Soft Tissue Therapy

Myofascial Release is a form of soft tissue therapy in which recognizes that our bodies are an integrated totality woven together by the vast interconnected web of connective tissue, the fascia.

The term “myofascia” comes from “myo”, the Greek word for muscle, and “fascia”, a sheet of fibrous tissue beneath the skin that touches virtually every cell in the body.

What is the fascia?

The fascia is a multi-layered matrix of tough connective tissue that permeates the body, enclosing muscles and muscular groups and separating muscular layers. It spreads throughout the body in a three-dimensional web from head to toe without interruption. It extends in all directions to provide support and protection for most of the structures in the body and accommodate the infinite variations in the body’s movement.

Trauma, habitual posture patterns or inflammation can cause a binding of fascia, resulting in excessive pressure on nerves, muscles, blood vessels, bones and/or organs causing pain or discomfort. When fascia become restricted due to overuse, infectious diseases, or inactivity, pain, muscle tension, tightness and corresponding diminished blood flow or inflammation may result.

Breaking the cycle of fibrosis

Chronic inflammation can lead to fibrosis, or thickening of the connective tissue, causing pain and irritation resulting in reflexive muscle tension that causes more inflammation. In this way the pain cycle continues even after the original condition is absent. Myofascial Release can interrupt this cycle, allowing the body to soften, tension to be released and the inflammation to dissipate.

Sustained Gentle and Hands-on

Myofascial Release consists of the application of sustained gentle hands-on pressure into the fascial restrictions to facilitate release.