Find a Physical Therapist who specializes in Myofascial Release
What is Myofascial Release Therapy?
Myofascial release is a manual (hands-on) therapy technique that releases muscle shortness or tightness of fascial (connective) tissues that surround muscle structures. Each muscle fiber has a fascial connective tissue covering as well as each muscle belly that consists of many muscle fibers. Fascial tissue also surrounds the skull, organ structures, nervous and vascular (arteries/veins) structures. When this fascial connective tissue is restricted this can impede the following: Muscle stretch, blood circulation, and cause neural tension which can restrict motion and cause pain.
What are the benefits?
Releasing this tension can improve mobility, increase circulation, improve nerve conduction and even decrease swelling in injured areas.
How is it performed?
Myofascial release can be done by doing a light and sustained stretch to the affected fascial tissues in the direction is which the tissue does not want to go (direct technique) or moving the fascial tissues in a direction of ease which is an indirect technique.
What conditions or injuries does it treat?
This can be used for chronic muscle tightness for neck and back pain, headaches and chronic injuries that occur from muscle strains that can be sport injuries, work injuries, motor vehicle accident injuries and even serious infections that could have caused muscle trauma.
Who can perform Myofascial Release Therapy?
Myofascial release can be done by therapists that have been trained in this technique which does involve taking significant amount continuing education and much practice in a clinic setting to become proficient in.
