Myofascial Release (MFR) is a form of manual therapy that applies sustained pressure to muscles and connective tissue (fascia) restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. MFR is a comprehensive approach with a wide range of pressures, ranging from deep tissue mobilization/massage to light touch.
What is fascia?
There has been much research on fascia over the last few years. In fact, there was recently an international conference with physicians, therapists, and researchers from around the world discussing the importance of the fascial system!
Fascia is a web of connective tissue that spreads throughout the body in an uninterrupted three-dimensional web from head to toe. Fascia encases all muscles, bones, nerves, and organs in the body. When fascia becomes restricted, it may create adhesions, which can result in loss of range of motion or pain. Trauma and inflammatory responses create myofascial restrictions that produce crushing tensile pressures on pain sensitive structures. This pressure acts as a “straight jacket” on muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and bones producing symptoms of pain, headaches, and restriction of motion. Because of its continuous uninterrupted nature, a restriction in one area of the body can likely influence other areas distant to the site of the injury. It is important to note that fascial restrictions do not show up on x-rays, MRIs, or other medical tests.
What is a session like?
MFR is a soft tissue technique that is usually performed on the skin therefore, a client needs to wear clothing that gives access to their skin. (ie. shorts, loose tee shirt, or sports bra). You can undress to your comfort level. Since it is a whole body technique, I will treat other areas that may not be where the pain or dyfunction is because everything is connected.
Sessions usually begin with a postural assessment to see where there are any postural imbalances and fascial restrictions. Is one shoulder higher than the other? Is the pelvis rotated? Is the head forward? These are things I will note in the assessment. You will than lie down on the table either on your back or stomach depending on the area that needs to be addressed first. Again, this can all be adjusted for your comfort level. I will than do a palpatory assessment to feel for areas of restriction, tension, tightness, and mobility. Often times, I can treat while I assess. Than I will assess for any energetic blockages. Techniques and pressure will vary from deep tissue mobilization to very light touch depending on what the body needs at that time. We use techniques such as arm pulls, leg pulls, cross hand releases, indirect diaphragm releases, visceral fascial release, rebounding, soft tissue mobilization, movement facilitation, cranial techniques and more.
Techniques are adapted at a moment to moment basis to meet the body's needs. MFR never forces. It works with the innate healing wisdom of the person. Therefore, it is safe and effective. MFR blends very nicely with Craniosacral Therapy and traditional massage. If you live in New York, and are interested in learning more about it, please give me a call.
Self Treatment
Myofascial stretching and self treatment techniques are an important part of treatment. This gives clients an active role in their recovery and helps maintain health as well as ensure carryover.
To learn more visit : www.myofascialrelease.com
References: John F. Barnes, PT: Myofascial Release: The Search for Excellence
Walter Blick Craniosacral Therapy and Myofascial Release15 East 10th Street New York, NY 10003 Suite 1c 646. 957.3155
copyright 2009 Walter Blick Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy and Myofascial Release: New York, New York
" A knowledge of the universal extent of the fascia is imperative, and is one of the greatest aids to the person who seeks the causes of disease." (A. T. Still, founder of Osteopathy)
