Whether you’re searching online or in a clinic for pain solutions, experts can throw around a lot of unfamiliar words. It’s enough to seem like your journey to recovery will happen in a foreign language you don’t understand.
Take “myofascial release,” for example—a common type of therapy for a broad range of pain conditions. Before you start wondering how to catch myofascial (before you can release it) and why your mother never told you about it in the first place, let’s break it down.
What is myofascial release?
Myofascial release (MFR) is a manual therapy technique used by physiotherapists and massage therapists that puts the focus on damaged myofascial tissues—the connective tissues that wrap and support your muscles. When areas of this tissue become restricted or contracted, it inhibits blood flow and muscle/joint movement, as well as causing pain.
How is it done?
Your therapist will locate “trigger points” where the myofascial tissue is gathered and stiff, using manual techniques to provide relief with gentle pressure, massage or stretching.
When is it used?
Myofascial release can help you recover from injuries involving your back, shoulder, hip or other soft tissue areas that have left you in pain or out of alignment. It can also be a great solution for common or ongoing concerns such as:
- arthritis
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- fibromyalgia
- menopausal pain
- menstrual cramps
- migraine headaches
- muscle spasms
- temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder
What are the benefits?
Myofascial release increases blood flow, improves range of motion and decreases pain. When your myofascial tissue is more fluid, your muscles and joints can move around more freely. Some patients describe a reduction in tension immediately following a session.
To learn more about, view our pt Health Myofascial release service page.