Myofascial Release Therapy – How to Do It Right

Myofascial Release Therapy – How to Do It Right

Myofascial Release Therapy (MRT), also known as myofascial release massage therapy, is a type of physical therapy used to treat myofascial pain syndrome. MRT is a manual therapy that uses slow, sustained pressure to release the myofascial tissue.

Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain disorder that occurs when the myofascial tissues – the muscles, tendons, and ligaments – become tight or contract. This can cause pain in the muscles, joints, and connective tissues.

Myofascial therapy aims to stretch and loosen the fascia so that it and other contiguous structures can move more freely, and the patient’s motion is restored.

MRT is a safe and effective treatment option for many people. However, it is important to ensure you are doing MRT correctly to avoid any potential injuries.

What is myofascial release therapy?

Myofascial release therapy is a hands-on technique used to manage myofascial pain. “Myo” means muscle. “Fascial” refers to the connective tissue that covers and supports the muscles throughout your body.

During myofascial release therapy, your therapist doesn’t focus specifically on your muscles. They focus on releasing tension in your fascial tissues. 

What is Fascia? 

You can think of fascia like a spider web. The stringy tissue is continuous throughout your entire body, from your head down to your toes. It’s also interconnected. So, if there’s an issue with fascia in one area of your body, it can cause problems in other areas. 

Fascial tissue has two main functions: 

1) To connect and support your muscles 

2) To protect your muscles and other organs from injury 

Fascial tissue is made up of collagen, elastin, and water. The collagen gives the tissue its strength. Elastin makes it flexible. And water helps to keep the tissues lubricated so they can move quickly. #Massage

How to Do Myofascial Release Therapy 

Here are some tips on how to do Myofascial Release Therapy correctly:

1. Apply gentle pressure with your fingertips – When doing MRT, it is important to apply gentle pressure with your fingers. It would help if you did not use too much pressure, as this can damage the tissue. Instead, use light manual pressure to feel a release in the tissue. 

2. Use long strokes – When doing MRT, you should use long rather than short strokes. This will help to stretch the tissue and promote healing. 

3. Repeat strokes – When doing MRT, it is important to repeat the strokes to ensure that the tissue is fully stretched and released. 

4. Use a massage mat – If you are doing MRT at home, it is a good idea to use a massage mat. This will help you apply the correct pressure and protect your fingers from any potential injuries. 

5. Seek professional help – If you are unsure how to do MRT correctly or have any underlying medical conditions, it is always best to seek professional help from a physical therapist or other healthcare professional. 

What can Myofascial Release Therapy Treat?

Myofascial release therapy may be used to treat many different health conditions. These conditions include:

Myofascial pain syndrome

Myofascial pain syndrome causes pain in your connective tissues. Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain disorder caused by sensitivity and tightness in your myofascial tissues. It may also be referred to as ‘myofascial trigger point therapy by others, also known as knots, in your fascial tissues. It gentle pressure until they feel the tension release.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes pain, numbness, and weakness in your hands and wrists. 

Low back pain

Low back pain is caused by strain on the muscles and tendons in your back. It causes a decrease in the motion and flexibility of your spine. 

Benefits of Myofascial Release Therapy

Myofascial release therapy can offer many benefits. These benefits include 

Reducing pain: Myofascial release therapy can help to reduce pain in your myofascial tissues. The therapist will work to release the tension in your tissues and increase the flexibility of your muscles. 

Improving range of motion: Myofascial release therapy can also help to improve your range of motion. This is because the therapist will work to release the restrictions in your myofascial tissues. 

Improving flexibility: It can also help to improve your flexibility. The therapist will work to release the tightness in your myofascial tissues, which will allow your muscles to move more freely. 

Relieving stress: Myofascial release therapy can also help to relieve stress. The therapist will work to release the tension in your myofascial tissues, which will help to relax your body and mind.

Do’s:

  • To find a myofascial release therapist who is certified and has experience. 
  • Do communicate with your therapist about any discomfort you feel during the massage. 
  • Do give yourself time to rest after the massage.
  • 30-60 seconds in each location (can lead to more tightness)
  • Work around the problem by taking a more indirect approach and looking at areas above or below trouble spots.
  • Determine which muscle to target and the fiber direction.

Don’ts:

  • Don’t expect immediate results from myofascial release therapy. It may take multiple sessions to see results. 
  • Don’t try myofascial release therapy at home without guidance from a certified myofascial release therapist. 
  • Before you book a session, don’t hesitate to ask questions about myofascial release therapy. 
  • More is not always better- it can lead to a sense of restriction.
  • Roll in any direction without regard for purpose.
  • Stop if you are reproducing or exacerbating your pain or experiencing sharp or shooting pains.
  • More pressure is not always better.

Conclusion

Myofascial Release Therapy can be an effective treatment option for many different conditions. However, you must know how to do MRT correctly to avoid potential injuries. We hope that these tips will help you when performing Myofascial Release Therapy!

Chenie Taton