The Value Of Myofascial Release Therapy

By Young Lindsay


Many people lose function or flexibility after an injury or if ongoing pain is experienced in the soft tissue of shoulders, hips or the back. Myofascial release therapy is used to release tightness and help with reduction of pain and restriction of motion. The goal of therapy is to loosen the contracted muscles, stimulate their stretch reflex and improve the blood and lymphatic circulation.

A connective tissue web known as the fascia surrounds every tendon, ligament, muscle, bone and organ in the body. This cushion of connective tissue supports and protects, allowing for comfortable motion. When healthy, the tissue is relaxed but it becomes tight when damaged. Blood circulation is restricted and pain can be severe. Loosening and stretch the fascia is necessary for healing to take place, allowing all the contiguous structures to move more freely.

Some of the problems individuals may experience as a result of this are muscle spasms and pain, chronic back and neck pain, sciatica, headaches and breathing difficulties. Sensations such as numbness and pins and needles may be experienced as well as reduced flexibility. The problem is that X rays and other tests like MRIs do not pick up these types of restrictions. Many patients sit with undiagnosed pain when suffering from trauma of the fascia. Specialist training is required in order to diagnose such a problem and address it competently.

Therapists have to be specifically trained to administer these techniques. There are many different types of training courses available and some of them offer diplomas or certificates. Extensive training may be needed to reach a high level of competence. The therapist is taught how to identify problem areas and to apply various techniques to deal with them in the best possible manner.

The first appointment will be devoted to establishing the extent of the restriction and suggesting a treatment plan. Follow up sessions may be held weekly or more than once a week. They may continue for weeks or even months, depending on the progress made. The progress is evident by reduced pain and increased range of motion experienced by the patient.

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.

The pressure applied by a therapist gentle to much deeper. However, it is never beyond the tolerance level of the patient. Communication between the therapist and patient ensures this. Some patients experience a slight burning sensation on their skin but this is quite normal. Others may feel stretching in the area being treated.

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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