Myofascial Release is an alternative medical treatment claimed to be very effective for the treatment of low back pain and decreased mobility by relaxing tight contracted contractions of key soft tissues, thereby increasing blood, nutrients, and oxygen flow to the affected area. The theory of myofascial release goes something like this: by stretching out the muscles you can relieve the pain and stiffness. There are many different techniques used in myofascial release; however, the technique that works best for most people is known as transverse infraspinatus compression. This particular technique focuses on applying steady pressure in a quick upward movement while performing hip flexion or extended knee flexion. There are variations of myofascial release, such as ultrasound, electric stimulation, and targeted ultrasound, but for best results, a combination of techniques is used.
When considering myofascial release therapy, it’s important to seek medical advice from a licensed medical professional. If you decide to use this method of pain relief, it is very important that you exercise caution and always get a second opinion from a competent source. Myofascial Release should never be practiced by those under the influence of drugs or alcohol, nor by pregnant or nursing women, individuals with a pacemaker, or any person with a history of depression, ulcers, or heart problems. In addition to being very careful who you allow to perform this treatment, you should also seek a medical evaluation before beginning myofascial release therapy to see if you are a good candidate for treatment. A thorough medical examination will allow your doctor to rule out any serious health conditions, including heart disease, kidney or heart problems, tumors, or any other type of abnormal tissue growth. Once cleared by a medical professional, you may begin the process of myofascial release.
In the case of myofascial release, the release of a local anesthetic agent reduces pain and the production of edema (water retention) in affected, soft tissue areas. The intention of myofascial release therapy is to relieve pain, while at the same time, encourage the healing process to prevent further injury. While myofascial release can be effective for many different types of chronic painful conditions, it is most often used to treat injuries, sprains, strains, contusions, malformations, and dislocations. These conditions are typically treated with traditional therapies such as physical therapy, massage, surgery, chiropractic care, athletic therapy, and ultrasound treatments. While these therapies have proven effective for some patients, many find them to be too costly and/or inconvenient.
With myofascial release therapy, there are no drugs, surgery, chiropractic care, athletic therapy, or even massage required. Myofascial Release works gently, naturally, and at a faster rate than other treatment methods. Many patients have experienced pain relief within one session! The key to success is a combination of consistent application, smart stretching techniques, and regular exercise. Stretching and strengthening exercises will increase flexibility, mobility, strength, speed, and overall comfort that is exactly what many injured or sore athletes need to return to top form. For example, if an athlete has tightness or a pinched nerve in his back, he may need to take a day or two off of work, rest, ice his back, and apply myofascial release therapy for relief before returning to full speed.
If you are looking to regain top performance, speed, flexibility, or even reduce soreness and inflammation, a good therapist will teach you how to release the muscles that form the hip abductors, hip flexors, internal and external obliques, and lower trapezius muscles through a minimally invasive, non-invasive therapeutic approach. This non-surgical, non-toxic therapy is safe and effective for all ages and body types. In fact, many athletes and bodybuilders have found myofascial release techniques to be extremely helpful and effective for maintaining peak performance during workouts and recovery. They are also a great add-on to rehabilitative and preventative programs.
If you are an athlete, bodybuilder, tennis player, or just want to feel more mobile and fit, consider this massage technique. It can reduce tightness, range of motion, pain, soreness, inflammation, stiffness, and improve balance and coordination. A trigger point massage therapist can perform these therapeutic treatments in your office or home, often while you are working out at the gym or at home. Trigger point therapy can provide fast, effective relief from trigger points that cause inflammation, stiffness, pain, and trigger point related problems. Myofascial Release Therapy can also be used after a strenuous workout or athletic event to promote muscle and joint health by releasing the adhesions, tendons, ligaments, and muscles that have been stretched beyond their normal limits.