Myofascial Release Therapy

There’s massage, and then there’s massage therapy. Big difference that many people don’t realize. The first feels good, but only scratches the surface in terms of really addressing the muscles. Massage therapy on the other hand looks at the body from a therapeutic perspective. Digging much deeper into the foundation of the body through the muscles. One particular form of massage therapy is called myofascial release.  Myofascial Release Therapy is a safe and effective technique that involves applying gentle yet sustained pressure to the connective tissue that provides support and protection to our muscles and bones. This is a hands-on therapy to eliminate pain and restore motion. However, with this technique, slight discomfort may be involved because of the poor condition of the myofascial. This is normal and to be expected in order to properly heal.

The way we treat our bodies at various times in our life is troubling. We punish it with overuse, improper restoration, and disregard. It’s only later that we feel the effects of how we treated it – aches, pain, weight gain, inflammation. A traditional massage, like a Swedish Relaxation Massage, is exactly what the name implies – relaxing. Myofascial Release is different. While it is a form of massage therapy, the purpose is not to be relaxing. The purpose is to heal the body and sometimes healing can create some discomfort. The discomfort is coming from the restrictions in the connective tissue brought about by surgery, trauma, and inflammation. The punishment we gave our body over the years.

The good news is what the end result means to the patient:

• Decreased Pain
• Alleviated Pressure
• Restoration of Full Motion
• Reduced Inflammation
• Improved Function

The old exercise motto “No Pain, No Gain” can also be applied to Massage Therapy. Proper healing cannot occur without some type of discomfort or minimal pain. The massage therapist is breaking down the muscles from their current state so that they can return to how they should be. This breaking down process is what causes the discomfort. It is normal and to be expected. The relief you feel after Myofascial Release Therapy is somewhat surreal. You simply cannot believe how good you feel. It’s almost as if your entire body is thanking you.