The Effective Use 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.

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.

The pressure applied by a therapist gentle to much deeper. However, it is never beyond the tolerance level of the patient. Communication between the therapist and patient ensures this. Some patients experience a slight burning sensation on their skin but this is quite normal. Others may feel stretching in the area being treated.

This therapy is available from a wide variety of different therapists. It is important to find out what kind of training and credentials a practitioner has before making an appointment. Reading client testimonials is also another way to find out more about a particular therapist. This treatment can effectively address many orthopedic and soft tissue problems, providing relief for patients who may have been suffering for years.




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