Last Updated on 16 June 2023 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic
What is Myofascial Release Therapy?
Myofascial Release is a soft tissue therapy for the treatment of skeletal muscle immobility and pain. The technique focuses on pain believed to arise from myofascial tissues which are the tough membranes that wrap, connect and support your muscles.
Myofascial Release Therapy aims to help with the following:
- relax contracted muscles
- improve blood and lymphatic circulation
- stimulate the stretch reflex in the muscle
In the normal healthy state, the Myofascia is relaxed and soft. It has the ability to stretch and move without restriction. When you experience physical trauma or inflammation, the Myofascia loses pliability. It can become tight, restricted and a source of tension throughout the rest of the body.
Problems and pain can occur due to some of the following reasons:
- Trauma, such as a fall or whiplash from an accident
- Surgery
- Habitual poor posture
- Emotional/psychological stress
- Lack of stretching such as prolonged sitting or standing
- Repetitive motions, such as factory work or keyboarding
What is Myofascial Release Therapy Used to Treat?
Myofascial Release has been used effectively for:
- Low back pain
- Headaches
- Neck stiffness
- Shoulder injuries
- Arthritic conditions
- Sports injuries
Our Qualified massage therapist can perform Myofascial Therapy at our modern clinic in Brisbane.
During Myofascial Release Therapy, the therapist locates myofascial areas that feel stiff and fixed instead of elastic and movable under light manual pressure. The therapist will begin massaging and stretching the areas that feel rigid with light manual pressure. The therapist then aids the tissue and supportive sheath in releasing pressure and tightness. The focused manual pressure and stretching used in Myofascial Release Therapy loosen up restricted movement, leading indirectly to reduced pain. The pressure can range from very gentle touch to deeper pressure. The process is repeated multiple times on the same problem area and on until the therapist feels the tension is fully released. Some patients may experience a slight skin burning sensation in the skin, which is perfectly normal and safe. Others may feel a gentle to deep stretch on the area being treated.
What are the Benefits of Myofascial Release?
The benefits of using Myofascial Release therapy include:
- Reduction in muscle spasms
- Improved joint movement
- Decreased muscle and fascial tension
- Improved breathing
- Reduction in chronic recurring injuries
