Myofascial Release FAQ

I will attempt to address a few common questions and concerns most people have before their first Myofascial Release (MFR) treatment.

What is fascia? And how can getting it treated help me?

Fascia is a tough connective tissue which spreads throughout the body in a three-dimensional web from head to toe without interruption. The fascia surrounds every muscle, bone, nerve, blood vessel, and organ, all the way down to the cellular level. The fascial system has three basic components ground substance, collagen, and elastin.

Generally, the fascial system is one of support, stability, and cushion, forming ligaments, tendons, and fascial sheaths. Muscle is actually connective tissue strands with biochemicals attached that produce shortening. Connective and muscular tissue make up the bulk of the body.

At the cellular level fascia is known as the ground substance, or extracellular matrix, creating the interstitial spaces and functioning to support and protect the cell, separate cell from cell, and allowing cellular metabolism, respiration, and elimination. It is the immediate environment for every cell in the body and responsible for intracellular and intercellular communication.

The tissues of this system are connective and neuromuscular, making up the bulk of the body’s tissue. The myofascial structures must be viewed as components in a communication network that is very responsive to input, whether it’s the input of trauma or therapeutic manipulation. Myofascial Release works to rehydrate your fascia, allowing your cells to thrive in the environment they were meant to live in. This can mean restoring range of motion to joints, providing more space for nervous and vascular structures, and helping restore. postural alignment.

What is Myofascial Release?

Myofascial Release is a hands-on manual therapy that facilitates stretch into restricted fascia. Sustained pressure is applied into the restricted tissue barrier; after 90-120 seconds the tissue will undergo histological length changes allowing the first release to be felt. The therapist will follow the release into a new tissue barrier and wait. After multiple releases the tissue becomes softer and more pliable. Restoring length and health to the myofascial tissue takes pressure off pain sensitive structures such as nerves, blood vessels, organs, and restores alignment and mobility to the joints.

I am an athlete trying to regain my performance after an injury. Can MFR help me?

Not only will MFR help you regain proper function, it will also help you to restore the trust with ourselves that also gets injured due to trauma. Regular treatments for professional athletes is recommended to help prevent pain, dysfunction, and to keep you performing longer.

I work at a desk and I am tight all the time, but I don't have pain. Can MFR help me?

Yes! Staying in positions for prolonged periods of time will also cause the fascia to dehydrate along the lines of tension imposed upon it. MFR will help to restore your proper relationship with gravity, so your body doesn't need to strain to stand up straight.

I had surgery, and now a nearby body part is in pain or has less range of movement. Can MFR help me?

Yes! In fact, it doesn't matter how long ago a surgery was, MFR rehydrates and restores scar tissue.

How do I prepare for my first appointment?

I ask men to bring short athletic shorts, and women to bring a sports bra with short athletic shorts. I also ask everyone to refrain from using lotions or oils before your session as this does affect the ability to work with the fascia.

Aside from that, please be prepared to answer questions about past injuries and surgeries. This article by John F. Barnes is also a great resource.