What is Myofascial Release?
Myofascial Release is a soft tissue system that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and tennis elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved with Myofascial Release. These conditions all have one important thing in common: they often result from injury to over-used muscles.
How do overuse injuries occur?
Over-used muscles (and other soft tissues) change in three important ways:
- Acute Injuries. (Pulls, Tears, Collisions, etc.)
- Accumulation of small tears (micro-trauma)
- Not Getting Enough Oxygen (hypoxia)
Each of these factors can cause your body to produce tough, dense scar tissue in the affected area. This scar tissue binds up and ties down tissues that need to move freely. As scar tissue builds up, muscles become shorter and weaker, tension on tendons causes tendonitis, and nerves become trapped. This can cause reduced range of motion, loss of strength, and pain. If a nerve is trapped you may also feel tingling, numbness, and weakness.
What is an Myofascial Release treatment like?
Every Myofascial Release session is actually a combination of examination and treatment. The provider uses his or her hands to evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific movements
A treatment session typically last about 10-15 minutes. The problem should be fixed within 4-5 treatments. If a change has not been seen within this time further evaluation may be necessary.
Along with the Myofascial Release treatment, chiropractic manipulation and rehabilitative exercise to improve strength and flexibility are usually advised.
