Myofascial release is a hands on full body approach. The treatment starts with evaluating posture and tissue. After the assessment the practitioner has a good idea of where restrictions are in the patient and can begin treatment. With the use of firm pressure, the practitioners hands are placed on the body in opposing directions until the first restriction is felt and these holds are held for a minimum of 5 min before the collagenous structures begin to lengthen. The goal is to maintain the hold until all restrictions have been worked through in each area. 

Who started Myofascial Release and what can it treat?

John F. Barnes has been coined the Father of Myofascial Release. He has been discovering and working with the fascial system since the sixties and has created a multitude of techniques to help relieve fascial restrictions within the body. John has trained over 100,000 therapists to use this technique and it is widely successful for treating acute and chronic pain, movement restrictions, spasm, spasticity, neurological dysfunction (cerebral palsy, head and birth injury), CVA’s, scoliosis, menstrual and pelvic pain and dysfunction, geriatrics, sports injuries, pediatrics, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, traumatic and surgical scarring.

How does Myofascial Release work?

Your therapist asses the tissue and feel for stiff or tightened areas. Normal myofascia should feel pliable and elastic. The therapist will begin massaging and stretching the areas that feel rigid with light manual pressure. The technique aids the tissue and supportive sheath by releasing pressure and tightness. The process can be repeated multiple times on the until the therapist feels the tension is fully released.

When tissue is injured, the body is incredible at bringing necessary cellular components to the injury site to start the repairs. The body isn’t concerned about making things pretty and laying down collagen uniformly, but instead it’s a quick fix to get back to movement as soon as possible. Over time, more traumas are accumulated in the body and the fascial restrictions are compounded. Traumas can range from a scrape on the knee, to a death in the family to a total knee replacement. Human bodies are fascinating and complicated. They are like onions, lots of layers. It is said that fascia has a tensile force of 2000 pounds per square inch (Janet Travell M.D.). This is a lot of pressure to be placed on any part of the body, especially pain sensitive areas.  Myofascial release can help facilitate healing

What is Fascia?

Fascia seems to be a hot topic these days, so what is it all about? Fascia is a slightly mobile, dense connective tissue that surrounds and intertwines with every organ, muscle, bone, nerve, blood vessel all the way down to the cellular level. Seems like a big deal right? It most definitely is and we are now diving into its ever present functions and interplay between all of the systems of the body. Structurally it is composed of an elasto-collagenous complex which can be compared to a 3D web that extends continuously throughout the entire body from head to toe without interruption.

Is it painfull?

Myofascial release can involve some mild discomfort or pain, but it should never be unbearable. During your treatment, always communicate any pain outside of your comfort range to your therapist so they can adjust the technique to maximize your benefit. It is also common to experience some mild soreness in the following day as your body completes the healing process. This soreness is normal and should subside within a day or two. 

What does a treatment look like?

A myofascial treatment is a hands-on full body approach. The treatment starts with evaluating posture and tissue. After the assessment the practitioner has a good idea of where restrictions are in the patient and can begin treatment. With the use of firm pressure, the practitioners hands are placed on the body in opposing directions until the first restriction is felt and these holds are held for a minimum of 5 min before the collagenous structures begin to lengthen. The goal is to maintain the hold until all restrictions have been worked through in each area. The therapist can tell by the vasomotor response or by client feedback where to work next. The vasomotor response is the reddening or pinking of the tissue either between the therapist’s hands or anywhere else on the body. This response is a result of the fascia pulling on other parts of the body since it is a continuous structure and provides us with information of where other restrictions may be. The front of the neck and chest are common places where this response is noticed. Client feedback involves the patient noticing any sensation changes throughout the body and to inform the therapist throughout to ensure an intuitive and successful treatment.

Article by Taylyr Lively, RMT

Geometry Integrated Health offers massage therapy in Victoria BC.  We are located downtown next to the YMCA and are open 7 days a week.  Wether you are recovering from an injury, looking to manage chronic pain or are interested in the many benefits massage therapy has to offer or just looking for a massage in Victoria BC, check out our registered massage therapists and take advantage of our online booking and direct billing.