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Massage Techniques Articles
Myofascial Release
The term myofascial release is derived from the Latin words “myo” (or
muscle) and “fascia” (or elastic band. Many massage therapists and
chiropractors associate the stretching of muscles and ligaments to the
stretching of an elastic band.
In practice, Myofascial Release is a gentle therapy, consisting of a
mixture of light stretching and massage work. During a session, the therapist
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.
The therapist 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 total 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.
However, this therapy has also been affective in treating patients with sloppy
posture, chronic fatigue, severe tension and anxiety, as well as repetitive
stress injuries of the muscular-skeletal system.
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-mintues in order for the stretch to have its full effect on the muscle.
Typically the same stretch is performed more than once by the therapist until
the muscle is totally relaxed and a release is felt. The therapist 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 amazed about the total release of body tension they experience.
This is why the treatment is often recommended to soothe a many of
pain-associated conditions including migraine headaches, menstrual cramps,
menopause-related pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, Fibromyalgia,
whiplash and muscle spasms.
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