Myofascial Release

Myofascial release is relatively new. Osteopathic physician Dr. Robert Ward of Michigan State University taught the first course entitled “myofascial release” at that school in the 1970s, and references to it first began to appear in the medical literature in the 1980s. Though many methods of Myofascial Release exists, John F Barns, PT pioneered the techniques which is widely used all over the world by physical therapists as an added treatment techniques. However, as a holistic treatment that looks at the body as an integrated whole, its roots go back a long way, to the soft-tissue manipulations and stretches of osteopathy, which was first done in the nineteenth century.

Fascia is a specialized system of the body that has an appearance similar to a spider’s web or a sweater. Fascia is very densely woven, covering and interpenetrating every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein, as well as, all of our internal organs including the heart, lungs, brain and spinal cord. The most interesting aspect of the fascial system is that it is not just a system of separate coverings. It is actually one continuous structure that exists from head to toe without interruption. In this way you can begin to see that each part of the entire body is connected to every other part by the fascia, like the yarn in a sweater.

Trauma, inflammatory responses, and/or surgical procedures create Myofascial restrictions that can produce tensile pressures of approximately 2,000 pounds per square inch on pain sensitive structures that do not show up in many of the standard tests (x-rays, myelograms, CAT scans, electromyography, etc.) A high percentage of people suffering with pain and/or lack of motion may be having fascial problems, but are not diagnosed.

Myofascial release is a therapeutic treatment utilizing a gentle form of stretching, producing a healing effect upon the body tissues, eliminating pain and restoring motion. Fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds every muscle, bone, nerve, blood vessel, and organ of the body, down to the cellular level. Malfunction of the fascial system due to trauma, posture, or inflammation can create a binding down of the fascia, resulting in abnormal pressure on nerves, muscles, bones, or organs. By freeing up fascia that may be impeding blood vessels or nerves, myofascial release is also said to enhance the body’s innate restorative powers by improving circulation and nervous system transmission. People with longstanding back pain, fibromyalgia, recurring headaches, sports injuries, and a host of additional complaints are all said to benefit from the technique

At Synergy Therapeutic Group we have therapists trained in Myofascial Release techniques, they also under go ongoing education in these techniques for personal and professional enhancement. Myofascial release is part of our larger philosophy of healing that emphasizes the importance of mind-body interactions and preventive care. It may also be part of our chronic pain management program that would include other kind of therapies like traditional physical therapy, manual therapy, massage, nutritional counseling, and relaxation techniques. This is a profound life changing experience should be experience by everyone. Ask us how you can experience this.

“At the beginning of my therapy, my expectation centered mostly around the relief of my severe back pain. After four sessions I realized that I was improving not only my physical pain but also in my lifestyle approach to chronic worries and anxiety: as well as constant stress.

Something amazing happened. The feeling on my foot in which I had lost for years, came back! Very satisfying and calming. My experience being treated here can be compared to coming out of a dark rainy night into a bright and calm spring day. Thank you kindly for all you have done.” John P