Myofascial Release (MFR)

Myofascial Release is a safe and very effective hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into the Myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. This essential “time element” has to do with the viscous flow and the piezoelectric phenomenon: a low load (gentle pressure) applied slowly will allow a viscoelastic medium (fascia) to elongate.

Trauma, inflammatory responses, and/or surgical procedures create Myofascial restrictions that can produce tensile pressures of approximately 2,000 pounds per square inch on pain sensitive structures that do not show up in many of the standard tests (x-rays, myelograms, CAT scans, electromyography, etc.)

The use of Myofascial Release allows us to look at each patient as a unique individual. Our one-on-one therapy sessions are hands-on treatments during which our therapists use a multitude of Myofascial Release techniques and movement therapy. We promote independence through education in proper body mechanics and movement, self treatment instruction, enhancement of strength, improved flexibility, and postural and movement awareness.

Hands-On Treatment
Each Myofascial Release Treatment session is performed directly on skin without oils, creams or machinery. This enables the therapist to accurately detect fascial restrictions and apply the appropriate amount of sustained pressure to facilitate release of the fascia.

What is Fascia?

Fascia is a specialized system of the body that has an appearance similar to a spider’s web or a sweater. Fascia is very densely woven, covering and interpenetrating every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein, as well as, all of our internal organs including the heart, lungs, brain and spinal cord. The most interesting aspect of the fascial system is that it is not just a system of separate coverings. It is actually one continuous structure that exists from head to toe without interruption. In this way you can begin to see that each part of the entire body is connected to every other part by the fascia, like the yarn in a sweater.

Trauma, inflammatory responses, and/or surgical procedures create Myofascial restrictions that can produce tensile pressures of approximately 2,000 pounds per square inch on pain sensitive structures that do not show up in many of the standard tests (x-rays, myelograms, CAT scans, electromyography, etc.) A high percentage of people suffering with pain and/or lack of motion may be having fascial problems, but are not diagnosed.

Fascia plays an important role in the support and function of our bodies, since it surrounds and attaches to all structures. In the normal healthy state, the fascia is relaxed and wavy in configuration. It has the ability to stretch and move without restriction.

When one experiences physical trauma, emotional trauma, scarring, or inflammation, however, the fascia loses its pliability. It becomes tight, restricted, and a source of tension to the rest of the body. Trauma, such as a fall, car accident, whiplash, surgery or just habitual poor posture and repetitive stress injuries has cumulative effects on the body. The changes trauma causes in the fascial system influences comfort and function of our body. Fascial restrictions can exert excessive pressure causing all kinds of symptoms producing pain, headaches or restriction of motion. Fascial restrictions affect our flexibility and stability, and are a determining factor in our ability to withstand stress and perform daily activities.

Problems MFR can help with:

  • Back Pain
  • Bladder Problems (Urgency, Frequency, Incontinence, Overactive Bladder, Leakage)
  • Birth Injuries
  • Bulging Disc
  • Bursitis
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Cervical and Lumbar Injuries
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Chronic Pain
  • Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Endometriosis
  • Emotional Trauma
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
  • Herniated Disc
  • Headaches or Migraines
  • Infertility
  • Interstitial Cystitis
  • Menstrual Problems
  • Myofascial Pain Syndrome
  • Neck Pain
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Pelvic Pain
  • Plantar Fascitis
  • Pudendal Nerve Entrapment
  • Scars (hypertrophic, hypersensitive, painful, burn scars, mastectomy scars)
  • Sciatica
  • Scoliosis
  • Shin Splints
  • Tennis Elbow
  • Tinnitus (Ringing of the ears)
  • TMJ Syndrome
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia
  • Whiplash
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