Myofascial Release

Myofascial release works with fascia, the main connective tissue in the body. Working slowly and gently with fascia creates movement and change until the tissues "melt" and release. These releases take pressure off pain-sensitive structures such as nerves and blood vessels.

Because fascia forms a three-dimensional web running throughout the body, the effect of myofascial release on any area is amplified to surrounding areas and deep into layers of tissue.

MFR gains efficacy by addressing the fascia as a system. Restrictions in the fascial system go unnoticed by medical testing such as X-ray, CAT scans and MRIs. Once these restrictions are noted, specialized techniques slowly release the fascial restrictions until it changes from a hardened glue-like consistency to that of a gel.

The majority of clients that discover MFR have been through multiple tests, procedures and physical therapy programs with little or short-lasting results. Myofascial Release addresses the cause.

Your MFR therapist will be looking for postural imbalances. Wearing minimal clothing while still protecting your modesty is necessary. We recommend women bring a sports bra and loose-fitting shorts or a two-piece bathing suit. Men should bring loose-fitting shorts.

Recovery and healing depends on: the length of time the condition has been present, how often the client attends therapy (especially in the acute phase), how well the client follows their home flexibility program, and how committed the client is to letting go of patterns that are not serving them.

This depends on how long restrictions have been present, the degree to which symptoms affect your daily living, and what results you want to see. Your therapist will be better able to answer this question during your first session.

Malfunction of the fascial system due to trauma, posture, or inflammation can create restrictions resulting in abnormal pressure on nerves, muscles, bones and organs. This can create pain or malfunction throughout the body, sometimes with bizarre side effects and seemingly unrelated symptoms.

Fascia is composed of elastin, collagen and a polysaccharide complex called ground substance. A tough yet flexible connective tissue matrix resembling a spider web is formed with these components, providing a contiguous connection from muscle to bone, bone to bone and organs to their supporting structures. Fascia is present even at the cellular level and should be thought of as a complex living system.

Restrictions in this system can be created through physical injury, emotional trauma, inflammation, and postural imbalances. As restrictions are formed in the fascial system, pain, reduced range of motion, local dysfunction, systemic dysfunction, postural imbalances and fatigue may begin to occur.

During a Myofascial Release technique, the minimum length of time the release should be held is between 30 seconds to 3 minutes and may last as long as 5–10 minutes for a complete softening of the restriction. This allows the fascial restriction to gently change its viscosity so that function and length can be returned to its normal state. All MFR techniques are manual — machinery is not used.

My typical client has had problems for five, ten, fifteen and sometimes twenty-plus years, has seen numerous health care professionals and has often exhausted medical benefits and financial resources. Once the fascial system is addressed, these clients begin to make progress and, in a matter of weeks with intensive Myofascial Release treatment, are on their way to a pain-free, active lifestyle again.

Rolfing is quite different from Myofascial Release. They may both be thought of as "structural" works that intend to realign the body, but that's where the similarities end. MFR therapists approach each person as an individual and do not address clients with a protocol.