The Value Of Myofascial Release Therapy

By Young Lindsay


Injuries, infection, surgery, overuse and inactivity are just some issues that can cause individuals to lose flexibility and develop pain in parts of the body like the shoulders, hips, back or neck. Myofascial release therapy is a treatment increasingly being used today to treat problems like this. It releases tightness in the restricted fascia, resulting in more flexibility, greater skeletal and muscular alignment and significantly reducing pain.

The fascia is a connective tissue web surrounding every muscle, tendon, ligament, bone, tissue and organ in the body. It offers support and protection, forming a cushioning mechanism to allow for comfortable movement.This network of connective tissue can be affected by trauma, overuse, inactivity and a number of other factors.

Some of the symptoms experienced by patients as a result of this problem are chronic back or neck pain, sciatica, muscle pain, headaches and even difficulties in breathing. Flexibility is reduced and movement becomes difficult. Unfortunately, routine tests such as X rays do not pick up this tightness. People often go through various other types of treatment and use painkillers without experiencing any long term relief.

Those performing this type of therapy have to go through specific training. Many different courses are available, including ones aimed at those who are already graduates like occupational and physical therapists or osteopathic physicians. This is a different type of treatment to massage and various practical techniques have to be mastered. The therapist must be able to identify the areas requiring treatment and then move carefully through every restriction, applying just the right kind of pressure for the right amount of time.

Sessions are conducted on a one-on-one basis and the first appointment is used to assess the problem and discuss a suitable plan of treatment. Subsequent treatments may be conducted every few days or on a daily basis. This may take place over a period of weeks or even months, depending on the severity of the problem. Progress is measured by the decrease in pain experienced by the patient as well as the increase in motion.

The therapist does not use any creams, oils or machinery in this process and the techniques are different to that of massaging the muscles of the body. The pressure applied is gentle and sustained. The results are measurable and patients who have not experienced relief with other treatments, often respond to this treatment.

Deeper pressure may be required but this never becomes intolerable for the client. To prevent this, the therapist keeps communicating with the client and remains sensitive to the level of pain experienced. The idea is not to force the fascia but to allow it to loosen naturally. The client may experience a slight sensation of burning or stretching.

This therapy is available from a wide variety of different therapists. It is important to find out what kind of training and credentials a practitioner has before making an appointment. Reading client testimonials is also another way to find out more about a particular therapist. This treatment can effectively address many orthopedic and soft tissue problems, providing relief for patients who may have been suffering for years.




About the Author:



0 comments:

Post a Comment