Myofascial Release
To better understand Myofascial Release it is beneficial to visualize the fascial system.
What is Fascia?
Human body consists of a 3-dimensional connective tissue web that spreads through-out the body and surrounds every muscle, bone, nerve blood vessel, and organ to the cellular level. This tissue is called Fascia.
Fascia plays an important role in the support and function of our bodies since it surrounds and attaches to all structures. In the normal healthy state, facia has the ability to stretch and move without restriction. But when our body experiences a physical injury, emotional trauma, chronic inflammatory response or surgery, a Myofascial Restriction is created in the fascial web. The affected fascia then loses its pliability and becomes a source of tension for the rest of the body.
Myofascial restrictions can cause pain, inflammation, nerve injury, vascular compromise or malfunction of any structure that is trapped in the restriction.
NOTE: Myofascial restrictions do not show up in many of the standard diagnostic tests (x-rays, myelograms, CAT scans, electromyography, etc.) Only a skilled clinician can feel these restrictions when doing a hands-on body assessment
Myofascial Restriction depicted in dark blue. "One restriction in one part of our body can create multiple restrictions in other parts". Ex: Neck pain could be originating from a primary restriction occurring in the hip.
What is Myofascial Release?
John F. Barnes’ Myofascial Release treatment approach is a safe and effective hands-on soft-tissue technique that facilitates a stretch into the restricted fascia. A sustained pressure is applied into the restricted tissue barrier: after 90-120 seconds the tissue will undergo physical changes allowing tissue release. After a few releases the tissue will become softer and more pliable. The restoration of length and health of the fascial tissue will take the pressure off the pain sensitive structures, restore alignment and improve mobility of the joints.
Mind-Body Connection”
When many of us are injured, we go into a state of disassociation at the moment of trauma to survive. Our body/mind experiences an instinctive “freeze response”; over time, this “freeze response” creates holding or bracing patterns that eventually produce increased chronic muscular tone, spasm, and myofascial restrictions that eventually become symptoms.
MFR therapists “see” the total picture of a patient’s fascial system (full of life experiences, memories, emotions and consciousness), and treat the entire cause and effect relationship behind the pain or trauma being experienced by the patient.
Video 1: A great explanation of MFR, by Richard Harty, PT
Click on the video above to better understand Myofascial Release
Click on the video above to better understand Myofascial Release
Video 2: Educational video about the Fascial network, by Dr. Jean-Claude Guimberteau, MD
A fascinating 30-minute educational video excerpt from, "Strolling under the Skin" created by Dr. Jean-Claude Guimberteau, MD. This video depicts living fascia in motion as sustained pressure is applied to areas of restriction.
A fascinating 30-minute educational video excerpt from, "Strolling under the Skin" created by Dr. Jean-Claude Guimberteau, MD. This video depicts living fascia in motion as sustained pressure is applied to areas of restriction.