What is Myofascial Release?
Myofascial release is a manual therapy technique used during sports massage treatments. Before we can go into what myofascial release is, we need to understand what fascia is. To keep it simple, imagine a large strong spiders web. This three dimensional complex matrix surrounds our muscles, organs, nerves, bones, blood vessels – basically everything in our body is held together by fascia! So you can imagine, if one spot in our fascia gets pulled or twisted, the effect can be felt throughout the body. For instance, you may have knee pain that has nothing to do with your knee, but everything to do with a lower back injury.
So, myofascial release techniques aim to smooth out any knots or tightness in the fascia, returning it to its fluid and flexible self. Firm pressure is applied to the restricted points which allows them to release; you can sometimes feel them ‘melt’ away.
How does Myofascial Release work?
Using deep but slow applied pressure, your therapist will release the tightness in your fascia. The techniques used won’t be painful although you may feel slight discomfort and pressure. he techniques applied to fascial tissue will create a heat response and lead to increased blood flow in this area. As a result, lymphatic drainage (removal of waste products) will improve and optimal structural realignment is able to occur.
Can Myofascial Release help me - and what should I expect?
Myofascial release is a handy technique to be used during your sports massage treatment, it also pairs nicely with acupuncture to allow it to work efficiently.
If myofasical release is needed during treatment, your therapist will carry out the techniques prior to your massage as its much easier to do without any oil on the skin that reduces friction.
If you have a query regarding whether myofacial release is right for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch and we can discuss it further.
Technique used in Sports Massage treatment. Call 07791133473 or contact for more information and bookings.
