About Myofascial Release
What is Fascia?
Fascia is a fluid, web like connective tissue that spans the entire body three dimensionally from head to toe. Fascia is dense and multi -layered, covering and penetrating every muscle, bone, nerve, organ and artery in the body. The fascial system is a continuous structure that attaches to and connects every other part of body.
Scientific Research on Fascia
“Strolling Under the Skin” by Dr. Jean Claude Guimberteau
In 2018 scientists “discovered” a new organ they named the interstitium. Interstitium is just another name for myofascial tissue. This discovery was groundbreaking as traditional western medicine had previously viewed fascia as a sheath that only surrounds structures in the body. Through new medical imaging advances, these scientists confirmed that the interstitium is a series of flexible, ever adapting connective tissues that surround and weave through every part of the body uninterrupted and interconnected.
Scientists are now studying fascia as a missing link in cancer care, as the connectivity of the interstitium throughout the body gave new insight into how cancer spreads.
Myofascial Restrictions
This video by Sally Morris helps to demonstrate the John F Barnes, MFR practice principle, "Feel the pain, look elsewhere for the cause."
Healthy fascia is fluid and pliable. Myofascial restrictions occur due to trauma, inflammation, repetitive stress, or surgery, and can lead to a hardening and shortening of the soft tissue.
Our bodies develop patterns of tension and restricted movement in order to protect itself from perceived threats (the car that almost hit you, the stress of work, or memories from a fall you took ten years ago). While these bracing patterns may have served in protecting the body short term, over time they cause loss of mobility and fascial restrictions.
Fascial restrictions have a tensile strength of up to 2,000 pounds per square inch, creating crushing pressure on sensitive structures of the body. Myofascial restrictions do not show up on any standard imaging tests (x-rays, MRI, CAT scans), and are often the undiscovered source of a myriad of problems in the body.
Left unaddressed these restrictions become like a straight jacket around your body, limiting your movement and causing pain throughout. Because these protective mechanisms are subconscious, we must release the restrictions in the fascia in order for your brain to sense that the body is safe again and there is no need to fight or flee from anything. This often results in a greater sense of overall happiness and emotional well-being.
Myofascial Release is one of the best things you can do to support your health and well-being.
Pain
Pain is simply your body’s way of communicating that something needs attention.
Often our pain starts with a whisper, a slight sensation of discomfort we are able to ignore in our day to day activities. As time goes on, your body will send more noticeable signals to get your attention.
If ignored long enough, the pain can become so intense it may feel that your body is screaming at you! If we can view pain simply as a signal, not a punishment or a life sentence, we are able to use our body’s wisdom to heal wholly and naturally.
What is Myofascial Release?
Myofascial release (MFR) is a hands-on therapy that is highly effective for pain relief and healing, including problems that have not responded to traditional therapy.
MFR treatments begin with a physical assessment to identify any areas of imbalance in the body. The entire body is assessed, palpated and treated in order to address the source of the pain and ensure permanent results.
MFR therapists apply gentle sustained pressure into areas of restriction until the tissue softens and lengthens. The sustained pressure into the tissue allows the ground substance (the environment our cells live in) to return to a healthy, gel like state.
Sustained stretching is also applied to help elongate the collagen and elastin fibers of your fascia. This is where the real cellular changes take place, allowing the body to improve blood flow and nutrient supply, as well as aiding proper disposal of toxins and cell waste in the body.
Customized Care
Because your session will be customized to your body’s needs, other modalities such as cranialsacral therapy, trigger point therapy, sports massage therapy, etc. will also be applied if necessary.
You will also be receiving self-treatment exercises to do at home in order to expedite your healing and help you take control of your health. Ergonomics, nutrition and stress management all play a role in your health and it is my goal to support you in all of these areas in your life.
Most people notice decreased pain and increased mobility after their first session. Your therapist will discuss necessary treatment frequency based on your body’s needs.
