Many people lose function or flexibility after an injury or if ongoing pain is experienced in the soft tissue of shoulders, hips or the back. Myofascial release therapy is used to release tightness and help with reduction of pain and restriction of motion. The goal of therapy is to loosen the contracted muscles, stimulate their stretch reflex and improve the blood and lymphatic circulation.
A connective tissue web known as the fascia surrounds every tendon, ligament, muscle, bone and organ in the body. This cushion of connective tissue supports and protects, allowing for comfortable motion. When healthy, the tissue is relaxed but it becomes tight when damaged. Blood circulation is restricted and pain can be severe. Loosening and stretch the fascia is necessary for healing to take place, allowing all the contiguous structures to move more freely.
Some of the symptoms experienced by patients as a result of this problem are chronic back or neck pain, sciatica, muscle pain, headaches and even difficulties in breathing. Flexibility is reduced and movement becomes difficult. Unfortunately, routine tests such as X rays do not pick up this tightness. People often go through various other types of treatment and use painkillers without experiencing any long term relief.
Those performing this type of therapy have to go through specific training. Many different courses are available, including ones aimed at those who are already graduates like occupational and physical therapists or osteopathic physicians. This is a different type of treatment to massage and various practical techniques have to be mastered. The therapist must be able to identify the areas requiring treatment and then move carefully through every restriction, applying just the right kind of pressure for the right amount of time.
The first appointment will be devoted to establishing the extent of the restriction and suggesting a treatment plan. Follow up sessions may be held weekly or more than once a week. They may continue for weeks or even months, depending on the progress made. The progress is evident by reduced pain and increased range of motion experienced by the patient.
With some other treatments, machines, oils and creams may be used. This treatment uses none of these as they may actually prevent identification of problem areas. The hands of the therapist do all the work. They carefully identify the problems and apply sustained pressure in a safe and gentle manner.
Deeper pressure may be required but this never becomes intolerable for the client. To prevent this, the therapist keeps communicating with the client and remains sensitive to the level of pain experienced. The idea is not to force the fascia but to allow it to loosen naturally. The client may experience a slight sensation of burning or stretching.
There are many different therapists offering this type of treatment. Some are more qualified and experienced than others, making it important to check credentials before just randomly selecting one. If one is found online, it is usually possible to read testimonials from grateful clients. This is often very helpful when trying to make the right decision.
A connective tissue web known as the fascia surrounds every tendon, ligament, muscle, bone and organ in the body. This cushion of connective tissue supports and protects, allowing for comfortable motion. When healthy, the tissue is relaxed but it becomes tight when damaged. Blood circulation is restricted and pain can be severe. Loosening and stretch the fascia is necessary for healing to take place, allowing all the contiguous structures to move more freely.
Some of the symptoms experienced by patients as a result of this problem are chronic back or neck pain, sciatica, muscle pain, headaches and even difficulties in breathing. Flexibility is reduced and movement becomes difficult. Unfortunately, routine tests such as X rays do not pick up this tightness. People often go through various other types of treatment and use painkillers without experiencing any long term relief.
Those performing this type of therapy have to go through specific training. Many different courses are available, including ones aimed at those who are already graduates like occupational and physical therapists or osteopathic physicians. This is a different type of treatment to massage and various practical techniques have to be mastered. The therapist must be able to identify the areas requiring treatment and then move carefully through every restriction, applying just the right kind of pressure for the right amount of time.
The first appointment will be devoted to establishing the extent of the restriction and suggesting a treatment plan. Follow up sessions may be held weekly or more than once a week. They may continue for weeks or even months, depending on the progress made. The progress is evident by reduced pain and increased range of motion experienced by the patient.
With some other treatments, machines, oils and creams may be used. This treatment uses none of these as they may actually prevent identification of problem areas. The hands of the therapist do all the work. They carefully identify the problems and apply sustained pressure in a safe and gentle manner.
Deeper pressure may be required but this never becomes intolerable for the client. To prevent this, the therapist keeps communicating with the client and remains sensitive to the level of pain experienced. The idea is not to force the fascia but to allow it to loosen naturally. The client may experience a slight sensation of burning or stretching.
There are many different therapists offering this type of treatment. Some are more qualified and experienced than others, making it important to check credentials before just randomly selecting one. If one is found online, it is usually possible to read testimonials from grateful clients. This is often very helpful when trying to make the right decision.
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