Principles of Myofascial Release

Contrary to popular belief, myofascial release is not like massage or other types of physical therapy. By understanding the underlying principles of myofascial release can we truly understand the techniques, appreciate its benefits, and realize what makes it so special.

First, we need to understand exactly what the fascia is. Fascia is a dense, seamless, fibrous web of connective tissue surrounding all bones, muscles, arteries, and organs in the human body. Fascia is connected and interwoven with muscle tissue; muscles cannot be isolated from the fascia. Thus, stretching the muscles also stretches the fascia; massaging the muscles will also massage the fascia.

Accordingly, myofascial release focuses on relieving tension and removing restrictions in the fascia. Myofascial release treatment will not only affect the treated area. In fact, the release of tension in one area may help other organs in the body through the relaxation of the overall fascial system. Myofascial release is effective in treating both short-term and long term recurring pains. Besides relieving pain, myofascial release improves the posture of patients, and improves their range of motion. A series of tests and measurements are conducted with the patient to track his or her progress.

Myofascial release therapy is focused on helping the patient fell better. It is more effective than other stretching and massage techniques. The treatment program constantly changes and evolves according to feedback from the patient. By communicating with the patient, and using his or her feedback, the myofascial release therapist can locate and relieve tightness which would otherwise go un-detected using other techniques.

Sometimes, the feedback from the patient is different than what the therapist feels. When this occurs, the therapist will always proceed based upon what the patient feels. Thanks to the weight given to patient feedback, myofascial release therapy has little risk of over-stretching soft tissues. As a result, the techniques are safe techniques which rarely exacerbate existing injuries and conditions.

Myofascial release therapists accept patients for who they are, their physical condition, and assume that the patient’s condition is normal for him or her. The therapist focuses his or her attention on feedback from the patient. This can be in the form of tactile feedback – the patient’s physical reaction to the treatment – or simply through verbal communication. A good myofascial release thereapist will act as a guide to help the patient – never telling or ordering the paitent what to do. The cornerstone of myofascial release, like all massage, is for the therapist to work with the patient, not on the patient.