Myofascial Release

Myofascial Release, a physical therapy technique, is the stretching of the fascia. Fascia is a thin tissue that covers all the organs of the body. This tissue also covers every muscle and every fiber within each muscle. All muscle stretching, then, is actually stretching of the fascia and the muscle, the myofascial unit. When muscle fibers are injured, the fibers and the fascia which surrounds it become short and tight. This uneven stress can be transmitted through the fascia to other parts of the body, causing pain and a variety of other symptoms in areas you often wouldn't expect. Myofascial Release treats these symptoms by releasing the uneven tightness in injured fascia. Myofascial release techniques are used to coax muscles in spasm to relax and break adhesions in the fascia. Bodies respond to these therapies by releasing tension that has been stored in the fascia, thus allowing more functional flexibility and mobility of the muscles, fascia and associated structures.

Benefits

• Relieves back strain and pai
• Aids in relieving pain and fatigue from fibromyalgia 
• Reduces pain and frequency of headaches
• Lessens dizziness and vertigo 
• Relives chronic cervical pain
• Helps restore function limited by carpal tunnel syndrome
• Helps people with complex pain complaints 
• Aids in the relief of Post-Polio symptoms

Additional Resources

• MyofascialRelease.com
• The Myofascial Release Manual, by Carol J. Manheim
• Healing Ancient Wounds: The Renegade's Wisdom, by John F. Barnes