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Myofascial Release is a whole-body approach to healing that seeks to restore balance by releasing tension in the soft connective tissue known as fascia. Fascia surrounds and connects everything in the body and can become constricted due to trauma, such as illness and other physical and psychological stresses. If it becomes tight fascia can pull muscles and bones out of place, resulting in pain and lack of mobility. Myofascial Release is the three-dimensional application of sustained pressure and movement into the fascial system in order to eliminate fascial restrictions. Along with the physical release there sometimes is a surfacing and release in unconscious emotions.
Myofascial Release is an effective therapeutic approach in the relief of neck and jaw pain, low back pain, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, neurological dysfunction, restriction of motion, chronic pain and headaches. Myofascial Release is contraindicated in cases of malignancy, aneurysm, and acute rheumatoid arthritis.
When treatment begins an assessment will be made by visually analyzing the client’s frame, followed by the palpation of the tissue texture of various fascial layers. Upon locating an area of fascial tension, gentle pressure is applied in the direction of the restriction. The strokes are deliberately slow lasting a minimum of 90 to 120 seconds and can last as long as 5 minutes. Pressure is always gentle but firm. Generally the session can last from 30 minutes to an hour and a half. The client lies on a massage table and is usually dressed in underwear or a swimsuit. If this technique is incorporated with others the client might be asked to undress but will always be appropriately draped. No oil is used for MFR so if it is incorporated into other techniques with oil it will be done at the beginning of the session. Freer movement and a sense of lightness are common after the treatment.
After the session the client’s body and its ability to integrate the loosening will determine the effects of the therapy. Myofascial Release is especially effective in providing longer-term relief for chronic pain and dysfunction associated with muscular tightness. It is often suggested that initial treatment consist of several sessions.
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