Types of Myofascial Release

Fascia is a complex network of connective tissues that surrounds almost every structure in the body and if irritated can cause significant problems with muscle strength and biomechanics. Myofascial release has been shown to break the cycle of inflammation and tension that fascia can impart on the body and improve biomechanics and athletic performance. Skilled and trained physical therapists and practitioners are best to help identify problem area and over see treatment.

We have talked on the blog about fascia and how the function of most planes of fascia is to reduce friction and allow a muscle, or other organ in the body to move freely with minimal friction and/or drag against adjacent structures, be it bone, muscles or other organs. So basically your fascia pulls on your muscles and creates pain. But how do you fix this? It is solved by myofascial release. 

There are numerous different ways to release fascia, some are more gentle than others and some can be performed by yourself, other require a trained practitioner such as a sports therapist. However, it should be mentioned that for the best and most comprehensive healing, treatment should be recommended and over seen by a sports therapist.

Due to fascia's significant role in the body an individual can cause themselves harm is treatment is too vigorous or applied too regularly. Graston ART (Active Release Technique), specific types of massage and fascial manipulation by specifically trained sports therapists or physical therapists are several forms of myofascial release techniques that can be provided by and over seen by practitioners.

They each have a slightly different focus and may differ in philosophy, however, the goal is predominantly the same. In addition, there are several products designed for home use and self treatment such as Trigger Point Performance Technology. These at home products are much like "brushing your teeth," You go to the dentist regularly for a deep cleaning and to learn how best to take care of your teeth, but you still brush your teeth everyday.

At Athletes in Pain, I use slow motion video gait & posture analysis, myofascial release and training plans to rehabilitate your fascia and painful areas in your body, and video range-of-motion testing. From Olympic Athletes to people who just like to stay active, I can help you get back in the game. Call me to schedule a $25 no obligation consultation so we can see where your pain stems from and help with your pain from the source, not just masking the symptoms.

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