Myofascial Release

What is Fascia?

Fascia is the basic name for connective tissue system that encompasses our entire body through various layers. There are 3 distinct layers and I work through both the superficial and deep layers.
It is both a support system and a system for effective movement. One part of fascia’s job is to hold it’s shape while still being able to move. Imagine a sausage, the inside is muscle while the outer layer can be what is considered fascia

What is a Myofascial Sling?

Although it runs through what looks like a muscular pathway, it is perceived that the sling travels this pathway through various different types of tissue like muscle, tendon, ligament, fascia to create stability and mobility.
The idea is that it’s not always the case that one muscular contraction is responsible for movement. The force created through movement also creates other forces to be able to stabilise the body as well as maximise the efficiency of the area moving.

The sling below demonstrates a “map” that can be followed. This helps people understand why pain in the lower back can be resolved by treating for example the hamstring or midback.

What is Myofascial Release

Myofascial Release is a firm sustained pressure applied to a broad area that is not moving properly to improve movement and eliminate pain. MFR looks for specific areas or points of tension to work on. Unlike Trigger Points, they do not zero in on those specific spots but instead use broad techniques to break up these fascial adhesions.

Looking at the Myofascial Slings you can see how the muscle travels in the similar directions but as an experienced Myofascial Release expert we can use hamstring releases to reduce back pain for example whereas with massage in its purest form works specifically with musculature.

In my personal experience this is a great technique for people with Fibromyalgia.