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Myofascial Release
MFR is a safe and highly effective gentle manual therapy which eliminates the root of pain and improves overall mobility, function, and vitality.
WHAT IS FASCIA?
As shown in the image below, fascia is a specialized system of the body that has an appearance similar to a spider’s web or a sweater.
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Fascia is a specialized system of the body that has an appearance similar to a spider’s web or a sweater. Acting as one continuous structure that exists from head to toe without interruption, the fascial system is densely woven, covering and interpenetrating to the cellular level of every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein. Fascia likewise covers all of our internal organs including the heart, lungs, brain, and spinal cord.
Fascia is normally fluid like and gelatinous, but when there is an injury to tissue (trauma, inflammatory response, and/or surgical procedures) the tissue becomes restricted or solidified. This change can apply up to 2 thousand pounds of pressure per square inch in a similar manner to that of a Chinese finger trap. These restrictions do not show up on any diagnostic tests (Xray, MRI, CAT Scan, or blood work).
Usually undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, fascial restrictions can play a significant role in creating pain and malfunction in the structure of the spine, extremities, and organs.
HOW MYOFASCIAL RELEASE WORKS
When a hands-on sustained pressure is applied into the fascial system, it elicits a piezoelectric response to release restrictions and return the fascial system to its gelatinous state.
Once a release is held for 5 minutes or longer, the body releases a hormone called interleukin-8, a very powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogen.
Myofascial Release is performed directly on skin without lotions or oils. This enables the therapist to accurately detect fascial restrictions and apply the appropriate amount of sustained pressure to facilitate release of the fascia.
Generally, acute cases are typically resolved with a few treatments. The more chronic the problem, the longer it usually takes to bring lasting results. Some chronic conditions that have developed over a period of years can require two or three treatments a week to obtain optimal results.
Once the chronic condition has significantly improved, less frequent treatments can help to maintain the patient's progress. Often times, once the pain has subsided, one treatment every few weeks is encouraged to maintain health.
Infrequent treatments will often result in fascial tightness creeping back to the level that existed prior to the last treatment. Your therapist will give you stretching and self-treatment exercises to do at home to maintain the gains made during your treatment.
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