BALANCE IN MOTION BODYWORK
Santa Barbara Massage & Pain Therapy
What is Myofascial Release?
Myofascial Release is a gentle therapy, consisting of a mixture of light stretching and massage work. During a session, I will apply hands-on massage strokes in order to release tension from the fibrous bands of the muscles, bones, nerves and joints, by unblocking any scar tissue or adhesions due to injury in the muscles and surrounding tissues.
I will often use light to moderate traction and twisting strokes to apply the appropriate tension on the soft tissue, and to achieve a full reflex range of the muscle. This slow and subtle technique can be used to unblock fascia and muscle throughout the body, restoring physical harmony.
Myofascial release is a safe therapy that can be used as a preventative method or to promote the healing of an injured, stiff or painful muscle and old and new scars. This therapy has also been effective in treating patients with sloppy posture, chronic fatigue, severe tension and anxiety, as well as repetitive stress injuries of the muscular-skeletal system.
How does Myofascial Release work?
Myofascial release therapy is applied hands on, in kneading-style strokes that are meant to stretch, loosen, soften and lengthen muscle tissues. The strokes are applied with gentle pressure and held for approximately 2 minutes in order for the stretch to have its full effect on the muscle. Typically, the same stretch is performed more than once until the muscle is totally relaxed and a release is felt. I will always apply massage in the direction of the muscle fibers to encourage the full range of motion of the muscle.
A typical Myofascial Release massage lasts an hour, and afterwards clients often rave about the total release of body tension they experience. This is why the treatment is often recommended to soothe a plethora of pain-associated conditions, including migraine headaches, shoulder and back pain, menstrual cramps, menopause-related pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, Fibromyalgia, whiplash and muscle spasms.
Myofascial Release is especially effective in conjunction with Proprioceptive Deep Tendon Reflex (P-DTR) therapy.
Myofascial Release
Benefits of Myofascial Release
It decreases Pain
When a person has been in pain for a long time, it causes both physical and emotional stress on the body. Pain patterns evolve and often the person feels like "the pain is everywhere." Myofascial Release (MFR) not only works on the painful areas, but addresses all areas of dysfunction throughout the body. It allows the body to heal by allowing the blood, lymph, and nerve receptors to work more effectively. By releasing endorphins, the body's natural pain killers, MFR eliminates the need for prescription drugs. This is why MFR achieves such a high rate of success.
It strengthens the Immune System
The immune system is a major factor in the body's battle to ward off infection and heal injuries. Pulls in the fascia cause the immune system's lymphatic flow to become sluggish. This, compounded by a less active lifestyle or limitations in movement caused by pain, creates even more dysfunction in the lymphatic system. MFR increases the circulation of lymphs throughout your body, thus increasing the speed or your recovery from injuries and illness.
Improves Nerve Function
Numbness, tingling, or pain in the arms and legs are often created by fascial adhesions pressing on your nerves. MFR relieves the pressure that is placed on these nerves, bringing a new awareness to the areas that are affected.
Increases Blood Circulation
Fascia adhesions decrease blood circulation by compressing the arteries. This added pressure to the system places stress on your heart and creates painful and cramping extremities. MFR increases the blood flow, which allows nutrients to get to your tissues and metabolic wastes to be taken away. Many circulatory conditions can be helped or alleviated by freeing the fascia that is preventing the system from functioning effectively.