The term myofascial release is derived from the Latin words myo (muscle) and
fascia (or elastic band). Massage therapists and chiropractors liken the stretching
of muscles and ligaments to the stretching of an elastic band. I use myofascial
release as a gentle therapy, consisting of a mixture of light stretching and
massage work.
I will apply hands-on-massage strokes in order to release tension
from the fibrous bands of the muscles, bones, nerves and joints, by unblocking
any scar tissue or adhesion’s due to injury in the muscles and surrounding tissues.
I will often use light to moderate traction and twisting stokes to apply the
appropriate tension on the soft tissue, and to achieve a full reflux range of the
muscle. This slow and subtle technique can be used to unblock fascia and muscle
throughout the body restoring total physical harmony.
Myofascial release is a safe therapy that can be used as a preventative method or
to promote the healing of an injured or stiff or painful muscle. This therapy has
also been effective in treating patients with sloppy posture, chronic fatigue,
severe tension and anxiety, as well as repetitive stress injuries of the muscular-skeletal
system.
A typical Myofascial Release massage lasts an hour, and afterwards clients often
rave about the total release of body tension they experience. This is why the
treatment is often recommended to sooth a variety of pain-associated conditions
including migraine headaches, menstrual cramps, menopause-related pain, carpal
tunnel syndrome, arthritis, Fibromyalgia, whiplash, TMJ, ringing of the ears, some
hearing loss disorders and muscle spasms.
This article was written by Jan Rudeen, a licensed massage therapist, working at
Moore Chiropractic Center in Bonners Ferry, Idaho.