Myofascial release is a pivotal treatment option for those suffering from chronic pain and immobility, particularly related to the muscles and connective tissues. At Haven Chiropractic & Sports Medicine, we specialize in this gentle yet effective technique that aims to alleviate pain and restore mobility by targeting the fascia—the dense, tough tissue that surrounds your muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.
What is Myofascial Release?
Myofascial release (MFR) is a massage therapy technique that focuses on relieving tension and tightness in the myofascial tissues. This involves applying light pressure and massaging the fascia that covers your muscles. Under normal conditions, your fascia should be relaxed and wavy in configuration, allowing for pain-free and increased movement. However, factors such as injury, surgery, or poor posture can tighten this fascia, causing pain and pressure on surrounding structures.
The treatment is often directed at “trigger points” within the myofascial tissue. These are points that are particularly sensitive and are thought to be the source of pain, although it is often difficult to pinpoint them exactly. As such, myofascial release generally involves treating broader areas of muscle and tissue to ensure comprehensive pain relief.
How Does Myofascial Release Work?
During a session at Haven Chiropractic & Sports Medicine, trained therapists begin by identifying stiff areas across your body. They use a combination of massage and stretching techniques with mild pressure to ease these stiff areas and help loosen the fascia. This process may be repeated several times over the same or different trigger points until the area feels fully alleviated of tension.
Interestingly, the region being treated might not always correlate directly with where the pain is felt. Myofascial release works on a broad network of muscles, potentially addressing the root cause of pain that is felt elsewhere in the body.
Who Benefits from Myofascial Release?
This therapy is particularly beneficial for patients with myofascial pain syndrome, chronic headaches, and venous insufficiency, among other conditions. It is also helpful for individuals who have lost flexibility or function following an injury, or who are dealing with persistent pain in areas like the back, shoulders, hips, or neck.
Conditions Treated with Myofascial Release:
- Chronic pain in the neck, back, shoulders, and hips
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Migraine and headaches
- Plantar fasciitis
- Fibromyalgia
- TMJ Dysfunction
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- Post-polio syndrome
- Whiplash
- Scar tissue formation
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- And many more complex pain issues that have not responded to other treatments
Safety and Considerations
While myofascial release therapy is safe for most individuals, it is not recommended for those with certain conditions such as acute fractures, open wounds, deep vein thrombosis, or those on blood thinners.
At Haven Chiropractic & Sports Medicine, our therapists are highly trained to assess your individual needs and tailor the myofascial release technique to provide maximum relief with minimal risk. If you are struggling with unexplained muscle pain or have suffered from the listed conditions, consider exploring the benefits of myofascial release. Our team is here to guide you through each step of your journey to better health and improved mobility. Contact us today to learn more about how myofascial release can help you reclaim your life from pain.