Myofascial Release is a very effective
hands-on technique which provides sustained
pressure into myofascial restrictions to
eliminate pain, headaches, and to restore motion.
The theory of Myofascial Release requires an
understanding of the fascial system (or
connective tissue). Fascia is a tough
connective tissue which spreads through-out
the body in a three dimensional web from your
head to your feet without interruption.
Trauma or inflammation can create a binding
down of fascia resulting in excessive
pressure on nerves, muscles, blood vessels,
osseous structures and/or organs.
Fascia is a specialized system of the body
which has an appearance similar to a spider’s
web or a sweater. Fascia is very densely
woven and interpenetrates every structure of
our body all the way down to the cellular
level. The fascial system is not just a
system of separate coverings; it is actually
one uninterrupted structure which exists from
head to foot. In this way you can begin to
see each part of the entire body is connected
to every other part by the fascia, like the
yarn in a sweater.
In the normal healthy state, the fascia is
relaxed and wavy in configuration. It has
the ability to stretch and move without
restriction. When we experience physical
injury/trauma or inflammation, however, the
fascia loses its flexibility. It becomes
very tight, and can be a source of tension to
the rest of the body.
Trauma, such as a fall, whiplash, surgery, or
just habitual poor posture over time has a
cumulative effect. Trauma and inflammatory
responses create myofascial restrictions that
can produce crushing tensile pressures of
approximately 2,000 pounds per square inch on
pain sensitive structures. These
restrictions however do not show up on any of
the standard tests (x-rays, myelograms, CAT
scans, EMG’s, ect).
This enormous pressure acts like a
“straightjacket” on muscles, nerves, blood
vessels and bones producing the symptoms of
pain, headaches, and restriction in motion.
Traditional medicine has looked at symptoms,
given it a label, and only treated those
symptoms. Symptoms are only the tip of the
iceberg! The medical approach has been to
medicate patients so they are temporarily
pain free, but it does nothing about the
“straightjacket” of pressure that is causing
the pain.
Traditional physical, occupational, and
massage therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic
and other forms of therapy only treat the
symptoms caused by the “straightjacket” of
pressure that causes and perpetuates the
symptoms. This is why so many patients have
only temporary results never seeming to get
better with traditional therapy.
Myofascial Release allows the chronic
inflammatory response to resolve and
eradicates the enormous pressure exerted on
pain sensitive structures by these
restrictions to help alleviate symptoms and
to allow the body’s natural healing capacity
to function properly.
Through Myofascial Release, the therapist is
able to view each patient as a unique
individual and provide treatment appropriate
to his/her healing. The goal of Myofascial
Release is to restore order and equilibrium
to the whole person so they may return to a
pain free, active lifestyle. Equilibrium is
health.
The above is paraphrased information from
John F. Barnes, PT
International Lecturer, Author and Authority
on Myofascial Release
