Myofascial Release – MFR
Let’s break these words down?
What does Myo mean? Myo is the anatomical term for describing muscles.
What is fascia? A board or other flat piece of building material covering a beam or under or eaves…well no, not in this case.
Fascia is a network of tissue – like a spider web. It is sheets of connective tissue beneath the skin, layered throughout deeper parts of the body and through your muscles and organs. It attaches and holds these together. All of our nerves and the circulatory system are also knitted within this web like tissue.
So what? Fascia holds parts of us together. But what if it is not functioning correctly? What if it is tight? How can we fix this? What technique would a Remedial Massage Therapist – like Rachael at BCBC - use to help change this? – She would use a technique called Myofascial Release.
What is Myofascial Release /MFR?
Myofascial Release is a method of deep tissue massage. It starts on the outer surface layers of the tissue, and works towards a deeper point throughout treatment, within your comfort level. MFR assists to enable changes in dysfunctional tissue by stretching it, to release it. This is the tissue that can be limiting your movement. These limited movements can lead to changes in your posture. Oh yes, and the longer these limitations to your movement are there, the longer it will take to reset them back to normal…something to think about
Something else to think about is the pain that tight myofascial tissue can cause. Yes. It is not just your muscles that can cause your pain as there are pain receptors in the fascia, as well.
Poor habitual movement patterns or a lack of movement, like sitting all day at your office desk, can cause myofascial tissue to get tight. During a massage treatment, when we stretch this tight tissue you could feel a burning sensation. This is a myofascial release sensation and is generally short lived and quite normal, but not felt by everyone. The intensity and sensations felt, will vary between clients. Given we are all different, this is ok…the best thing is to note that you will not go up in flames!
So how can MFR help you?
The goal of MFR, is to create the quickest posture and movement pattern improvement that you can maintain. Posture and movement dysfunctions in one region of the body can create changes throughout your body. For example, a sore/tight shoulder could be from a hip tightness, as the body is compensating. Another example is a neck related headache can have a relationship from an imbalanced pelvis.
An improved posture and movement is measured by changes in how your stand, feel and are moving more freely. MFR can also reduce active myofascial trigger points (commonly known as “knots” in your muscles). For more measured improvements, we complete range of motion assessments and orthopaedic test to assess your progress.
Something to remember…
Your balance is altered as your posture becomes more symmetrical. To begin with, the central nervous system recognizes the old posture as more comfortable, and the new posture is more painful and strange.
Gradually, as your posture improves, your central nervous system will recognize your new posture as more energy efficient, but maybe still a bit painful and weird. As your new posture becomes less painful it is maintained more consistently. Then finally, your central nervous system will recognises the new posture to be more energy efficient and comfortable. A new you is born! This is part of adaptive neuroplasticity that we have spoken about with other Blogs.
If you have questions or would like to book an appointment , call 9887 4144 or email us on info@bergamohealth.com.au and request a Remedial Massage consultation with Rachael.
