A form of soft tissue therapy, myofascial release also improves range of motion by relaxing contracted muscles, improving venous and lymphatic circulation, and stimulating the stretch reflex of muscles. Myofascial restrictions can occur as a result of connective tissue disorders such as fibromyalgia, trauma, inflammatory responses to injury or stress, poor posture, the development of post-surgical adhesions, and scar tissue.
While myofascial restrictions can cause severe pain, their occurrence isn’t always apparent on standard imaging tests. Myofascial release massage is used to treat connective tissue disorders, headaches, menstrual cramps, sports injuries, back pain, post-operative and post-trauma pain, arthritic disorders, whiplash, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Myofascial release is sometimes ordered by physicians as part of a pain management program. In this case, clients should check with insurance providers on limitations before scheduling their procedures.
Myofascial Tension
Fascia is found throughout the body and it forms a large network extending from the top of the head to the tips of the toes. Fascia is a thin connective tissue that consists of three layers: superficial fascia, deep fascia, and subserous fascia. Fascia may be elastic or it may be made of tough collagen fibers with limited ability to stretch. Restricted fascia can result in trigger points.
Fascia attaches skin to underlying structures and it forms a net around muscles, joints, bones, and tissue. Fascia is also present within muscles. Because this network of fascial tissue is interconnected, tension in one area can cause pain in other parts of the body. In clients with chronic or acute pain, limited range of motion, or ongoing muscular tension, it’s often the case that restricted myofascial tissue needs to be released and relaxed.
Myofascial Release Procedure
During a session, the therapist will apply hands-on massage strokes in order to release tension from the fibrous bands of the muscles, bones, nerves and joints, by unblocking any scar tissue or adhesions due to injury in the muscles and surrounding tissues. Myofascial release involves a variety of techniques, which are used depending on the unique needs of the client. Therapists use their fingers, knuckles, elbows, or forearms to manipulate fascia.
Treatment is performed directly on skin without the use of oils or mechanical devices. A light massage is initially performed to warm and loosen muscles. The hands-on approach allows the trained therapist to pinpoint affected areas and apply appropriate pressure to facilitate myofascial release. Light to moderate traction and kneading or twisting strokes are used to unblock, stretch and loosen restricted fascia and muscle. Stretches are typically maintained for two minutes and often repeated until the muscle is completely released. Clients may be instructed to take deep breaths to facilitate muscle relaxation.
Myofascial release massage typically lasts from 60-90 minutes. While clients may notice immediate benefits, some individuals notice pain or soreness that persists for a day or two before they notice relief. Soreness is caused by the sudden release of metabolic toxins that were trapped in the blocked tissue. These toxins can also cause lightheadedness, nausea and fatigue. Clients are advised to drink plenty of water for 24 hours following their procedure to help flush out toxins. It’s also helpful to spend some time in a sauna or steam room before this therapy to help loosen muscles.
For pain management, sessions are recommended twice or three times weekly for a usual minimum of three to four months. This prevents released myofascia from returning to their previous tightened state in cases where myofascial tension is severe. Patients are also advised to perform stretching exercises between massage sessions.
Spas Offering Myofascial Massage
It’s estimated that about one-third of all spas offer myofascial release. It’s important to confirm that the massage therapist is certified in myofascial release therapy. Spafinder maintains a list of its affiliated spas that perform myofascial release.
Sedona Day Spa in Sedona, Arizona offers both myofascial release therapy and a similar therapy called Structural Balancing. This is a form of deep bodywork deep bodywork used to treat chronic pain by applying sustained pressure to points that affect the neuro-muscular system.
Resources:
Manheim, Carol. The Myofascial Release Manual, 4th Ed., Thorofare, NJ: Slack Incorporated. 2008.
Schleip R, Klingler W, Lehmann-Horn F. "Active fascial contractility: Fascia may be able to contract in a smooth muscle-like manner and thereby influence musculoskeletal dynamics." Med Hypotheses. 65(2) (2005):273-7.
Elaine Moore - I'm a retired medical technologist and medical writer with more than 30 years experience working in hospital laboratories. Currently, I ...
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