Successful Weight Loss

The Function Of Myofascial Release Therapy

By Young Lindsay


Injuries, infection, surgery, overuse and inactivity are just some issues that can cause individuals to lose flexibility and develop pain in parts of the body like the shoulders, hips, back or neck. Myofascial release therapy is a treatment increasingly being used today to treat problems like this. It releases tightness in the restricted fascia, resulting in more flexibility, greater skeletal and muscular alignment and significantly reducing pain.

The fascia is the name given to the connective tissue that surrounds organs, muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments. It serves as a cushioning agent, protecting and supporting these structures. Healthy tissue is relaxed but when it is damaged, it becomes tight. The contraction or restriction prevents proper blood flow and the pain is accentuated if it is not treated.

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 learn how to provide gentle pressure or more intense pressure in a sustained manner. This allows the fascia to elongate naturally without being forced. The therapist has to learn how to identify and move through each restriction in the connective tissue.

Sessions are conducted on a one-on-one basis and the first appointment is used to assess the problem and discuss a suitable plan of treatment. Subsequent treatments may be conducted every few days or on a daily basis. This may take place over a period of weeks or even months, depending on the severity of the problem. Progress is measured by the decrease in pain experienced by the patient as well as the increase in motion.

No oils, creams or machinery of any sort is used for this type of treatment. It is the therapist who does all the work. The process is safe and gentle and it has been used successfully for many years to treat injuries and pain that do not seem to respond to other measures. The whole body approach used makes this therapy really effective.

Deeper pressure may be required but this never becomes intolerable for the client. To prevent this, the therapist keeps communicating with the client and remains sensitive to the level of pain experienced. The idea is not to force the fascia but to allow it to loosen naturally. The client may experience a slight sensation of burning or stretching.

There are many different therapists offering this type of treatment. Some are more qualified and experienced than others, making it important to check credentials before just randomly selecting one. If one is found online, it is usually possible to read testimonials from grateful clients. This is often very helpful when trying to make the right decision.




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