Myofascial Release

What is the goal of Myofascial Release?

Myofascial Release is designed to help restore proper, pain-free movement and function to your body.

This method of treatment is accomplished by working the web of connective tissue known as the fascia.

Often Myofascial Release techniques are applied slowly, with the therapist actively engaging the tissue and feeling for a release.

What is fascia?

Fascia is a truly incredible, complex system of connective tissue that weaves throughout the entire body in several layers.

One way of visualizing fascia is as a full-body suit of nylon.

Among it’s known functions, fascia separates, encases, and supports muscles, internal organs and nerves. It acts as a shock absorbing medium and as a medium for conveying information within the body. Studies are currently underway to learn more about fascia.

What does healthy or unhealthy fascia feel like?

In a healthy state, fascia has an almost gelatinous quality.

When dysfunctional, fascia can become hardened and thickened.

What causes facial dysfunction?

Problems in fascia can occur for many reasons. Some of the most common include:

• Trauma, such as whiplash, accidents, and sports injuries
• Poor posture held over time, causing fascial layers to thicken, becoming less mobile and less willing to move out of that position; and
• Surgery, causing scar tissue to form and fascial layers to “pucker”

Why is a hardened/thickened fascia a problem?

When fascia becomes thickened, hardened, or “stuck”, it pulls and causes tension in other regions of the fascial web.

This phenomenon prevents fascia from being able to distribute force optimally and evenly, which prevents muscles from gliding easily over one another.