You may have heard the term myofasical release before when receiving physical therapy. It may seem very confusing to have an understanding on this complex system of the body but the treatment can do some pretty incredible things!
Let's start by breaking down the terms for better understanding:
The prefix "myo-" means muscle fibres. Fascia is described as a 3-dimentional net of connective tissue that runs through the whole body. The superficial fascia lies directly below the skin. It allows nerves to run between and skin to move with muscular contraction. The deeper layers of fascia run in the soft tissues of the body, in the blood vessels and in the dura matter. Then functioning properly, the superficial fascia is loose which allows for relaxed movement. But with restrictions this movement can be limited, and even cause pain.
Myofascial restrictions can be caused from connective tissues or skeletal muscles being pulled and adhered by tight fascia, or from trigger points in the muscle tissue. Both cases cause a lack of proper circulation in the area which causes the tissues to stiffen. The body will begin to compensate by activating other muscles to take up the slack, causing some overuse injuries to occur and the restrictive fascia can pull joints out of alignment causing subluxations or postal dysfunction.
The techniques for myofacial release can vary from simple to complex, depending on the case and the client. Generally, a low grade, sustained pressure (with little to no oil) is held over the area to slowly stretch the fascia to loosen. Since the fascia is an interconnected web of tissue, the direction of the restriction varies. Finding which direction is most restricted and slowly applying pressure can help the fascia relax. Other techniques include shearing, frictioning or rolling movements to break down areas where the connective tissue is adhered to the soft tissues. Trigger point therapy is also used when the muscle fibres become taut and restricted. If the fibres are too dense for the techniques or if the techniques are above the client pain tolerance, then heat may be applied to the area to relax the tissues, or a referral may be given.
Home care can be pretty simple:
-Keeping the body properly hydrated is key to the structures don't stiffen.
-Applying ice/cold if the area is too tender fro the treatment.
-Heat the area to relax the fibres.
-Keep the body moving to maintain proper function and range of motion.
-Stretching/strengthening exercises that are discussed during or after your treatment.
I hope this has been helpful for you! Now you know a bit more about what is changing in your fascia during your treatment (or you can just catch up on some rest)!
Thank you for taking the time to stop by and I hope you have a great day!
References:
A PEÇA QUE FALTAVA. (2017, February 17). Retrieved May 31, 2018, from http://www.miofascialrio.com.br/web/uncategorized/a-peca-que-faltava/
Ganfield, L. (n.d.). Myofascial Therapy for the Treatment of Acute and Chronic Pain. Retrieved May 31, 2018, from https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/physical-therapy/myofascial-therapy-treatment-acute-and-chronic-pain
Myo. (2018, May 29). Retrieved May 31, 2018, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myo
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