Myofascial Release is a safe and very effective hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into the Myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. This essential “time element” has to do with the viscous flow and the piezoelectric phenomenon: a low load (gentle pressure) applied slowly will allow a viscoelastic medium (fascia) to elongate.
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, the fascia is relaxed and wavy in configuration. It has the ability to stretch and move without restriction. When one experiences physical trauma, emotional trauma, scarring, or inflammation, however, the fascia loses its pliability. It becomes tight, restricted, and a source of tension to the rest of the body. Trauma, such as a fall, car accident, whiplash, surgery or just habitual poor posture and repetitive stress injuries has cumulative effects on the body. The changes trauma causes in the fascial system influences comfort and function of our body. Fascial restrictions can exert excessive pressure causing all kinds of symptoms producing pain, headaches or restriction of motion. Fascial restrictions affect our flexibility and stability, and are a determining factor in our ability to withstand stress and perform daily activities.
The use of Myofascial Release allows us to look at each patient as a unique individual. Our one-on-one therapy sessions are hands-on treatments during which our therapists use a multitude of Myofascial Release techniques and movement therapy. We promote independence through education in proper body mechanics and movement, self treatment instruction, enhancement of strength, improved flexibility, and postural and movement awareness.
The myofascial release approach is not just an assembly of techniques. It creates a whole body awareness that allows our therapists to facilitate change, growth and the possibility of total resolution of restrictions, emotions and belief systems which can impede a patient’s progress. Myofascial Release will safely and gently release the entire fascial system for lasting and comprehensive results and whole body healing.
Our therapists are trained in the John F. Barnes, PT Myofascial Release approach as it has consistently proven to have produced results in patients that last. In this technique, we use gentle sustained pressure or pulling on the body. Our therapists detect fascial restrictions and apply the appropriate amount of sustained pressure to facilitate release of the fascia and restore movement.
Problems Myofascial Release Can Help
Back Pain
Myofascial Release is extremely helpful in reducing back pain, restoring the motion and flexibility of the entire spine by treating the front and back three-dimensionally and the associated pelvis which is considered to be the foundation of the spine.
Bulging Disc
MFR decreases tightness in the tissues surrounding the spine to prevent further herniation and decrease pain and symptoms.
Bursitis
MFR decreases tightness of the tissues surrounding the bursa to alleviate pressure, restore full motion, and eliminate inflammation of the bursa.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
MFR decreases the tightness of the tissues in the chest, neck, and arms to allow the nerves to glide easily and freely to eliminate symptoms.
Cervical and Lumbar Injuries
MFR helps to alleviate tightness and restore motion and function by decreasing he pressure cause by tight connective tissues.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
MFR decreases tightness and eliminates fascial tissue restrictions to eliminate pain, restore mobility, and eliminate exhaustion.
Chronic Pain
MFR decreases fascial restrictions throughout the body, including areas of previous injury to eliminate pain.
Degenerative Disc Disease
MFR decreases tightness and fascial restrictions surrounding the problematic discs and vertebrae to prevent further dehydration of the discs and alleviate pain.
Fibromyalgia
MFR decreases fascial restrictions throughout the body to re-gain optimal flexibility, improve energy levels, restore normal sleeping patterns, and resolve pain.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
MFR restores mobility to tissue that is scarred or adhered in and surrounding the shoulder joint to restore the ability to fully move the shoulder without pain.
Herniated Disc
MFR decreases tightness in the tissues surrounding the spine to prevent further herniation and decrease pain and symptoms.
Headaches or Migraines
MFR decreases tightness and restores mobility of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord, restores optimal postural alignment, and alignment of the bones of the head to alleviate symptoms and prevent future occurrence of headaches and migraines.
Myofascial Pain Syndrome
MFR decreases tightness in the fascia and muscles to eliminate trigger points and alleviate associated symptoms.
Neck Pain
Myofascial Release can help to remove the compression that restrictions can apply to pain sensitive structures in the cervical region and associated structures that cause pain and dysfunction.
Osteoarthritis
MFR decreases tightness of tissues surrounding joints to alleviate pressure and compression in the joint. This can relieve pain, improve mobility of the joint, and prevent further wearing away of the cartilage.
Pelvic Pain
MFR decreases tightness of tissues surrounding the pelvic and abdominal areas to eliminate symptoms.
Plantar Fascitis
MFR decreases tightness in the tissues of the leg and bottom of the foot to restore proper alignment of the hip bones and bones of the feet to enable pain-free walking.
Pudendal Nerve Entrapment
By providing gentle, sustained hands-on stretching into the areas of fascial restriction, Myofascial Release can restore the necessary slack to the system to take the pressure off of the pudendal nerve. This helps to eliminate pain and improve the ability to sit, engage in intercourse, and maintain continence.
Scars (hypertrophic, hypersensitive, painful, burn scars, mastectomy scars)
MFR decreases tightness of scar tissue to alleviate pain, restore normal sensation, and decrease thickness of scar tissue.
Sciatica
MFR decreases tightness and spasm in the tissues surrounding the low back and bones of the spine to decrease compression of nerves and restore optimal postural alignment to eliminate symptoms.
Scoliosis
MFR decreases tightness of tissues surrounding the spine and pelvis to restore proper alignment of the hip bones and bones of the spine. This decreases symptoms, improves posture, and restores even leg length.
Shin Splints
MFR decreases tightness and fascial restrictions of the tissues in the shins and legs to alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence with future physical activity.
Tennis Elbow
MFR decreases tightness of tissue and muscles in the forearm surrounding the elbow to alleviate symptoms.
Tinnitus (Ringing of the ears)
MFR decreases tightness of tissues of the head, face, and ear canal to restore proper alignment of the bones of the head and aid in draining fluid in the ear.
TMJ Syndrome
MFR decreases tightness in the tissues surrounding the jaw and mouth, eliminates pain and grinding, and restores optimal postural alignment to allow the jaw to work properly and smoothly
Trigeminal Neuralgia
MFR decreases tightness in the tissues and fascia of the face and head to decrease compression of the nerve and resolve symptoms.
Whiplash
MFR decreases tightness and spasm of the muscles in the neck to restore mobility of the neck and eliminate pain.