General Information On Myofascial Release Massage

By Marissa Velazquez


Myofascial release massage is considered a type of soft-tissue therapy. The procedure is typically done as a treatment for skeletal muscle pain and immobility. The therapy is designed specifically to relax the contracted muscles. Furthermore, it is known to improve lymphatic and blood circulation and stimulate the stretch reflex of muscles. Father of osteopathic medicine, Andrew Taylor Still, and his students originally described this release method.

Fascia is the name given to the soft tissue component that is within the connective tissue and serves the purpose of providing protection and support for many structures of the body, such as muscle. Osteopathic theory suggests that fascia may become restricted because of a number of factors, for example: overuse, infectious agents, psychogenic disease, inactivity or trauma. This restriction often manifests as pain, diminished blood flow and muscle tension.

Fascia, and its muscles, are the main targets when it comes to this therapy. Still, there are other tissues that may be addressed during the process. Techniques that are employed with this process are usually categorize as one of two things: active or passive. Active occurs when the patient is told to employ resistance, while passive requires patients to stay totally relaxed during the process.

Myofascial release may be direct or indirect. Direct refers to deep tissue work. With this method, the tissue is engaged by constant force until the release is activated. Those who administer the treatment will use elbows, knuckles and other instruments in order to slowly stretch out the fascia that is restricted. This is meant to bring changes in the structures by elongating or stretching out the fascia or mobilizing certain tissues. Practitioners will make slow movements through layers of tissue until the deepest ones have been reached.

When it comes to the indirect method, a gentle stretch is employed and a small amount of pressure, allowing fascia to doing the unwinding itself. Dysfunctional tissue is then moved along the path of least resistance until there is free movement. This indirect approach originated in schools of osteopathy and is very common in physiotherapy.

Keep in mind that practitioners are expected to vary in any ways. They might have their own experience, knowledge, style and overall technique. Likewise, the results of this type of therapy may differ, depending on a host of factors. With that said, it is still highly recommended that individuals take the time to do thorough research on the therapy, as well as the practitioner who will be performing it.

The cost to have this type of massage done will range. Some insurance companies may cover a percentage of the cost and others may not. Paying upfront or out of pocket may involve an expensive bill, but some people believe this is a necessity. This procedure is becoming increasingly popular in the medical and massage communities. Some of the touted benefits of this massage: pain management, loosens tight tissues and muscles, improves mood.

Myofascial release massage is a type of soft-tissue therapy with numerous perceived benefits. This procedure is becoming popular in many parts of the world. The effectiveness and cost of this therapy will range considerably. Those interested are urged to do adequate research in advance.




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