What is Myofascial Release Therapy?

Myofascial release is a form of massage therapy that uses sustained pressure to loosen or release tightness in connective tissues called fascia. Tightness within the fascia can cause restriction of muscle and other tissues, pain, scar tissue, and loss of motion. Injuries, stress, inflammation, trauma and poor posture may become symptoms of tight fascia over time. Myofascial release or "MFR" can help and/or alleviate the pain or problems.

What will happen in a session?

It is not you traditional "feel good" relaxing massage. If you fascia is tight or you have scar tissue you will likely find it can be uncomfortable. The reason for this is the therapist is stretching the tissue and the tissue is very tight at first, this sensation will go down through treatment. Clients should always bring a pair of workout clothes (shorts, t-shirt, sports bra...etc) unlike a regular massage you will be clothed or partially clothed at all times, never exposed. The reason for this is with MFR your therapist will likely do assessment or reassessment during the session, meaning you would have to dress and undress several times otherwise. There is no oil, gel, or cream used during session. As MFR is dealing with stretching fascia adding extra lubrication could make it difficult for your therapist to grip properly. The session will last between 45-60 mins, usually around 55mins with the assessment taking up the remaining time. Depending on the situation your therapist may want to use ice therapy at some point during session. If that is the case it is because they are trying to reduce inflammation during session or teach you how to use ice properly.

How does MFR work?

As you work with you therapist you fascia begins to stretch and "remodel". During this process your posture changes, pain reduces or goes away, and range of motion greatly increases. Depending on the area/'s needing to be treated will determine how long it can take for very long lasting results. MFR therapists are prepared to teach their clients home stretches that are custom to the person, not an abitrary protocol.Benefits of Connective Tissue Therapy and MassageMyofascial Release Therapy (MFR) is generally considered part of complementary and preventative medicine. It's currently being offered along with standard treatment for a wide range of medical conditions and situations. Improvements have been shown with the following conditions with Connective Tissue used as treatment (None specific): Stress relief, Managing anxiety, depression, Pain Stiffness, Blood pressure control, Infant growth, Sports-related injuries, Boosting immunity, Reduce symptoms of PMS, Improvements have been shown with the following conditions with Connective Tissue used as treatment (Specific): chronic pain; back pain; neck pain; whip lash; fibromyalgia; carpal tunnel syndrome; vertigo headaches; TMJ disorder; splantar fasciitis; thoracic outlet syndrome. Many people have found that MFR on a regular basis creates a huge change in their day to day lifestyle. A great advantage of MFR is that it can be used in a variety of different ways. For treatment of even the worst pain a person will notice very quick and positive changes in pain and overall problems. When used as a preventative treatment you will notice that MFR will greatly increase your Range of Motion with movement, postural changes, and general aches and pain reduction. As well as treatment if you suffer from chronic inflammation, swelling, or scar tissue (from injury/trauma or surgery).

 

Chris,   LMT, CPT, CKTP offers Myofascial Therapy (MFR), Stretching/Sports Specific Stretching, and Kinesio-Taping. MFR can effectively treat many conditions, traditional and sports specific. The most common injuries or disorders I treat include but not exclusive are:

 

Fibromyalgia ~ Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ~Tennis Elbow ~ Golfers Elbow ~ Frozen Shoulder ~ Migraines ~Knee Pain ~ Plantar Fasciitis ~ Low Back Pain~ Posture ~Race or Event Prep ~ Scar Tissue.