Fascia is the fibrous connective tissue surrounding and connecting the organs, muscles and other soft-tissue structures of the body. It is the single-most pervasive system of the body. Myofascial Release (MFR) is a system of bodywork focused on treatment of these myofascial connective tissues. Since tension is stored in the connective tissue, the fascia can easily become restricted, resulting in limited mobility. Individuals suffering from physical injuries are particularly susceptible to this due to damage of the connective tissue. Myofascial therapy, thus, aims at releasing tension within the fascia to restore full mobility, strength and elasticity. To achieve this, therapists pinpoint the areas of restriction and then apply pressure to them in the direction of the restriction. Their techniques are either direct or indirect: Direct techniques treat deep restrictions in the fascia with sustained pressure, increasing force to stimulate release. These include deep connective tissue massage, postural integration and Rolfing. Indirect techniques, on the other hand, treat myofascial tension with gentle pressure, increasing heat and circulation to stimulate release.[i]Myofascial therapy is progressive, as well as somewhat tentative, as the therapist relies on feedback from the client to determine the intensity and duration of treatment. To identify the exact area of restriction, the practitioner does not use lubricants, making this a unique method of massage therapy.
History
Andrew Taylor Still, M.D., D.O., the founder of osteopathic medicine, is the first known practitioner of myofascial therapy. In the late 19th century, he developed a system of diagnosis and treatment, which sought to release tension within the fascia. In the 1940s, Janet Travell, M.D., coined the term myofascial to refer to musculoskeletal pain. She then published “Myofascial Pain & Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual,” in 1983. Other notable forerunners in the field of MFR include John Barnes, Ida Rolf and Milton Traegar.
Health Benefits
Connective tissue becomes damaged or restricted due to strain, trauma, overuse, infection or inactivity. Even without a physical impetus, restrictions may occur due to the build-up of metabolic waste, often caused by emotional stress. Over time, the injury spreads and fascial adhesions form resulting in increased stiffness and pain.
Myofascial massage therapy addresses these complications, enhancing mobility, flexibility, strength and alignment. In order to better understand the benefits of this type of bodywork, it’s important to note the primary functions of the fascia:
- Maintaining body shape
- Acting as a soft-tissue skeleton for the muscles Acting as a soft-tissue skeleton for the muscles
- Providing a protective sheet for underlying organs
- Resisting mechanical tension via strength, elasticity and support
- Preventing bacterial infection in connective tissue[ii]
These functions are indicative of the diverse benefits that may result from MFR. More specifically, this therapy might improve blood circulation, lymphatic flow, blood pressure, cortisol levels and chronic pain. In addition to releasing myofascial tension, Ida Rolf suggests this therapy might release emotional trauma.[iii]
- Grace, Sandra, and Mark Deal. Textbook of Remedial Massage. Chatswood: Elsevier Australia, 2012. Print.
- Grace, Sandra, and Mark Deal.
- Grace, Sandra, and Mark Deal.