What is Myofascial Release and how can it help me?

Myofascial Release is a deep tissue massage that uses sustained pressure on myofascial restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. The theory of Myofascial Release is a technique that works on the fascial system (or connective tissue). The fascia is a specialized system of the body that has an appearance similar to a spider web or a knitted sweater .

Fascia is very densely woven and it covers and interacts with every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein as well as all of our internal organs including the heart, lungs, brain and spinal cord. It is one structure that flows from head to foot without interruption. In this way you can begin to see that each part of the entire body is connected to every other part by the fascia, like the yarn in a sweater.

In the normal healthy state, the fascia is relaxed and wavy in configuration. It has the ability to stretch and move without restriction. However, when we experience physical trauma, scarring, or inflammation, the fascia loses its pliability. It becomes tight, restricted and a source of tension to the rest of the body.

Traumatic events, such as a falls, whiplash, surgery or just habitual poor posture over time and repetitive stress injuries have a cumulative effect on the fascia. The changes they cause influence the comfort and the functioning of our body. The fascia can exert excessive pressure producing pain or restriction of motion. They affect our flexibility and stability, and are a determining factor in our ability to withstand stress and strain.

The use of Myofascial Release treats each patient as a unique individual. One-on-one therapy sessions are hands-on treatments during which the Doctor uses a multitude of Myofascial Release techniques and movement therapy. This type of treatment promotes independence through education in proper body mechanics and movement, through the enhancement of strength, flexibility, and postural and movement awareness.