The term ‘myofascial release’ refers to a type of physical therapy which is frequently used in order to treat myofascial pain syndrome. Myofascial pain syndrome happens to be a chronic pain disorder that is caused by sensitivity as well as tightness in your myofascial tissues. These tissues surround and support the muscles in your entire body. The pain usually originates from particular points within your myofascial tissues that are called “trigger points”.
Myofascial release concentrates on reducing pain through easing the tension as well as tightness in the trigger points. It’s not always straightforward to understand what trigger point is responsible for the pain. Localising pain to a particular trigger point is quite difficult. For this reason, myofascial release is frequently used over a broad area of muscle and tissue rather than at a single points.
‘Myofascial’ Broken Down
‘Myo’ is the abbreviated word for muscular tissue. ‘Fascia’ is a 3-dimensional web of connective tissue which goes from the very superficial layers of muscular tissue to the deep layers and all the way down to the bone.
It is the part of the body’s scaffolding and gives our bodies levers and fulcrums so that we are able to move. If part of that system happens to be compromised, we get less range of motion as well as less of an exchange of nutrition for the joints. In addition, we increase our sensitivity to pain and also increase our susceptibility to early onset of degeneration. So, that tight neck or those frequent muscle spasms could lead to substantial and dangerous conditions like stenosis down the road.
How Does Myofascial Release Work?
Most myofascial release treatments happen during a massage therapy session. Some chiropractors and traditional medical practitioners could also offer it.
Your massage therapist will gently massage your myofascia and feel for stiff or areas which are tight. Normal myofascia should feel pliable and elastic. The massage therapist will then begin massaging and stretching the areas which feel rigid with light manual pressure.
The therapist then helps the tissue and supportive sheath in releasing pressure as well as tightness. The process is carried out multiple times on the same trigger point – as well as other trigger points -until the massage therapist feels that the tension is fully released.
These areas where the massage therapist could be working may not be near where the pain begins or where you feel the pain most acutely. Myofascial release works the wider network of muscles which might be causing your pain. It attempts to reduce tension throughout your body by releasing trigger points across a broad section of your muscular system.
Parts Of The Body Which Could Use Myofascial Release
This pain management technique is really great for parts of the body which are used a lot or in fixed positions for a long period of time. These areas include the:
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Arms
- Head
- Jaw
- Lower back.
- Hips
- Quads
- Calves
- Feet
What Are The Benefits Of Myofascial Release?
When done regularly, you can:
- Improve your range of motion.
- Reduce soreness and help assist the tissue recovery process.
- Help the body relax overall.
- Improve circulation.
- Release tension, knots and even stress.
Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy
If you want to learn more about myofascial release then you should do our Foam Rolling Course. Find out more by following this link.
