Myofascial Release
Myofascial release is a type of manual therapy aimed at relieving pain and improving function by targeting the myofascial tissues, which are the tough membranes that wrap, connect, and support your muscles. It involves applying gentle, sustained pressure to the myofascial connective tissue to eliminate pain and restore motion.
Key elements of myofascial release include:
Assessment:
Identifying areas of fascial tension and restriction.
Technique:
Using hands or tools to apply pressure, typically for several minutes, until the therapist feels the tissue relax.
Patient Involvement:
Often requires patient feedback to locate painful or tight areas and adjust pressure accordingly.
Myofascial release is used to treat conditions like chronic pain, headaches, fibromyalgia, and injuries. It's based on the idea that fascia can become tight or restricted due to trauma, inflammation, or surgical procedures, leading to pain and reduced mobility.