Last Updated on 25 April 2024 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic
Our wonderful Masseuses Fiona and Rainie discuss one of their favourite massage techniques – Direct Myofascial Release Therapy (DMRT), and its lasting positive effects on a range of complaints.
Fascia 101
Fiona finds fascia fascinating! “The myofascial system is so interesting – like an interwoven web that weaves through our whole body.” Rainie helps to explain: “The easiest way to describe fascia to my clients is to show them a picture of the musculoskeletal system and show them that brown represents the muscle – the white is the fascia network.” The myofascial system plays a fundamental role in the mechanics of the body, in body tension regulation and causation of pathological states like chronic pain. (1) Fiona points out the range of musculoskeletal issues that respond well to DMFR, including:
- Persistent use (from everyday activities, common in the over-50 age group)
- Overuse (often work-related and can include repetitive tasks like typing)
- Trauma (any sprains, strains, fractures or tears)
- Surgery (where the tissue of the body is repaired, removed or replaced)
- Pathophysiology (anything causing physical change such as hypermobility, scoliosis or frozen shoulder)
The Direct Myofascial Release Technique and the Lymphatic System
Direct Myofascial Release involves the application of a low load, long-duration stretch to the myofascial complex, intended to restore optimal length, decrease pain, and improve function. (2) An experienced practitioner applies enough pressure with specific movements to influence the fascial network. Fiona emphasises the far-reaching impact of working with fascia: “It has a profound effect not only on our muscular system but our circulatory, nervous and lymphatic systems.” Rainie emphasises the role that DMFR has on the lymphatic system. Lymph is moved forward in one of 3 ways; via skeletal muscle action, respiratory movement and contraction of smooth muscle in lymphatic vessels. (3)
While massage moves lymph via its action on skeletal muscle, Rainie educates her clients about ways to improve lymphatic function via general health, hydration, dietary intake and exercise. “Many of my patients are surprised at how some simple changes can also improve lymphatic function. For example, showering is a perfect opportunity to stimulate lymph nodes and decrease lymphatic fluid build-up,” she says.
Even the simple act of deep diaphragmatic breathing (i.e. respiratory movement) can achieve better lymph flow, which many massage recipients experience during a session and can also practice in their daily life to aid relaxation.
Of course, the impact of DMFR techniques is one of the reasons why rehydrating after a massage is so important to help to flush out toxins via the lymphatic system and also why a good night’s sleep after a massage helps to facilitate the continued healing response after treatment.
Getting Results with Direct Myofascial Release
Often Direct Myofascial Release can be the breakthrough kind of treatment that people are looking for – it’s why Remedial Massage is worth considering instead of a Relaxation massage – to focus on improvements rather than relief. Fiona says it best: “I love using it for stubborn musculoskeletal problems that have responded well to Remedial techniques but quickly return to a state of dysfunction.” Rainie highlights the results experienced by her clients: “It can be utterly amazing to see their response. DMFR gives them a feeling of internal space, a feeling of lightness, improved posture and returning to their natural gait and an overall sense of wellbeing!”
Rainie draws on her experience with clients undergoing surgery. “Pre and post-surgery lymphatic drainage greatly supports the healing process and reduces inflammation”, she says. “Doctors and surgeons are now, more than ever, supporting this treatment, especially because it can allow their patients to return to their everyday activity sooner than expected.”
Fiona sums it up nicely: “Myofascial techniques have a profound and long-lasting effect on the body. It’s so great to see these results in my clients.”
The Brisbane Livewell Clinic team like nothing more than to guide you towards better health and well-being and when it comes to manual therapies, our massage therapists certainly have the tools of the trade. If you haven’t already experienced this kind of massage technique, it’s time to book in and see for yourself the difference it can make.
