Myofascial Release

Fascia is a connective tissue that goes everywhere throughout the entire body. It is interwoven in all directions, similar to a spider’s web. It is a supportive netting or sheathing that supports organs, arteries and veins, nerves, lymphatic tissue, muscle and bone.

Myofascial release is a type of physical therapy often used to treat myofascial pain syndrome. Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain disorder caused by sensitivity and tightness in your myofascial tissues. These tissues surround and support the muscles throughout your body. The pain originates from specific points within your myofascial tissues called “trigger points.”

Myofascial release reduces pain by easing the tension and tightness in the trigger points. It’s not always easy to understand the trigger point responsible for the pain. Localizing pain to a specific trigger point is very difficult. For that reason, myofascial release is often used over a broad area of muscle and tissue rather than at single points.

Beneficial of Myofascial Release:

• Chronic shoulder and hip restrictions
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis (the most common type of heel pain)
• Fibromyalgia
• TMJ dysfunction
• Thoracic outlet syndrome
• Whiplash
• Acute sprains and strains
• Poor posture and/or loss of flexibility
• Other complex pain issues that have not responded to treatment

Although myofascial release therapy has very few risks, it is not recommended for individuals dealing with the following:

• Burns or open wounds
• Fractures or broken bones
• Fragile or weak bones
• Deep vein thrombosis or deep vein issues
• Prescribed blood thinners