A reader had responded to a previous post asking me to address myofascial release therapy in a future blog. So here you have it:
First off, I am not an expert in this particular therapeutic modality or approach. I have taken some continuing education in this area so I do feel comfortable talking about it. I do use this type of therapy some in my practice but not as much as in the past because of the type of caseload I typically carry.
Myofascial release is a type of manual therapy that utilizes fairly light hands on contact with light pressures and fairly slow, gentle, sustained movement of the tissues. Myofasical release was founded and made popular by
John Barnes. It is based on the premise that restrictions (tightness, scar tissue, decreased play) can be found in the fascial tissues or connective tissue between muscle layers and surrounding most structures in the body.
This fascial tissue is very similar to what you would find between and surrounding the different segments of a chicken breast before its cooked. Restrictions in that fascia tissue will affect the ability of the muscles, tendons, nerves, ligaments, blood vessels to glide on each other with dynamic movements. Those restrictions can impair function by causing limited mobility or pain.
Of interest, fascia tissue is continuous throughout the body and can be thought of like the woven threads of a sweater or the strands of a spider web. If you pull one fiber or strand, it can have effects on the entire structure, at least in theory.
I hope this helps explain it. Keep the questions coming.
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The following is feedback received for this blog:
Would you be able to perform Myofacial release to help prevent incontinence?
- Mark D. |