Learn Myofascial Release & The Benefits with Vicki Askew
Why should we listen to Vicki Askew?
Vicki Askew has been a qualified massage therapist for over 5-years, and has studied sports massage, myofascial release and trigger therapy since the start. She runs an independent massage business called Enhance Massage in Wymondham, Norfolk, and has a multitude of clients in the area including the public but also sports people who compete at a high level. Her knowledge of this area is fantastic, so without further ado, let’s delve into what myofascial release is, and the benefits thereof.
What is Myofascial Release?
It seems like the obvious place to start with something like myofascial release, because it’s not necessarily widely known about, is to explain what it is. So, the physical therapy known as myofascial release is frequently used to treat myofascial pain syndrome, most seen in businesspeople who sit down too much, and sports men and women. A condition known as myofascial pain syndrome, that typically produces persistent pain, is brought on by sensitivity and tension in your myofascial tissues, thus it is ideal to remove this tension. All the muscles in your body are surrounded by and supported by these tissues. The “trigger points” (otherwise known as “knots”) in your myofascial tissues are typically where the pain first appears.
By releasing the tension and tightness in the trigger points, myofascial release aims to lessen discomfort. Understanding which trigger point is causing the discomfort is not always simple. It is quite challenging to pinpoint a single trigger point for pain. Because of this, myofascial release is frequently applied to several locations rather than a single muscle or piece of tissue.
How Does it Work?
By releasing limitations and releasing tension, myofascial release relieves painful areas. Myofascial release raises the temperature and blood flow to soft tissues, which also lessens discomfort.
Myofascial release aids in the removal of scar tissue and other constrictive tissues. Scar tissue can develop as part of the body’s natural healing process after an accident. Scar tissue can limit fascia’s range of motion and hurt. Myofascial release works to break up scar tissue and return the tissue to its pre-injury state.
Myofascial release is frequently employed as a method of relaxation. Slow and exact movements are used when performing myofascial release. Myofascial release can activate the parasympathetic nervous system by moving slowly across the skin. The nervous system generates sensations of serenity and regulates emotions.
What are the Physiological Effects?
Tissue elasticity is increased during myofascial release. Important connective tissue called fascia can suffer damage or scarring from trauma, overuse injuries, inflammation, or immobility. Damage will cause myofascial release to become shorter and tighter. Myofascial release therapy helps to activate neuronal receptors that are found in skeletal muscle tissue. By applying pressure and raising the fascia’s temperature, myofascial release alters the fibre length. Greater tissue flexibility promotes fascia tissue movement while reducing limitations and adhesions.
The soft tissues receive more blood flow thanks to myofascial release. More nutrients can enter tissues and waste can be eliminated when blood flow is increased. Fascial adhesions can be lessened, and the fascia system can avoid malfunctioning with improved circulation.
What are the Benefits?
Long-lasting relief is not possible with only one myofascial release treatment. However, regular myofascial release therapy, on the other hand, can give you all sorts of benefits, including:
- Improved range of motion
- Increased relaxation
- Improved circulation
- Helps your body to naturally recover
- Reduces pain and soreness
- Reduce stress
Reduced fascia tissue tension is one advantage of myofascial release. Tightness and discomfort may result from tissue tension that creates a constricting barrier, particularly for those with back pain. Myofascial adhesions and blockages are relieved with direct myofascial release. Myofascial release helps mobilise adhesion tissue while stretching and lengthening fascia.
Myofascial release aids in boosting motion. Fascia tissue and muscles may shorten after an injury and start to impede joint movement and blood flow. Myofascial release treatments assist restores range of motion around a joint by releasing muscle tension and rupturing fascial adhesions.
Conclusion
Myofascial release is a very effective treatment if it is done regularly, as part of your normal health regime. Having treatment once isn’t really very useful. This is particularly true if you’ve had an injury, because of the improvements it can give you in range of motion, circulation, and the help it gives your body to naturally recover.
