Myofascial Release Therapy

Tight or tender muscles in your neck, shoulders, back and legs can cause pain and other problems. Myofascial release therapy (MRT) is a type of manual (hands-on) physical therapy that may help alleviate musculoskeletal pain and stiffness. Summit Orthopedics offers advanced myofascial release therapy for patients in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.

How Myofascial Release Therapy Works

Myofascial release therapy addresses damage or tension in the fascia surrounding your muscles (the “myo” in “myofascial”). Fascia is a type of connective tissue that surrounds your muscles, bones, organs, blood vessels and nerves. Because fascia stretches throughout your body, injury to one part can cause pain somewhere else. Healthy fascia is limber and flexible, but damaged fascia can cause muscles to tense and stiffen, restricting movement in your body’s tissues. Some people also develop trigger points, or knots in their muscles.

MRT is a specific type of manipulation and stretching of your tissue and muscles that helps the fascia “release” tension and return to its natural state. Although your physical therapist (PT) or occupational therapist (OT) uses this hands-on technique on your back, neck, legs or arms, it is not the same as visiting a massage therapist. Myofascial release therapy is intended to go beyond the symptom relief of massage to help improve the cause of myofascial pain and tension.

Myofascial trigger point therapy is another type of myofascial-targeted therapy that focuses specifically on releasing these trigger points in your muscles. While some providers use the term “myofascial release therapy” for both approaches, there are numerous techniques your provider can use to treat you.

Benefits of Myofascial Release

Patients can benefit from myofascial release in many ways, including:

• Better circulation
• Improved mobility
• Reduced pain
• Reduced swelling
• Restored range of motion

Patients may experience different results or benefits of myofascial release therapy, depending on the cause of their pain and other conditions that could affect it.

Conditions Treated With Myofascial Release Therapy

Myofascial release therapy can treat or improve pain from many conditions, including:

• Arthritis
• Back pain
• Car accidents
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Hand/elbow/wrist pain
• Headaches
• Hip pain
• Knee pain
• Myofascial pain syndrome
• Neck pain
• Overuse injuries
• Plantar fasciitis
• Sciatica
• Shoulder pain
• Sports injuries
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and jaw pain
• Workplace injuries

Many other injuries or problems in your muscles and joints may also benefit from myofascial release therapy.

Who Performs Myofascial Release

Physical and occupational therapists with special training perform myofascial release. In addition to completing standard graduate—and often doctorate—level education and training, these therapists take advanced continuing education courses to learn myofascial therapy and related techniques. They then become proficient practicing in a clinical setting, initially with supervision until becoming an expert at these techniques.

What to Expect During Myofascial Release Therapy

Myofascial release will likely take place over several physical therapy sessions. You may have other therapy treatments during these sessions, such as joint mobilization/manipulation, stretching and strengthening exercises.

During the myofascial release therapy part of your session, your Summit Orthopedics therapist gently stretches your fascia with kneading motions. Myofascial release can be done by lightly stretching the affected tissues in the direction the tissue does not want to go (direct technique) or moving the fascial tissues in the direction of ease (indirect technique). You may feel pressure or slight discomfort during this time. Remember, your therapist might work on many other areas than where you have pain, all with the intent of best treating your condition.

Some patients feel relief from pain after just one myofascial release treatment, but other people need multiple sessions to experience the benefits. You may feel sore after treatment, but any soreness generally lasts only a day or two. If your therapist gives you stretches or other exercises to do at home, follow their instructions for the best results.

Some patients may not feel relief from myofascial release therapy, which is why Summit Orthopedics provides a wide range of occupational and physical therapy treatments. We understand that every patient’s body is different, and that one person’s pain is not the same as another’s. We tailor our individualized treatment plans to address your specific health concerns and goals, and our therapists are glad to answer any questions you may have about myofascial release therapy or anything else.

Find a Summit Orthopedics physical therapist specializing in myofascial release.