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Myofascial Release Therapy
What is Fascia?
Fascia is a tough connective tissue which spreads throughout the body in a three dimensional web from your head to your feet without interruption. In the normal healthy state, the fascia is relaxed and wavy in configuration. It has the ability to stretch and move without restriction. A bound up framework can impinge every structure that it grows through contorting posture and creating chronic conditions that worsen with time. Pain can be an indication of bound up fascia causing constriction and decrease range of other areas of the body (i.e. a rotated hip can lead to knee/ankle and/or low back pain.
Fascia is a specialized system of the body, which has an appearance similar to a spider's web or a sweater. Fascia is a densely woven covering that interpenetrates every structure of our body. The fascial system is not just a system of separate coverings, it is actually one uninterrupted structure. This fascia, like the yarn in a sweater, connects each part of the entire body to one another.
How is myofascial release performed?
Myofascial release is a very effective "hands-on" technique that provides sustained pressure into myofascial restrictions to eliminate pain, headaches and to restore motion.
It is a gentle form of traction and stretching coupled often with range of motion.
The therapy session is a hands-on treatment during which the therapist uses a multitude of myofascial release techniques and movement therapy. The goal of myofascial release is to restore the individual's freedom so they may return to a pain free, active lifestyle.
Therapeutic value:
Trauma, such as whiplash, inflammation, surgery, serious falls or just habitual poor posture over time, has a cumulative effect, and can thus create a binding down of fascia. Losing flexibility makes the fascia tight causing tension to the rest of the body. This tension may result in excessive pressure on nerves, muscles, blood vessels, osseous structures and/or organs.
Since all of the standard tests such as x-rays, myelograms, CAT scans, Electromyography, etc, do not show the fascial restrictions, it is true that a high percentage of people suffering with pain, headaches and/or lack of motion, may be having fascial problems. Most of these problems go undiagnosed. In conjunction with massage therapy and chiropractic treatments myofascial release is a very effective tool in treating many problems.
Both Julie and I have had training in myofascial release therapy and would be happy to answer and questions you may have. Please feel free to contact us here at the website or call the clinic at 275-3800.
Have a safe and healthy summer.
Christena Chesney, RMT
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