Alternative content

 MYOFASCIAL RELEASE

What is it?
DEFINITION AND EXPLANATION OF MYOFASCIAL RELEASE
Myofascial Release (MFR) is a whole-body treatment method that is a form of massage therapy and bodywork. It focuses on connective tissue called "fascia." Myofascial comes from the Latin words for muscle ("myo") and elastic band ("fascia "). The combination of muscle and fascia is called the myofascial system, and is characterized by its elastic nature.

Fascia is the tough, white membrane within the body, an energetic sheath that covers every organ, bone, tissue, etc. The body’s system of fascia exists from the head to the toes and is similar to a web.  The fascia system surrounds and separates all the tissues and organs of the body down to a cellular level.

Myofascial release is based on the premise that rigidity and inflexibility affecting one area of the fascia can negatively impact the entire body.  Any restrictions in various fascial areas stress the body unevenly and result in disharmonious patterns of movement.  Since the body is innately geared to moving efficiently, MFR can balance the body, resulting in improved energy and reduction or elimination of pain.

What is it used for?
 CONDITIONS MYOFASCIAL RELEASE MAY BE HELPFUL FOR
- Arthritis
- Back strain or injury
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
- Chronic cervical strain
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
- Complex pain complaints
- Fibromyalgia
- Injury to joints
- Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI)
- Strains and sprains from falls
- Physical stress
- Plantar fasciitis
- Poor posture
- Psychological stress
- Whiplash

Where did it come from?
 HISTORY OF MYOFASCIAL RELEASE
Myofascial release techniques have evolved and borrowed from various sources, including osteopathy, chiropractic, deep tissue massage, craniosacral therapy, and physical therapy.  Two main types of myofascial release techniques are currently being taught: "Direct" (deep) and "Indirect" (light).  The two are sometimes combined.

Late 1800s -- Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO, founder of the American School of Osteopathy, is credited with pioneering reflex-based stretch and release techniques and teaching them to his students

1920s -- Robert Ward, D.O. and co-author of "The Myofascial Release Manual" suggests that the Direct MFR methods came from the osteopathy school in the 1920s, taught by Dr. William Naidner as "Fascial Twist."

Connective Tissue Massage was developed by Elizabeth Dicke.  This was a skin rolling technique designed to stretch and heat the superficial layers of myofascia.

1940s -- Dr. Janet G. Travell used the term "myofascial" in medical literature to refer to musculoskeletal pain syndromes and trigger points, a form of therapy distinct from MFR. The terms "Myofascial Therapy" or "Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy" usually refer to the medical treatment of trigger points and are different from MFR bodywork.

1950s –Drs. Wilber Cole and Esther Smoot taught myofascial techniques to students of the Kansas City (MO) College of Osteopathy and Surgery. These techniques have evolved into the "Indirect" style.   In New York City, Dr. Ida Rolf developed Structural Integration or "Rolfing," a holistic system of soft tissue manipulation and movement education with the goal of balancing the body in gravitational field. Dr. Rolf referred to fascia as "the organ of posture."  Her work contributed to the "Direct" style.

1990s -- Instruction in Direct MFR becomes widely available outside of Structural Integration or Physical Therapy training programs. Texts and coursework are offered to general bodyworkers. Major proponents are John F. Barnes PT, Art Riggs, Michael Stanborough, and Tom Myers.

What is it based on?
 THEORY OF MYOFASCIAL RELEASE
Fascia can be injured by the chronic strain of stress, inflammation, poor posture, or through traumatic injury.
Because all body structures are connected by fascia, when it becomes compromised it can put tension on adjacent pain-sensitive structures, as well as creating a drag on distant areas. Even after the initial complaint has been resolved, unusual symptoms such as burning, tingling, or cramping may still be present.  This is believed to result from the underlying fascial imbalances or restrictions.

Our brains accept our current posture, muscle tension, and movement patterns as being "normal" even if they are not efficient or pain-free. MFR works to help the central nervous system relearn patterns and thus accept the new and more functional posture and muscle tension levels.

During the initial phase of treatment, particularly if the pattern is chronic, the patient's brain may resist new and different sensations even if they are positive, and the body has to be re-trained to accept the changes.  As treatments continue the brain starts to note that the new posture and reduced muscle tension is a more efficient state, allowing the effects of the treatment to stretch for longer periods of time.  At the end stage of treatment, the brain fully accepts and integrates the new posture and muscle tension so change is maintained.

How is it done?
 WHAT A SESSION OF MYOFASCIAL RELEASE IS LIKE
A treatment session is generally about one hour, and can address one or two areas of the body or be performed to generally balance the entire body.  Its effects may be felt throughout the whole body. Anywhere from one to multiple treatments may be necessary to alleviate the issue depending on the initial complaint and the amount of time it has been experienced. MFR can be practiced on clients of all ages, including infants.

A session of MFR may be offered in a variety of settings, both spa-like and medical.  The practitioner may take a health history and discuss the client's symptoms.  The treatment will most likely be given on a massage table, but it is usually not necessary to undress.  The hands of the practitioner do not slide along the skin surface using oil.  MFR's goal is to stretch and release muscles and fascia to reduce tension.  Generally, the treatment begins by addressing the problematic areas with some warming and range of motion or tractioning techniques before direct or indirect techniques are begun.  The session will vary according to whether the therapist has been the therapist uses Direct MFR or Indirect MFR, or a combination of the two.

If the therapist has been trained in "Indirect MFR," they will lightly contact the skin using only a few grams of pressure with a relaxed hand.  Stretches are very slow and pressure is light.  When the practitioner encounters a restriction, they will maintain light pressure and wait for approximately three to five minutes, feeling for a "therapeutic pulse" which indicates tissue change, such as heat.  As the tissue softens and "unwinds," motion resumes.  The technique is characterized by sustained pressure over time.

If the therapist has been trained in "Direct MFR," they may use the knuckles, forearms, or other tools to apply several kilograms of pressure to the client's body.  When a restriction is felt, the therapist will begin by "putting in a line of tension" with one hand and "engaging the fascia" by taking up the slack in the tissue with the other.  The fascia is "dragged" across the surface while the therapist monitors tension through the layers of muscle and fascia. This is sometimes referred to as "deep tissue work."

Direct MFR promotes healing by the stretching and lengthening of the fascia, which stimulates adhesive tissues.  While the work is much deeper than the Indirect form, it is not inherently aggressive, as the practitioner moves slowly through the layers of the fascia until the deep tissues are reached.  The session may conclude with massage to soothe the tissues that have been worked deeply.

Who does it?
PRACTITIONERS OF MYOFASCIAL RELEASE
MFR therapists are required to have a specialized training in anatomy, kinesology and physiology. Practitioners are from many fields, including doctors, physical therapists, naturopaths, osteopaths, chiropractors, athletic trainers or massage therapists. Certification through advanced courses is available through many bodywork schools.  Introductory or continuing education courses may run 16 – 24 hours over several days.  Part-time coursework that incorporates all levels of training may take up to one year.