Myofascial release techniques for neck pain can relieve tension, stiffness, and pain. Neck pain can be debilitating and can affect your quality of life.
Neck pain can be a tricky condition to treat because the underlying cause is often difficult to diagnose. Myofascial release (MFR), however, presents an effective approach for dealing with this type of discomfort.
MFR involves using tools such as foam rollers and massage balls to mechanically stimulate the myofascial and promote healing.
Try out these myofascial release tools and see how they can help reduce your discomfort. These tools might just be worth it!
What is Myofascial Release Therapy?
Myofascial release therapy is a therapeutic approach that can be used to treat myofascial pain syndrome. It’s a hands-on technique that relaxes, lengthens, and realigns your fascia. The goal is to give you pain relief and back your entire range of motion.
If you’ve been looking for relief from neck pain, myofascial release techniques may be able to help.
Myofascial Release Techniques to Relieve Neck Pain
Neck pain can affect your daily life, making it difficult to focus on tasks and even carry out simple activities. Fortunately, you can use some myofascial release techniques to reduce neck pain and improve your quality of life.
Before beginning any of the following techniques, consult a doctor or physical therapist for advice on how best to approach treatment for your particular case.
Trigger Point Release
The trigger point release is a technique to address tension points in the body. Tension points in the neck muscles can cause discomfort and pressure, leading to more incredible neck pain.
To practice trigger point release, place your hands on either side of the affected area and carefully massage the tense muscle fibers in small circles until the tension dissipates. You may also use a tennis ball or foam roller if desired.
Pressure-Point Massage
Another helpful technique is pressure-point massage, which targets specific areas causing myofascial pain syndrome. To practice this technique, locate the source of your discomfort by gently pressing around the affected area with your fingertips until you feel an area of increased sensitivity—this is a sign that this area needs some attention.
Once located, apply gentle pressure with your fingertips before releasing and repeating as needed until relief is felt.
Yoga Poses
Certain yoga poses can also be used to relieve tension in the neck area and promote better posture. One helpful pose is the mountain pose (tadasana). Start by standing tall with your feet hip-width apart, shoulders relaxed, and arms at your sides.
Then take several slow deep breaths while focusing on lengthening through the spine and releasing any tension from the shoulders up towards the top of the head. Another great pose is cat/cow (marjaryasana/bitilasana).
Begin on all fours with wrists under shoulders and knees below hips. As you inhale, arch your spine into a cow pose and round your spine into a cat pose.
Repeat several times while focusing on relaxing the jaw, breathing deeply into the rib cage, and releasing any tension in the shoulder blades or upper back region.