The Massage Type That Sounds Scary, But The Benefits Will Blow You Away

Have you heard of a Myofascial Release? If you haven’t, you are missing peak body performance! Underneath the surface of your skin is the fascial system. This system plays a vital part in our movement and overall well-being. When this system becomes tight or damaged, it can lead to pain, stiffness, and dysfunction. Yep - the pain you have been experiencing is due to a restricted fascial system! Myofascial Release is the massage that can take this pain away. 

What Is Myofascial Release Anyways?

While we offer it at Living Touch, it is different from traditional massage techniques. Instead of kneading and rubbing muscles, you have to directly target the fascia itself. To do this, it is a gentle yet steady pressure applied to the areas of tightness/restriction, which allows the tissue to release. During this process, the release works on the relationship between the muscles and the fascial around them. 

The fascial can harden due to physical or emotional trauma, inflammation, or repetitive strain, which then hardens and dehydrates. These restrictions can put a lot of pressure on sensitive areas like nerves, blood vessels, and muscles. Conventional medical diagnosis can miss typical symptoms of this occurring. A trained Myofascial Release therapist will be able to locate these restrictions by gently feeling for areas of tightness or immobility with their hands. Once a restriction is identified, the sustained pressure is applied in the direction of the restriction. This allows for the viscous ground substance within the fascia to become fluid, which reorganizes and lengthens. The amount of time pressure is applied varies, as it depends on how long it takes for the tissue to naturally unwind and release.

So What Are The Benefits?

Prepare to be amazed. Not only will you get pain relief in that area, but your entire body will thank you!

• Chronic Pain Relief: the most recognized benefit!
  
  • Low Back Pain: fascial restrictions in the lumbar region, hips, and hamstrings can contribute to lower back pain.
    
  • Neck and Shoulder Pain: head posture, desk work, and stress can lead to fascial tightness in the neck, shoulders, and upper back.
    
  • Headaches and Migraines: tension in the scalp, neck, and shoulders due to fascial tightness can trigger or worsen headaches. 
    
  • Fibromyalgia: pain and tenderness associated with fibromyalgia can be reduced by addressing fascial tightness. 
    
  • Sciatica: releasing restrictions around the piriformis muscle and glutes can alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve.
    
  • Plantar Fasciitis: fascial restrictions in the feet and calves are often a root cause of this condition.
    
• Improved Posture and Alignment: by releasing restrictions that cause unalignment and poor posture, your body can return to a more natural, balanced, and efficient posture.
  
• Increased Range of Motion and Flexibility: tight fascia limits movement, so getting released restores your body’s natural elasticity and extensibility.
  
• Reduced Muscle Soreness and Stiffness: improving fluid exchange within the tissues and releasing muscle tension held in the fascial network.
  
• Enhanced Athletic Performance: repetitive movement and injuries can cause facial tightness, and with myofascial release, that tightness can be reduced and improve muscle relaxation.
  
• Stress Reduction and Relaxation: the gentle pressure of this release can be relaxing, reducing stress and providing a sense of relaxation.
  
• Improved Circulation and Nerve Function: impeded blood flow and compacted nerves are common with restricted fascia, so releasing the tension can restore circulation and nerve conductivity.
  
• Scar Tissue Reduction: myofascial release can be very effective in treating old and new scar tissue by gently stretching and releasing the adhesions within the scar.
  
• Support for Chronic Conditions: by addressing underlying fascial restrictions that contribute to some chronic conditions, like TMJ and carpal tunnel syndrome, release can offer supportive relief. 
  
• Increased Body Awareness: myofascial release encourages individuals to become more attuned to their bodies by recognizing patterns of tension and awareness of habits that may cause tightness. ​
  

What To Do Next:

Book your myofascial release with Living Touch! It is safe for people of all ages and conditions, as it is a gentle pressure. If you feel like you have tried “everything” but myofascial release, it is time to give this a try! Restore your body’s natural function with this holistic technique.