The Effective Use Of Myofascial Release Therapy

By Young Lindsay


There are many reasons why people experience trauma to the fascia. It may be the result of overuse, injury, inactivity, infection and a number of other reasons. Myofascial release therapy is a safe, gentle, effective way to treat this problem. It deals with the restrictions in the connective tissue, helping to stimulate lymphatic and blood circulation. Pain is reduced and flexibility is increased as a result.

The fascia is a connective tissue web surrounding every muscle, tendon, ligament, bone, tissue and organ in the body. It offers support and protection, forming a cushioning mechanism to allow for comfortable movement.This network of connective tissue can be affected by trauma, overuse, inactivity and a number of other factors.

Symptoms experienced by individuals are varied, including muscle pain and spasms, headaches, sciatica, chronic neck and back pain. Some people experience pins and needles or numbness and others have breathing problems. Many people experiencing fascia trauma are not diagnosed properly as it cannot be picked up on tests like X rays. They may suffer for some time and undergo many unsuccessful treatments.

Those performing this type of therapy have to go through specific training. Many different courses are available, including ones aimed at those who are already graduates like occupational and physical therapists or osteopathic physicians. This is a different type of treatment to massage and various practical techniques have to be mastered. The therapist must be able to identify the areas requiring treatment and then move carefully through every restriction, applying just the right kind of pressure for the right amount of time.

Sessions are conducted on a one-on-one basis and the first appointment is used to assess the problem and discuss a suitable plan of treatment. Subsequent treatments may be conducted every few days or on a daily basis. This may take place over a period of weeks or even months, depending on the severity of the problem. Progress is measured by the decrease in pain experienced by the patient as well as the increase in motion.

The therapist does not use any creams, oils or machinery in this process and the techniques are different to that of massaging the muscles of the body. The pressure applied is gentle and sustained. The results are measurable and patients who have not experienced relief with other treatments, often respond to this treatment.

Deeper pressure may be required but this never becomes intolerable for the client. To prevent this, the therapist keeps communicating with the client and remains sensitive to the level of pain experienced. The idea is not to force the fascia but to allow it to loosen naturally. The client may experience a slight sensation of burning or stretching.

This therapy deals with restrictions, promotes flexibility and helps to improve skeletal alignment. It is safe, gentle and has proved to be effective in many cases, even providing relief for patients who have lived with undiagnosed pain for years. There are many trained therapists available and so choosing a competent one is important. Find out how long the individual has been practicing as well as what training was undergone. Getting recommendations from others who have been helped and reading testimonials written by satisfied clients can be helpful in making such a decision.




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