I am often asked “what is myofascial release?” Which is then followed up by “will it help ME??” Before answering these questions perhaps, it would be helpful to first explore the question of “what is fascia?”
Fascia is a strong, stretchy, web-like material made up of different proteins in the body, primarily collagen. It weaves its way around and through muscles, bones, tendons, blood vessels, organs, nerves and cells. It runs throughout the body, head to toe, front to back and everywhere in-between. It not only separates structures but also holds them together which allows it to be both supportive and allow movement.
When we suffer trauma, whether emotional or physical, undergo surgery or suffer an injury, the restrictions or compensatory movement patterns cause a tightening or “stickiness” to occur in the fascia that restricts movement more and causes pain. Myofascial restrictions do not show up on standard x-rays or MRI’s. But when you consider that restrictions in the fascia are believed to produce tensile pressures of up to approximately 2000 pounds per square inch on pain sensitive structures such as nerves, internal organs and muscle, can you begin to understand why people suffer from pain long after their injury is “fixed”?
So, how do we alleviate these pressures and reduce pain and restore movement? We utilize the hands-on application of myofascial release. The sustained holds utilized in MFR facilitate a stretch into the restricted connective tissues restoring movement, reducing pain and helping to bring the body back to a more natural alignment or posture.
Typically, the therapist applies the gentle sustained hold for a period of 3-5 minutes over the restricted tissues allowing for a release. The underlying tissue will soften and lengthen under the therapist’s hands. The result is reduced pressure on pain sensitive tissues, restoration of movement and flexibility. MFR also aids in healing, post workout recovery and improved physical performance. Several sessions may be required to achieve lasting improvements.
Recent studies are even starting to show that myofascial release may even be effective in treating the body-wide muscular and joint pain, people with “long-haul” Covid or “post-Covid syndrome” are suffering from. MFR is an option for non-invasive therapy to reduce pain, and reestablish function as patients recover from the long-term effects of post-Covid syndrome. (Integrative Journal of Medical Sciences 2021, Vol 8, 339 DOI: 10.15342/ijms.2021.339).
So, whether you are recovering from injury or someone that engages in extreme sports, myofascial release may be the answer you have been looking for improved well-being and superior performance. Call Cheri at 631 747-8893 / email Cheri@EliteStrengthli.com
Cheri is the founder of PARAGON Physical Therapy and ELITE Strength & Performance. She has been practicing physical therapy for over 25 years graduating from SUNY Downstate in 1993. PARAGON was born out of a desire to provide quality, individualized care to people in need. She has extensive experience as a physical therapist, specializing in myofascial release, an athletic trainer and a certified strength & conditioning specialist.
Cheri integrates her passion for manual therapy techniques and treatments with dynamic functional training programs to provide the best outcomes for all her patients.
We are located at 20 Executive Drive – Suite X, Edgewood, NY 11717, in the beautiful Heartland Business Center. For more info about how myofascial release can make your life better and more productive, visit our webpage at mfrli.com.
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