HOW YOUR BODY CAN BENEFIT FROM MYOFASCIAL RELEASE
Day-to-day life can present unexpected challenges. The stresses and strains of daily life can take a toll on your body, leaving you tense, tired, and in pain. If these symptoms are impacting your quality of life, you may be able to benefit from myofascial release therapy.
What exactly is Myofascial Release?
A myofascial release is a hands-on approach to pain and discomfort treatment. Don't expect a gentle massage accompanied by aromatherapy and pan flute music. Myofascial release, on the other hand, can be an intense experience. A physical therapist, chiropractor, or massage therapist will massage, knead, and gently stretch the muscles and fascia to work out knots throughout a session. This bodywork technique also includes applying pressure to tight or sore areas to relax them. The therapist applies pressure with their hands, elbows, or a massage tool such as a foam roller or a ball. You may feel sore afterward, but once the soreness subsides, you'll feel much looser.
What is Fascia?
Fascia can be found all over the body. It is a glycoprotein connective wrap that holds muscles, bones, tendons, and joints in place. A thin fascial layer wraps individual muscle fibers. These are arranged in bundles and surrounded by fascia. Finally, fascia encases the bundles, resulting in what we call the muscle. Pain results when your fascia tightens in ways it shouldn't. Scar tissue occurs when fascia fibers rebuild in a crisscross pattern, whereas healthy fascia fibers run in the same direction.
What can Myofascial Therapy do?
You may require myofascial therapy if you've had an injury or trauma to your musculoskeletal system. Myofascial therapy may also be beneficial if you have a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, migraine headaches, or a chronic pain condition such as fibromyalgia or arthritis. In addition, myofascial release therapy can help with conditions like insomnia, anxiety, and depression.
Patients with bleeding or blood vessel disorders, burns, or slow-healing wounds may not be appropriate candidates for this treatment. We do not recommend it for patients with bone fractures or severe osteoporosis.
Most people are good candidates for myofascial release therapy. In just 60 minutes, you might feel much better and see lasting results. The next day may be sore, but the treatment sessions are incredibly relaxing for most patients.
Parts of the body that could benefit from Myofascial Release
This pain management technique is excellent for parts of the body that are used a lot or that have been in fixed positions for a long time. These areas include the following:
- Head.
- Jaw.
- Neck.
- Arms.
- Shoulders.
- Lower back.
- Hips.
- Calves.
- Quads.
- Feet.
Benefits of Myofascial Release
- Alleviates pain
People seek myofascial release therapy mainly for pain relief. Muscle knots can be painful or cause great discomfort. Myofascial release relieves pain.
This includes more than just muscle knots. Myofascial release is also beneficial for chronic pain conditions such as:
- Fibromyalgia
- Multiple sclerosis
- Arthritis
If you're wondering if Myofascial release can help with other chronic conditions, check with your primary care physician.
- Improves Range of Motion and Flexibility
Tight, tense muscles make it painful or even difficult to move freely. You may notice a significant difference in your range of motion after myofascial release.
- Better Circulation
Poor circulation causes a variety of symptoms, including:
- Fatigue
- Digestive issues
- Muscle and headaches
- Numbness and tingling
Myofascial release has been found in studies to improve blood flow throughout the body.
- Breaks Down Scar Tissue
Scar tissue can cause mobility problems and discomfort. Myofascial release helps to break down scar tissue and reduce some of the issues that come with it.
- Stress Relief
Myofascial release, like all other types of massage, is very relaxing. Clients frequently leave sessions feeling less anxious and in better moods.
As always, the benefits of myofascial release are multiplied when treatment is received regularly.
Contact Komp Chiropractic and Acupuncture Clinic in Omaha, NE
Komp Chiropractic and Acupuncture Clinic understands that pain problems can be difficult and require a combination of treatments to overcome. Myofascial release, along with physical therapy, medication management, and other holistic therapies, could be part of your treatment plan.
