What is Myofascial Release?
Myofascial release (MFR) is a therapeutic technique used to alleviate chronic pain and improve mobility by targeting the fascia, which is the connective tissue surrounding muscles, bones, and organs. This technique is increasingly recommended by physical therapists, doctors, and other healthcare professionals due to its effectiveness in treating a range of conditions. Here’s how it works and why it’s valued:
Understanding Fascia and Pain:
Fascia is a network of connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles and organs. When fascia becomes tight or restricted due to injury, poor posture, or chronic stress, it can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
Myofascial Pain Syndrome is a common condition where trigger points (painful knots in the muscle) are present, often due to tightness or restrictions in the fascia.
Technique of Myofascial Release:
MFR involves applying gentle, but sometimes firm, sustained pressure to the fascia to release restrictions and improve tissue mobility.
Therapists use their hands or specialized tools to assess and treat areas of tightness or restriction. The pressure applied is typically slow and sustained, allowing the fascia to gradually release and return to its normal state.
Benefits and Effectiveness:
Pain Relief: MFR can help alleviate chronic pain by addressing the underlying fascial restrictions that contribute to discomfort.
Improved Range of Motion: By releasing tightness in the fascia, MFR can enhance flexibility
MFR is not a “cure all,” but it can help with many long lasting mobility and pain issues with a wide range of conditions, including back pain, neck pain, and fibromyalgia.
Athletes can also benefit. A number of sports injuries can be treated with MFR, including:
Repetitive strain injuries, often seen in long distance runners
Muscular imbalances, which lead to overuse in isolated joints and faulty movement patterns.
There are also increasing numbers of athletes that have found MFR to be helpful in regaining proper pelvic alignment, which in turn leads to optimal competitive performance.
If you want to learn more about how Myofascial Release works, click here!
Who am I?
I am a Los Angeles native and based, myofascial release massage therapist that specializes in long lasting relief for chronic pain conditions.
Certified massage therapist (CAMTC #87878) and graduate of Hands on Healing Institute (HHI)
Many of my clients have tried chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture etc. with little to no results, only to find relief through MFR.
