What is myofascial release therapy?

Myofascial release therapy is a hands-on technique used to manage myofascial pain. “Myo” means muscle. “Fascial” refers to the connective tissue that covers and supports the muscles throughout your entire body. During myofascial release therapy, your therapist doesn’t focus specifically on your muscles. They focus on releasing tension in your fascial tissues.

 

What is fascia?

You can think of fascia like a spider web. The stringy tissue is densely woven throughout your muscles, bones, nerves, arteries, veins and organs. Your fascia is one continuous structure throughout your body. Each part of your body is connected to it in some way. That’s why if there’s a snag in the tissue in one part of your body, it can cause pain in another part of your body.

Normally, fascia is flexible and stretchy. But it’s strong. It provides structural support to your body and protects your muscles. Fascia is usually able to move without any restrictions. When your body experiences any kind of trauma, your fascia loses its flexibility. It becomes tightened and more rigid. The tightness can lead to pain and loss of motion, which can affect your quality of life.

 

Is myofascial release the same as trigger point therapy?

Yes. Myofascial release therapy is also called myofascial trigger point therapy. This is because myofascial pain originates in various trigger points in your body. These trigger points are stiff areas in your fascial tissue. They feel like small bumps, nodules or knots in your muscles.

Tightened trigger points can restrict your muscle and joint movement. You may have pain at the site of a trigger point or widespread pain throughout your body. Myofascial release therapy focuses on releasing the tension in these trigger points.

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Who would benefit from myofascial release therapy?

Myofascial release therapy may help anyone who has tightness in their fascial tissues. Myofascial release therapy may benefit people who have experienced:

• Physical trauma: From incidences such as falls, car accidents or whiplash.

• Scarring: From conditions such as frozen shoulder, burns or surgery.

• Inflammation: From conditions such as bursitis, osteoarthritis or plantar fasciitis.

• Compressed nerves: From herniated disks or carpal tunnel syndrome.

• Repetitive stress injuries: From heavy lifting or poor posture.

 

What does myofascial release therapy treat?

Myofascial release therapy may be used to treat many different health conditions. These conditions include:

• Myofascial pain syndrome: Myofascial pain syndrome causes pain in your connective tissues.

• Carpal tunnel syndrome: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes pain, numbness and weakness in your hands and wrists.

• Low back pain: Low back pain is caused by strain to the muscles and tendons in your back. It causes a decrease in the motion and flexibility of your spine.

• Neck Pain

• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder: TMJ occurs when the muscles around the joints of your jaw become inflamed.

• Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a long-term (chronic) illness that causes muscle and joint pain.

• Chronic migraines: Chronic migraines cause frequent throbbing headaches.

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Is this covered under registered massage therapy?

This therapy is not covered under registered massage therapy.

It can booked under "no needles myofacial trigger point massage..

Monita Triplett has taken myofascial trigger point and acupressure massage courses but is not a registered massage therapist.

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