Myofascial Release Therapy
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Unlocking the Healing Power of Myofascial Release Therapy
Have you ever stumbled upon the term 'myofascial release' and wondered what it's all about? Don't worry, you're not alone. Myofascial release (MFR) has been quietly gaining recognition as a powerful method to alleviate pain, boost flexibility, and restore overall bodily harmony. What was once an overlooked system in our body is now emerging as a highly effective treatment focus for chronic pain, poor posture, movement issues, headaches, and recurring injuries. We are proud to offer this treatment at Physio Inq Engadine and Physio Inq Sutherland. To understand the power of this treatment we must first understand fascia!
What is Fascia, anyway?
Let's start with the basics. Picture your body as an intricate web of interconnected tissues. One crucial component of this network is fascia - a 3-dimensional web of connective tissue that's alive and responsive to your body's needs. Think of it as a complex spider web that envelops, weaves through, and has the power to influence every muscle, nerve, bone, blood vessel, organ, system, and cell in your body. When fascia tightens or restricts, it can lead to pain and limited range of motion in your muscles.
The Fascial Sweater Analogy
Imagine the myofascial system as a cosy sweater you're wearing. When there's a snag or tension in one area, it pulls and affects other parts, creating abnormal movement patterns, pain, joint compression, and a higher risk of injury. Take a look at Fascia Man (image below). An impact injury to the lower back of Fascia Man has created fascial strains through his web from the injury. Can you see how the point of impact on the lower back may over time develop into headaches, neck pain, upper back pain or feelings of tightness in areas far from the original injury site? All localised treatments to Fascia Man’s neck pain will produce temporary results, because the excessive pressure from the myofascial tightness remains untreated!
Root Causes of Fascial Strain
Fascial strain can originate from various sources. It can result from physical trauma, structural imbalances, differences in leg length, or even subconscious holding patterns and emotional trauma. Fascia, due to its interconnected nature, means that tension in one part of your body can affect the entire system.
The Beauty of Myofascial Release Therapy
The beauty of Myofascial Release Therapy at Physio Inq Engadine and Physio Inq Sutherland is that it’s about addressing the root cause of your pain. If tightened fascia is causing symptoms far from the actual source of tension, localised treatments might offer temporary relief, but the core issue remains unaddressed. Our goal is to remove these fascial restrictions and restore your body's equilibrium.
How Does the Treatment Work?
During an MFR session, sustained pressure is applied over time to gradually soften and release the fascia. Imagine your fascia as rock-hard toffee slowly melting, and stretching into a more fluid form. Unlike a regular massage that focuses on firm pressure addressing the muscles, the slow, sustained lighter pressure of MFR connects the therapist to your fascial system, allowing the restrictions to unwind.
What to Expect During Treatment
Everyone's response to myofascial release is unique! You might feel incredibly relaxed, experience tingling or prickling sensations, feeling ‘unwinding’, feel emotions or perhaps feel nothing at all – and all of these reactions are entirely normal!
Setting Realistic Healing Goals
In the pursuit of healing, it's crucial to be realistic and set achievable expectations. Healing takes time, especially when dealing with pain, injury, or trauma. Embracing the journey and letting go of quick-fix expectations, as hard as that can be to do, will help to create an environment conducive to true healing.
We hope this article finds you at just the right moment in your wellness journey. Embrace the therapeutic touch of myofascial release and embark on a path toward discovering the transformative benefits it can bring to both your physical and mental well-being. Remember, your body has an incredible capacity for healing. When you book with a Physio Inq Sutherland Remedial Massage Therapist we will support you every step of the way.
