Myofascial Release

Myofascial Release (MFR) is a type of soft tissue massage incorporating stretching and elongating of the connective tissues such as fascia. It is a powerful method of releasing tension from problem areas such as the neck, the diaphragm, lower back and pelvis. Myofascial Release is a safe, effective, hands-on technique, involving gentle sustained pressure and stretching into the myofascial connective tissue. This helps to eliminate pain and restore motion.

Myofascial release usually begins with a gentle massage which is designed to warm and loosen muscles. As the therapist works, he or she identifies areas of tension which require further attention, and will return to those areas to stretch and work the fascia. Sometimes myofascial release can be quite intense, especially in the case of muscles which are holding a great deal of tension and stress.The time factor for this therapy is important, often a stretch of the fascia may be held for 3 – 5 minutes and so the therapist is patient and uses appropriate body weight to maintain the stretch for the suitable length of time. The time element has to do with the viscous flow and the piezoelectric phenomenon. Using a low load and gentle pressure slowly applied will allow a viscoelastic medium or fascia to elongate, thereby releasing the restrictions within the fascia.

The time factor for this therapy is important, often a stretch of the fascia may be held for 3 – 5 minutes and so the therapist must be patient and use appropriate body weight to maintain the stretch for the suitable length of time. The time element has to do with the viscous flow and the piezoelectric phenomenon. Using a low load and gentle pressure slowly applied will allow a viscoelastic medium or fascia to elongate, thereby releasing the restrictions within the fascia.A Myofascial Release Treatment session is performed directly on skin without oils or creams. This enables the therapist to detect fascial restrictions and apply the appropriate amount of sustained pressure to facilitate release of the fascia. It works on the principle that many people hold stress in their muscles causing them to seize, tighten or lock. Injuries or scarring will exacerbate this. The purpose of myofascial release is to access these areas of blockage and tension and release them, by freeing up the muscle and allowing it to move more easily.

During MFR treatment, the client can be worked on in various positions, or the massage therapist may only stretch a muscle in a small way, using a few fingers to get deep into the muscle and pull it into a beneficial stretch. Working with the breath in combination with the stretches should maximize the effectiveness of MFR.

Body Massage

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