Myofascial Release is one Osteopathic technique that is widely used and known. Myofascial Release sometimes called MFR is very effective in restoring flexibility, joint motion, and pain relief. It addresses a tissue in the body called fascia which helps comprise and connect almost every structure in the body.

Fascia is a tissue in the body which surrounds and connects every structure including muscle, bone, blood vessels, organs, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. If part of the fascia is stuck or tight it can pull on any or all these structures above causing wide reaching dysfunction and pain. If the fascia is free of “stickiness” then these structures are “free” to function at their highest level.

Fascial restrictions can manifest in the body for many reasons including physical trauma, emotional, mental, or spiritual issues, physiological issues, postural imbalances, and strain on the body. They can big or smaller, but the symptoms can be very broad and confusing. A fascial restriction deeper in the connective tissue will not be felt only the symptoms will be perceived. But a more superficial fascia restriction in the muscle can feel like a knot. This knot will be sensitive to touch and make it difficult to use that muscle effectively. This can also be called a trigger point. Some people push on it to relieve the pain with their hands, foam rollers, or other objects, but these are only temporary and superficial fixes. The fascia tension pattern should be resolved with the correct manual therapy.
Myofascial pain is a very common problem today and can be difficult to treat. Some people will treat myofascial pain with heat, ice, ultrasound, different types of electrical stimulation, or pain medication, an anti-inflammatory, or rest. But these fascial restrictions that cause all kinds of myofascial pain do not resolve on their own or with thermal modalities. The best way is to receive treatment from a skilled manual physical therapist trained in Myofascial Release.

There are two types of Myofascial Release techniques. One is direct and one is indirect. In direct, the fascia is gently “stretched” into the limitation until a release. The indirect method employs a shortening of the stuck fascia to allow an unwinding to take place. The unwinding with take all the “kinks” out.

If you are having Myofascial pain, or any other pain which could be attributed to the fascia structures call us at Dynamic Health Physical Therapy in Avon, near Farmington, and West Hartford, CT.