Myofascial Release
Myofascial Release.
A hands-on technique where I apply gentle, sustained pressure to fascial restrictions throughout your body. This approach directly addresses specific areas of tension, helping to eliminate pain and restore mobility by gradually releasing connective tissue that has become tight or restricted.
“Our bodies are the reflection of our lives: sitting, walking, standing, we absorb the impact of each day. Each thought and sensation makes changes in the body. Daily preoccupations affect energy, posture and therefore mobility” - Miranda Tufnell & Chris Crickmay.
The Mechanics of Myofascial Release
Myofascial release works through several key mechanisms:
1. Direct Pressure Application: Sustained gentle pressure is applied to fascial restrictions. This pressure, gently moving like a wave motion, allows the fascia to soften and elongate naturally.
2. Viscoelastic Response: Fascia has both fluid (viscous) and elastic properties. Under sustained pressure, the tissue initially resists but then gradually yields and elongates, returning to it normal and functional state of being.
3. Piezoelectric Effect: Pressure on fascia creates small electrical charges that stimulate cellular activity and tissue repair.
4. Mechanoreceptor Stimulation: The pressure activates specialized nerve endings that can signal the nervous system to reduce muscle guarding and tension.
5. Thixotropic Property: Like certain gels that become more fluid when agitated, fascia becomes more pliable when appropriately stimulated.
Conditions Myofascial Release Can Help
Myofascial release can effectively address a wide range of conditions:
Pain Management
● Chronic back and neck pain
● Fibromyalgia
● Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction
● Myofascial pain syndrome
● Headaches and migraines
● Plantar Fasciitis
Movement and Structural Issues
● Scoliosis and postural imbalances
● Sports injuries and repetitive strain injuries
● Limited range of motion, especially around the shoulder and pelvic area.
● Post-surgical scarring and adhesions
● Joint stiffness
Neurological and Systemic Conditions
● Chronic fatigue syndrome
● Carpal tunnel syndrome
● Neurological compression syndromes
● Circulation issues
● Pelvic floor dysfunction
Stress-Related Conditions
● Anxiety-related physical tension
● Stress-induced muscle guarding
● Breathing pattern disorders
● Sleep disturbances related to physical tension
● Trauma-stored patterns in the body
The Treatment Experience
During a typical session:
● The therapist evaluates fascial restrictions through visual assessment and palpation
● Gentle, sustained pressure is applied to restricted areas
● No oils or lotions are used to allow proper grip on the fascia.
● Treatment progresses from superficial to deeper fascial layers
● The client may experience sensations of warmth, tingling, or temporary discomfort during release but most of the session is comfortable and relaxing.
● Sessions typically last 45-90 minutes, with effects often continuing for 1-3 days after treatment
Myofascial release and brain regulation.
Throughout 2024 many new clients were unaware of the link between the function of the CSF (Cerebrospinal fluid) and how this regulates brain homeostasis. It helps with waste clearance as well as managing intracranial pressure and blood supply. This fluid flows in and around the brain and spinal cord to help with cushioning them from injury and provides nutrients. The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system and controls and coordinates everything from your ability to move, breathe, see think and more.
If the flow of this fluid is restricted this can lead to types of dissociation that can vary for the individual. This can include various conditions such as personality disorder, anxiety, depression, reduced motivation, brain fog, social withdrawal and mental fatigue.
Physical limitations or responses can include muscle spasms, cramps, fatigue, numbness, blurred vision, head pressure and headaches, digestive disturbances, searching for naps but not feeling much better and feelings of not being in your own body!
When the fascia is restricted around the head, neck and spinal cord or even just in one small area, many of these symptoms can occur for the individual, subtly coming on in such a way that we don't even notice ourselves deteriorating. I have had many clients notice a very quick change in their energy levels, motivation, freedom of movement and clarity!! From there they have continued to make improvements and slow changes in other areas of their life to further enhance their overall health. These sorts of comments make me extremely happy to be able to contribute to helping people find some balance and the energy and motivation to live a more enjoyable and healthy life!
I also notice the difference in my overall health when I have fascia release sessions monthly. All areas of health, the physical, mental and emotional, social and spiritual allow me to keep up with and enjoy my busy and physical life with children, work, horses, exercise and my own house and section.
Allowing the whole-body fascial system to function freely has endless limitations for how it can help; posture/ body alignment, joint limitations, plantar fasciitis, trapped nerves/sciatica, back pain, improved circulation, reduced inflammation, lymphatic drainage, scarring, compressed nerves, TMJ, fibromyalgia and more.