About Myofascial Release
What is Myofascial Release?
Myofascial Release (MFR) is a hands-on whole-body therapy that uses gentle sustained pressure or stretching around areas of tightness in your body. The therapist will have their hands directly on your skin, without oils, gently compressing and pulling the body to work towards softening and lengthening the fascia. MFR helps to decrease pain, increase movement and range of motion, and restore balance and proper alignment. By listening to your individual symptoms, looking at your whole body, and working with the restrictions we see and feel we can achieve whole-body results.
What is Fascia?
Fascia is a layer of connective tissue that surrounds every muscle, bone, blood vessel, nerve, and organ in the body. It is connected, head-to-toe, without interruption. Every part in the body is connected to every other part by fascia. These connections are like yarn in a sweater. Tight areas pull on the rest of the interconnected fabric, much like when you pull one thread on a sweater, causing our bodies to move in misalignment.
Normal fascia is relaxed and flexible, stretching and moving easily. Its function is to support us and provide us with flexibility, strength, and stability. Any injury, scar tissue, repetitive use, or inflammation can cause the fascia to become tight and restricted. These fascial restrictions can increase pressure on or pull on other body parts. This pressure can cause a wide range of symptoms including headaches, pain, restricted movement, and decreased stability, often in areas that may be some distance from the original restriction.
How is Myofascial Release different from massage?
MFR differs from standard massages by using sustained holds rather than strokes across the skin. No oil or lotion is used during MFR. You must wear some clothing during MFR treatments because you are not underneath covers and you move into various different body positions during the treatment.
There are many different styles of Myofascial Release. White Birch Massage Therapy uses the John F. Barnes approach to Myofascial Release. This approach is unique because pressure is held for a longer length of time to achieve deeper and longer-lasting results.
Your Appointment
How to Prepare for a MFR session:
Come to your appointment with clean, dry skin. Do not use any: lotions, creams, or oils on your skin the day of your appointment. Please be very well-hydrated. During your treatment you will wear some clothing, but that clothing should be stretchy and flexible enough to be moved as needed to access your skin (for example your hip and thigh).
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Women should bring or wear: gym shorts and sports bra, or a 2-piece bathing suit, or underwear and bra.
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Men should bring or wear: gym shorts, swim shorts, or other loose/flexible shorts.
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You need to be comfortable wearing your clothing choice in front of your therapist.
What to Expect during your session:
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Your first session will start with a visual assessment of your body by looking at your posture while standing, lying, or moving to determine areas of tension. You will be on a massage table and may be asked to move into various different positions throughout the treatment. Myofascial Release involves direct hand-to-skin contact using a gentle, firm pressure and stretching that is held for long periods of time.
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Throughout the treatment, let yourself feel your symptoms fully, be aware, and listen to your body. Give your body permission to let go of anything no longer serving you. Give yourself permission to do and feel what you need in order to heal. You may feel a body part move as the tissue releases, feel free to move during your treatment.
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Emotions are a natural response to Myofascial Release. It may be a tiny flash or a large wave of emotion. Be willing to tune in and allow any emotions you may be experiencing. Sometimes just expressing the words or sounds of the feelings will help release fascial restrictions. Silence and stillness are also perfectly normal and acceptable.
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Communicate with your therapist:
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If you need pillows or bolsters to be comfortable, please speak up.
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You might feel sensations (pain, tingling, etc.) far from the location being worked on, communicate this to your therapist.
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If you become uncomfortable and want your therapist to stop at any time, please speak up.
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While you are encouraged to communicate and ask questions as needed, general conversation should be limited to allow your therapist to focus on the treatment and listen to your body.
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Questions
How do I know if I have fascial restrictions?
If you are feeling tight, compressed, or restricted, then you have fascial restrictions. That constant or intermittent back or neck pain, that too-often headache, that hip that just never feels right, that “pulled muscle” that’s always coming back… Too often we get used to little (or big) aches and pains, thinking they’re just part of aging, or normal wear and tear. They are not, and you don’t have to live in pain.
Are there any side effects?
Myofascial release is safe for all ages. It can be used along with traditional medical care. Your fascial system may continue to release for hours or even days after a treatment. Physically, most clients report feeling better almost immediately. However, some may experience temporary soreness and feelings of being “stirred-up”. This is part of the healing process, they are signs that things are changing.
It is very important to drink plenty of extra water after a myofascial treatment, up to twice as much water as you normally drink. Restricted fascial areas are dehydrated, so it is critical to rehydrate your fascia to help it stay fluid and flexible.