The Value Of Myofascial Release Therapy

By Young Lindsay


There are many reasons why people experience trauma to the fascia. It may be the result of overuse, injury, inactivity, infection and a number of other reasons. Myofascial release therapy is a safe, gentle, effective way to treat this problem. It deals with the restrictions in the connective tissue, helping to stimulate lymphatic and blood circulation. Pain is reduced and flexibility is increased as a result.

A connective tissue web known as the fascia surrounds every tendon, ligament, muscle, bone and organ in the body. This cushion of connective tissue supports and protects, allowing for comfortable motion. When healthy, the tissue is relaxed but it becomes tight when damaged. Blood circulation is restricted and pain can be severe. Loosening and stretch the fascia is necessary for healing to take place, allowing all the contiguous structures to move more freely.

Symptoms experienced by individuals are varied, including muscle pain and spasms, headaches, sciatica, chronic neck and back pain. Some people experience pins and needles or numbness and others have breathing problems. Many people experiencing fascia trauma are not diagnosed properly as it cannot be picked up on tests like X rays. They may suffer for some time and undergo many unsuccessful treatments.

Those performing this type of therapy have to go through specific training. Many different courses are available, including ones aimed at those who are already graduates like occupational and physical therapists or osteopathic physicians. This is a different type of treatment to massage and various practical techniques have to be mastered. The therapist must be able to identify the areas requiring treatment and then move carefully through every restriction, applying just the right kind of pressure for the right amount of time.

At the first session, the therapist will determine just how bad the problem is and then devise a plan of treatment which is discussed with the client. It may be decided to have a session daily or every few days. It may take weeks or even months in some cases to successfully treat a patient. The progress of a patient is carefully monitored using increased flexibility and decreased pain as indicators.

With some other treatments, machines, oils and creams may be used. This treatment uses none of these as they may actually prevent identification of problem areas. The hands of the therapist do all the work. They carefully identify the problems and apply sustained pressure in a safe and gentle manner.

The level of pressure applied by therapists may be gentle or more intense and deeper. However, they are careful not to go beyond what a patient is able to tolerate. It is completely safe and all the patient may feel is a slight burning or stretching sensation.

This therapy deals with restrictions, promotes flexibility and helps to improve skeletal alignment. It is safe, gentle and has proved to be effective in many cases, even providing relief for patients who have lived with undiagnosed pain for years. There are many trained therapists available and so choosing a competent one is important. Find out how long the individual has been practicing as well as what training was undergone. Getting recommendations from others who have been helped and reading testimonials written by satisfied clients can be helpful in making such a decision.




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