Pain Free Living

Myofascial Release. Brought to you by Coeur d’Alene Hand Therapy and Healing Center.

To understand this technique, it is important to understand the fascial system. Myo means muscle, and fascia (pronounced “fasha”) is the connective tissue. The fascia is a specialized system of the body that has an appearance similar to a spider’s web or a sweater. Fascia is very densely woven, covering and interpenetrating every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein as well as all of our internal organs including heart, lungs, brain and spinal cord. The most interesting aspect of the fascial system is that it is not just a system of separate coverings. It is actually one structure that exists from head to foot without interruption. In this way, you can begin to see that each part of the entire body is connected to every other part by the fascia, like the yarn in a sweater.

Fascia also plays an important role in the support of our bodies, since it surrounds and attaches to all structures. These structures would not be able to provide stability without the constant pull of the fascial system. In fact, our bones can be thought of as tent poles which cannot support the structure without the constant support of the guide wires (or fascia) to keep an adequate amount of tension to allow the tent (or body) to remain upright with proper equilibrium.

Trauma, such as a fall, whiplash or surgery can cause tight areas in the fascia. This system is also affected by repetitive motions or just habitual poor posture which over time have a cumulative effect. The changes caused in the fascial system influence the skeletal framework for our posture. The fascia can exert excessive pressure, producing pain, restriction of motion, decreased flexibility and is a determining factor in our ability to withstand stress and strain.

Myofascial Release is a gentle, safe and highly effective, whole body, “hands on” approach. It allows therapists to look at each patient as unique with focus on the whole body rather than just the injured part. Often where people feel the pain, is not where the problem really is located. MFR utilizes varying pressure from heavy to light to eliminate pain and restore motion as well as deepen the relaxation response.

Myofascial Release is used to treat acute pain due to accident or injury as well as chronic neck, back, and sciatic pain. It is also used to treat arthritis, Fibromyalgia, sciatica, TMJ, post-surgical scar and lymphedema, just to name a few. Myofascial Release, or “MFR”, is a very effective hands-on technique that provides sustained pressure into myofascial restrictions eliminating pain and restoring motion. It also allows the body to move to release holding patterns.

Patients may be seen one-on-one with a therapist or may opt for co-treatments with two therapists. During these hands-on treatments therapists may use other manual techniques and movement therapy. The patient is an active participant in the treatment program. Each patient should be given a home program to maximize benefit from therapy. This promotes independence through education in proper body mechanics, enhancement of strength, flexibility, as well as postural and movement awareness.

#health