What is Myofascial Release? Myofascial Release is a safe and effective hands on therapy that involves applying gentle, sustained pressure into myofascial restrictions found in the body. Fascia is a tough connective tissue that spreads throughout our bodies in a three-dimensional web from your head to your feet without interruption. It infuses and surrounds every muscle fiber, nerve, bone, vessel a
nd organ down to the cellular level. Fascia acts as a protective material for our body. In the normal healthy state, the fascia is relaxed and wavy. It has the ability to stretch and move without restriction. When we experience trauma, inflammation, surgery or do repetitive activities, the fascia will tighten to protect surrounding structures from further injury. This trauma or inflammation can create restrictions of the fascia resulting in excessive pressure (up to 2,000 lbs. per square inch) on nerves, muscles, blood vessels, bones, joints and/or organs. This enormous pressure acts like a straightjacket, producing symptoms of pain, restriction of motion and dysfunction of any and all systems of the body. The Missing Link in Healthcare
Myofascial restrictions do not show up in X-rays, MRI’s, myelograms, CAT scans or electromyography; therefore, myofascial problems are often missed and/or misdiagnosed. The following is a partial list of diagnoses that are treatable with myofascial release:
Allergies
Arthritis
Asthma
Carpal tunnel
Chronic fatigue
Chronic pain
Depression
Digestive problems
Disc/spinal injury
Dizziness
Elimination problems
Emotional trauma
Fibromyalgia (fibro – another name for fascia)
Headaches/Migraines
Menstrual problems, endometriosis, infertility
Nerve entrapment/numbness/tingling/muscle weakness
Post traumatic stress
Pre/Post pregnancy
Restless leg
Spasms, tremors
Strains, sprains
Trouble swallowing
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Sports injury
Pre/post surgery
TMJ Syndrome
Whiplash
Myofascial release can help with a wide range of symptoms due to the fact that fascia is infused into every structure in the body. Fascial tightening can lead to bizarre and seemingly unrelated symptoms.
