Myofascial Release Therapy
Myofascial Release Therapy is a whole-body, hands-on approach for the evaluation and treatment of the human structure. Its focus is the fascial system.
Physical trauma, an inflammatory or infectious process, or structural imbalance from dental malocclusion, osseous restriction, leg length discrepancy and pelvic rotation all may create repetitive actions and inappropriate fascial strain.
Myofascial Release Therapy relies entirely upon the feedback received by the therapist from the client non-verbally through the client’s tissues. Although myofascial release is commonly presented as a technique that the client controls through feedback from his/her body, the locus of control is the practitioner who must correctly interpret and respond to the feedback. It is the practitioner who determines how much, how long and how forceful the stretching will be, according to responses of the client’s body.
Fascia, an embryologic tissue, re-organises along the lines of tension imposed on the body, adding support to mis-alignment and contracting to protect the individual from further trauma (real or imagined). This has the potential to alter organ and tissue physiology significantly. Fascial strains can slowly tighten, causing the body to lose its physiologic adaptive capacity. Over time, the tightness spreads like a pull in a sweater or stocking. Flexibility and spontaneity of movement are lost, setting the body up for more trauma, pain, and limitation of movement. These powerful fascial restrictions begin to pull the body out of its three-dimensional alignment with the vertical gravitation axis, causing bio-mechanically inefficient, highly energy-consuming movement and posture.
Fascial restrictions cannot be overcome by exercise alone – it must be used in conjunction with Myofascial Release Therapy.