Myofascial Release

Have you ever had a small problem like a toothache or a splinter in your toe that causes an incredible amount of pain and limits your movements? These little problems remind us of how interconnected our bodies really are -when one part is injured or malfunctioning, our whole system is affected. On a small scale, this illustrates how myofascial pain, although small in area, can cause serious complications and chronic pain throughout the body. And like that toothache, once the pain is finally gone, we appreciate more than ever being able to go through our daily functions without feeling constant discomfort.

What is Myofascia?

Myofascia is a thin membrane of connective tissue that wraps around all of our body structures in a single structure of tiny, interwoven fibers. When functioning properly, the fascia provides the perfect amount of tension and stability for our skeleton, like support wires on the mast of a sailboat. Without this balance, it's impossible to remain upright or maintain equilibrium.

What is Myofascial Release therapy?

Myofascial release mainly involves stretching the fascia and the muscles they surround. As a massage therapist moves different parts of the body, he or she is able to assess the function of the fascia and check for any unevenness. The response from the patient's body indicates how much pressure will need to be used to stretch the fascia safely and effectively. After each stretch, the tissue will be allowed to rest and then the stretch will be increased, gradually each time, until the area is fully relaxed.

The therapist will normally check the entire body in a systematic way, using different techniques and amounts of pressure as needed. For smaller areas, just the fingertips may be enough to provide enough pressure for myofascial release. In other cases, the therapist may use their knuckles, palms or elbows to apply the appropriate amount of pressure. After each successive treatment, the number and the intensity of Myofascial trigger points will decrease, until the pain and tension are eliminated completely.

How can Myofascial Release help me?

Myofascial Release therapy can be used to treat serious conditions such as:

• Whiplash
• Chronic lower back pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Neck pain
• Visual disturbances, dizziness and vertigo
• Frozen shoulder
• Headaches
• Thoracic outlet syndrome
• TMJ

Myofascial release treatments can assist in a variety of conditions because they improve the body's vertical alignment. By actually lengthening the body, more space is provided for each of the muscles, bones, and organs to function properly and painlessly. Once the body has been balanced and realigned, the accompanying pain and other symptoms often vanish and the body's natural ability to correct itself is restored.

Does myofascial release really work?

To illustrate the benefits of myofascial trigger point massage therapy, a study was performed on the cardiovascular function in healthy people. The participants were given treatments on the head, neck, back and shoulders while their heart rates, blood pressure, muscle tension and emotional states were closely monitored. The results showed that following myofascial trigger-point massage therapy, the participant's heart rates and blood pressure dropped significantly. Their range of heart rates indicated a positive effect on the nervous system and both muscle tension and the stress levels were improved as well. Studies such as this, which analyze both the physical and emotional benefits of Myofascial release, emphasize that our minds and bodies are inseparably linked and are best treated together.

Myofascial release has a number of positive effects on the body, such as:

• Improved body mechanics
• Pain relief
• Increased strength and stamina
• Improved flexibility and resilience
• Corrected alignment and posture

Why suffer any longer?

Contact us today for an appointment for Myofascial Release Sydney.
(02) 9233 3800 or email us at info@backonyourfeet.com.au

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