Myofascial Release Therapy

What is myofascial release therapy (MFR)?

Myofascial release therapy is often used to treat chronic pain disorders, like myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia. Myofascial tissue surrounds and supports the muscles throughout your body. The pain you experience originates from specific points within your myofascial tissues called trigger points.

Myofascial release stimulates and regulates fibroblasts throughout the body. Fibroblasts help break down excessive connective tissue deposits, such as scar tissues. It also encourages the growth of new, more resilient connective tissue and enhances the hydration of the tissue.

Myofascial trigger points exist across the body. Sometimes the closest trigger point isn’t responsible for the pain. This is called referred pain. It can be difficult to find the specific trigger point that is causing your pain.

For this reason, your medical professional will work across a broad area of soft tissue rather than only focus on a single point or area. By addressing multiple areas of the body with myofascial release, your pain is more likely to be relieved.
What symptoms and conditions does myofascial release treat?
Since you can develop trigger points in any part of the body, myofascial release can treat:

MFR is particularly effective at treating patients who have sustained trauma, inflammation, or problems from surgical procedures.

Myofascial release therapy has very few risks but is not recommended for individuals with: burns, open wounds, fractures, fragile bones, deep vein issues, or on blood thinners.

How does myofascial release work?

Myofascial release is mostly performed by licensed massage therapists or physical therapists but other medical practitioners practice it as well. This hands-on technique is done by applying sustained pressure to restrictive trigger points and other movement therapies.

The 1-on-1 treatment session is performed directly on skin without oils, creams, or machinery. This allows your medical professional to accurately find fascial “knots” and apply the appropriate amount of steady pressure to release of the fascia. They may also stretch the area or use other myofascial release techniques.

At BackFit Health + Spine, your initial appointment will be devoted to locating the restricted areas of fascia. We will also measure the amount of loss of motion, as well as the loss of symmetry in the body. Progress at later visits will be gauged by the increased range motion, muscular function, and the decrease in pain level felt by you.

Myofascial therapy can also enhance or assist other treatments to increase their effectiveness. This includes acupuncture, chiropractic care, physical therapy, sports medicine, and occupational therapy.

By targeting specific areas of fascia, myofascial therapy can help prepare patients for more aggressive strengthening that provides further pain relief. A combination of therapies working together is especially useful for patients with restricted flexibility and movement.

Myofascial release therapy can also improve skeletal and muscular alignment prior to surgery. Athletes also find it helpful prior to competitions. Myofascial release provides an improved quality of life and greater function for all types of patients.