flexible and stretches and moves freely. After an injury such as whiplash, work injuries, poor posture, lack of movement (sitting too long) or inflammation, the Myofascia becomes tight and loses its flexibility at which point it becomes a source of tension and restricts blood circulation to the muscles it is covering. In addition to pain and joint movement restrictions, tight Myofascia can cause difficulty breathing.
Tight Myofascia causes:
- Headaches
- Muscle pain and spasms
- Chronic back and neck pain
- Breathing difficulties
- Poor posture and reduced flexibility
Myofascial release is an effective treatment to break down scar tissue, realign fascia, increase blood flow and improve flexibility to manage pain and to restore movement and strength.
Common conditions treated by Myofascial release:
- Low back pain
- Headaches
- Whiplash
- Neck injuries
- Neck muscle tension
- Jaw pain (TMJ)
- Pain caused by poor posture or arthritis
- Shoulder injuries
- Arthritic conditions
What Does a Myofascial Release Treatment Feel Like?
The pressure can range from very gentle touch to deeper pressure. The pressure from Myofascial Release therapy should never be beyond your tolerance and it is important to give feedback to your practitioner during the treatment.
Some patients may experience a slight skin burning sensation in the skin, which is perfectly normal and safe. Others may feel a gentle to deep stretch on the area being treated.
