Myofascial release therapy (MFR) is a powerful bodywork modality that has many amazing benefits. Some of these benefits are listed below. MFR:
Myofascial Release (MFR) is a safe and very effective hands-on therapy that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into the Myofascial connective tissue to eliminate pain and restore motion. The time element is essential in this therapy and has to do with the viscous flow and the piezoelectric phenomenon: a low load (gentle pressure) applied slowly will allow a viscoelastic medium (fascia) to elongate.
Trauma, inflammatory responses, and surgical procedures can create Myofascial restrictions that produce tensile pressures of approximately 2,000 pounds per square inch on pain sensitive structures. These restrictions do not show up in many of the standard tests (x-rays, myelograms, CAT scans, electromyography, etc.) This enormous pressure acts like a “straightjacket” on muscles, nerves, blood vessels and produces symptoms of pain, headaches and restriction of motion.
You can expect your MFR treatment to be in a safe and nurturing environment. Please arrive ten minutes before your appointment to complete the client intake form. Your first session will be structured as following:
Feedback from the client regarding their body’s feelings and sensations will be needed in order to achieve positive results. Often the reduction of pain and increase of range of motion is experienced during or after the treatment. For maximum results, it is best to schedule a follow-up appointment within two weeks of the initial treatment.
Myofascial Release treatment sessions are often very relaxing. Clients are guided to keep their awareness in their body. You follow-up Myofascial Release appointments will be structured as following:
I will be charting you progress. This way you will be able to see the changes and improvements you have made over time.
If you like to speak more extensively about your body mechanics we can add 30 minutes to the session for $30 and explore how you perform you daily activities and/or certain yoga poses in depth. By watching you perform the poses, I will be able to help you modify and avoid future injuries.
The Myofascial Release (MFR) approach looks at each client as a unique individual. MFR therapy works on freeing up restrictions and imbalances in the fascial network. By applying moderately sustained pressure (up to 5 minutes) into the connective tissue the therapist is able to elongate or release fascia.
Each Myofascial Release treatment session is performed directly on skin without oils, creams or machinery. This enables the therapist to accurately detect fascial restrictions and apply the appropriate amount of sustained pressure to facilitate release of the fascia. The therapist applies soft tissue mobilization and movement therapy when necessary to enhance the treatment and the outcome.
The time component is a vital factor in Myofascial Release therapy. The MFR therapist applies sustained gentle pressure into the tissue of minimum of 90 seconds, up to 5 minutes, allowing the fascia to elongate naturally and return to its fluidity and functionality.
The gentle traction and compression coupled with the time element elicits fascia to change its viscosity allowing to release cross restrictions, increase range of motion and decrease pain levels. Given the importance of the time component, Myofascial Release treatments at Reclaim Your Health are usually 90 minutes in length.
Self-treatment is an essential part of Myofascial Release therapy. MFR promotes independence through education in proper body mechanics, self treatment instructions and postural awareness.
Clients are encouraged to be part of their healing journey by following a self-treatment routine at home as recommended by the MFR therapist. Self-treatment includes Myofascial stretching techniques and the use of tools such as foam roller, 4-inch ball and Cranio-cradle.
Reference: myofascialrelease.com
*Used with permission from John F. Barnes
