Myofascial Release

Myofascial release therapy is a soft tissue technique that focuses on stretching muscles and fascia. Fascia is soft tissue, a connective structure that surrounds our body, like a transparent cobweb that covers it from head to toes. It surrounds our muscles and individual body organs creating a sheath. By applying gentle pressure and generating heat from the touch, fascia then is encouraged to lengthen. This allows muscles to relax and go back to their best functional position. 

Myofascial Release Therapy– what can it treat?

Myofascial release therapy is the most effective in restoring mobility and increasing range of movement. This often enhances healing and reduces muscular pains. Chronic injuries and postural problems benefit the most from this technique. That includes long-term back problems, repeated headaches, fibromyalgia, general stiffness and arthritis.

A lot of old and repetitive injuries can also be healed with the myofascial release by reducing scar tissue and increasing mobility. Many people have also noticed improvement of breathing as myofascial release helps for ribcage and its muscles to expand more. Fascial release has an impact on the whole body because it is one piece of connective tissue. If the restriction appears in one area, it has a negative, pulling impact on the rest of the body. Fascia plays a high role in any type of imbalance and compensations as it easily adapts to the way the musculoskeletal system finds the way to keep the body moving. Myofascia can be compared to a body sleeve, tightness or kinks in one area pulls on the neighbour areas and therefore releasing the kinks and untwisting the fascia can bring a lot of effect to the whole of the body - including internal organs and far extremities. 

What to expect?

Myofascial release therapy is usually a part of remedial or deep tissue massage. This technique is slow and gentle and can be compared to peeling an onion: stretching and opening the fascia layer by layer. Your therapist will use long and smooth strokes, moving the fascia in the right directions. Fascia can change its structure and consistency when exposed to slow movement and heat. This makes it more playable and therefore more amenable. Some people compare to playdough - when exposed to warmth and touch, it softens and molds easily. 

In opposite of loosening muscles, releasing fascia can take time because it only responds to slow and gentle manipulations. Chronic and stubborn tightness often needs a bit more persuasion and patience. It is important not to get discouraged by the lack of sudden improvement. Tension is usually reduced after a few treatments and improvement in mobility gradually increases.

Although the treatment is gentle and slow, some people experience a bit of soreness after the session. This is due to the body adjusting to the new position of muscle and fascia. It is advisable to refrain from heavy physical activity after myofascial release massage to allow the body to adapt. Drinking plenty of water aids to boost the treatment results as dehydrated fascia stiffens much faster. Warm shower or bath also helps to soothe any discomfort and keep the fascia stretches and healthy. To find out more about how we can help you through myofascial release in Fulham, simply give us a call on 020 3794 9760. We can't wait to hear from you!