Fascia is very important stuff. It is the new rock star of bodywork. Until recently ignored and now revered as perhaps the missing link in healthcare. It is a whole body system and treating it can bring incredible results.

 

A myofascial release treatment doesn't feel like massage as such. It isn't rubbing, but the therapist's hands connecting gently with the fascia that lies beneath the skin. No oil is used. It feels extremely relaxing, it doesn't hurt and the results can be magical. MFR involves applying gentle sustained pressure into the myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion.

 

Myofascial release is a whole body approach and treats the cause of restriction at the deepest level.

 

Fascia is the most abundant tissue in the body [1], a 3D continuous uninterrupted web of connective tissue which flows throughout the whole body. It surrounds, every muscle, muscle fiber, tendon, bone, ligament and organ.  

 

In healthy conditions the fascial system is relaxed and provides a cushioning and supportive mechanism where we can move freely without restriction or pain. Following all physical and emotional trauma and through poor posture, fascia scars and hardens in the affected site and along the tension lines imposed on it. This causes the fascial network to lose its cushioning mechanism and internal structures become pulled out of alignment.

The therapy is an art form. Even though the patient may not feel much happening the experienced therapist can actually feel the fascial restrictions, where they go to and subsequently feels the release of those restrictions during the session.

 

For more information on myofascial release and fascia click here

 

[1] Luchau, T Advanced Myofascial Techniques, 2015 p13