Myofascial release is a type of therapeutic manual therapy targeted at treating the myofascial system and various tissues and muscle structures in order to reduce pain and restriction in the body.
The main tissue that myofascial release (MFR) focuses on is the fascia - a fine, web-like, connective tissue that surrounds, connects, and provides support for all structures in the body, including muscles, nerves, vessels, and bones. Restrictions in the fascia can be caused by various factors, such as trauma, surgery, repetitive stress syndrome, muscular imbalances, or poor posture. In general the gliding, web-like nature of the fascia allows for stretching and expansion of the tissues to provide the body with good range of motion and movement, but often, after a trauma, a strain, or even dehydration the fascia can become restricted and sticky, resulting in loss of range of motion, postural issues, and often mild to intense pain.
Stiffness or pain can originate from different tissues in your body but myofascial pain is different from other types because it occurs in places where your myofascial tissue meets or crosses. Myofascial pain may also be difficult to identify because it can radiate from the area and spread.
Usually this tissue feels more elastic and movable. Tight myofascial tissue can restrict movement in your muscles and joints and as you move differently to compensate for the loss in movement, you can cause additional muscle tightness and imbalances without realizing it which can lead to widespread pain and discomfort.
Common places Myofascial tissue will often become tight are the arms, calves, feet, hips, lower back, neck, quads, and shoulders.
MFR is often a slow, gliding technique achieved by applying gentle but consistent pressure with the hands, encouraging the tissues of the body to unwind. Therapists may sometimes also apply the technique using special tools often made of stainless steel, jade, or other firm materials. Some slight discomfort may be experienced as your tissues release tension, and while many patients leave MFR sessions feeling very relaxed, sometimes slightly euphoric even, it’s not uncommon for there to be some residual muscle soreness which is thought to result from postural and alignment changes or from the techniques themselves.
Healing doesn’t tend to happen overnight, especially for longer term pain, and while a single myofascial massage won’t necessarily offer long-term relief, receiving regular myofascial release therapy can be very effective in improving your range of motion, reducing soreness, improving circulation, and relieving stress, and clients often sense an immediate relief and reduction in pain that continues with each session.
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