Myofascial Release Massage

Myofascial release massage is a type of soft tissue massage which comprises a combination of light stretching and massage work. Myofascial release is a gentle massage therapy, that has derived its name from two Latin words myo and fascia, meaning muscle and elastic band, respectively. This type of massage therapy gained popularity in the late 1990s, for its ability to relieve pain and increase the flexibility of the stretched muscle.

The therapy aims at releasing tension from the fibrous bands of the muscles, bones, nerves and joints, by applying pressure on specific pressure points, which opens or unblocks any scar tissue or adhesion as a result of an injury in the muscles and surrounding connective tissues. Hence, myofascial release massage is a complete body treatment that functions by recognizing the stiffness and discomfort in a particular area of the body, resulting due to stress and improper body movement patterns. This massage therapy rejuvenates tightened muscles and connective tissues or fascia and relaxes the body muscles as well as reduces any kind of pain or discomfort.

Benefits of the Massage

Myofascial release massage benefits by reinstating the normal smooth functioning of the fascia related to injured or strained muscles and extending the fascia or muscle connective tissues back to their normal length. Hence, this massage therapy has been widely incorporated in many pain management plans and many doctors or physiotherapists also recommend its application in conjunction with other types of massage therapy to relief patients from various health problems.

Regular myofascial massage therapy can enhance body posture, relieve areas of muscle soreness, even out the stiffness of injured fascia and improve overall flexibility. Hence, the therapy is used to treat a plethora of pain related problems like migraine headaches, menstrual cramps, menopause-related pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, fibromyalgia, whiplash, dizziness, vertigo, post-polio symptoms, thoracic outlet syndrome, TMJ dysfunction, trigger points, tender points and muscle spasms.

Massage Techniques

Myofascial massage therapy incorporates hands on, in kneading style strokes that apply pressure on the pressure points to stretch, soften, loosen and straighten the muscles tissues. The session usually begins with a gentle massage to loosen the stiff muscles and identify the stressed areas which require more attention. Since the tightened fascia feels different to touch than the normal functioning tissues, the therapist will locate the area of tightness and start stretching the fascia by applying minimal pressure, usually by using only two fingers and then wait for the tissues to relax.

The therapist often uses mild to moderate traction and twisting strokes to exert the appropriate pressure on the soft tissue, and to attain a full reflex range of the muscle. The stretch is performed once or twice until the tissues are completely relaxed and a release is felt. Sometimes the session can be quite intense, especially if the muscles are very stiff and holding a great deal of tension and stress. The session usually lasts for an hour or so after which some clients experience slight stiffness or soreness, which will usually disappear over a couple of days, leaving behind a feeling of relaxation and well-being.

During the initial phase of treatment, the patient may feel a bit of uneasiness, however, as the session progresses the patient starts enjoying lessening muscle tension and pain. Hence, to sum up, we can say that myofascial release massage for frozen shoulder, joints or legs is an intense form of muscle and tissue massage therapy that benefits in relieving the stiff or tightened muscles and fascia, and in treating variety of pain associated ailments. However, like any other course of massage therapy, it is recommended that before opting for this massage, patients should consult their doctors in order to avert any conflicts with their medical conditions and other treatments.