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The Value Of Myofascial Release Therapy

By Young Lindsay


Many people lose function or flexibility after an injury or if ongoing pain is experienced in the soft tissue of shoulders, hips or the back. Myofascial release therapy is used to release tightness and help with reduction of pain and restriction of motion. The goal of therapy is to loosen the contracted muscles, stimulate their stretch reflex and improve the blood and lymphatic circulation.

The fascia is a connective tissue web surrounding every muscle, tendon, ligament, bone, tissue and organ in the body. It offers support and protection, forming a cushioning mechanism to allow for comfortable movement.This network of connective tissue can be affected by trauma, overuse, inactivity and a number of other factors.

Symptoms experienced by individuals are varied, including muscle pain and spasms, headaches, sciatica, chronic neck and back pain. Some people experience pins and needles or numbness and others have breathing problems. Many people experiencing fascia trauma are not diagnosed properly as it cannot be picked up on tests like X rays. They may suffer for some time and undergo many unsuccessful treatments.

Those performing this type of therapy have to go through specific training. Many different courses are available, including ones aimed at those who are already graduates like occupational and physical therapists or osteopathic physicians. This is a different type of treatment to massage and various practical techniques have to be mastered. The therapist must be able to identify the areas requiring treatment and then move carefully through every restriction, applying just the right kind of pressure for the right amount of time.

The first appointment will be devoted to establishing the extent of the restriction and suggesting a treatment plan. Follow up sessions may be held weekly or more than once a week. They may continue for weeks or even months, depending on the progress made. The progress is evident by reduced pain and increased range of motion experienced by the patient.

The therapist does not use any creams, oils or machinery in this process and the techniques are different to that of massaging the muscles of the body. The pressure applied is gentle and sustained. The results are measurable and patients who have not experienced relief with other treatments, often respond to this treatment.

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.

This therapy deals with restrictions, promotes flexibility and helps to improve skeletal alignment. It is safe, gentle and has proved to be effective in many cases, even providing relief for patients who have lived with undiagnosed pain for years. There are many trained therapists available and so choosing a competent one is important. Find out how long the individual has been practicing as well as what training was undergone. Getting recommendations from others who have been helped and reading testimonials written by satisfied clients can be helpful in making such a decision.




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