Myofascial release is a specialized stretching technique used to
release tension and realign the body. The word myofascia is derived
from the Latin word “myo,” meaning muscle, and “fascia,” for band.
Fascia is tough connective tissue that spreads throughout the body in a
three dimensional web, from the head to the toes. Fascia surrounds
every muscle, bone, nerve and organ in the body.
1. How tissues becomes tight Poor posture,
physical injuries, and various illnesses can throw the body out of
alignment and cause the intricate web of the body's fascia to become
restricted. When muscle fibers are injured, the fascia that surrounds
muscles becomes short and tight. This uneven amount of pressure on the
fascia can bind the fascia to underlying tissues causing adhesions or
scar tissue. Over time, these adhesions can limit the range of motion
within a joint and cause pain and numbness throughout the body.
2. How to free constrictions in tissue The gentle
stretching used in myofascial release can break up scar tissue by
softening, lengthening and realigning the fascia. Freeing constrictions
in the tissue will ultimately restore balance to the body by relieving
pain and improving blood circulation in the body. Myofascial release
therapy can be beneficial for individuals suffering from back pain,
fibromyalgia, frozen shoulder, rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel
syndrome, headaches and whiplash injuries.
3. Myofascial Therapy Traditionally, physical
therapists and chiropractors used myofascial therapy to treat their
clients. Recently, personal trainers have incorporated these soft
tissue releasing exercises into clients' routines by utilizing the
following fitness accessories: Fitball Therapy Balls, and Foam
Rollers.
