MYOFASCIAL RELEASE

Fascia is a 3 dimensional web of connective tissue that surrounds every organ, muscle fiber, nerve, vessel and structure in our bodies, down to the cellular level. Fascial restrictions can impact sensation and mobility of these structures. Think of a knitted sweater. If you pull a thread and create restriction, it impacts the shape and tension of the rest of the sweater. Your fascia works the same way.

Fascia is made up of 3 parts: collagen, elastin, and a gel-like ground substance. Through trauma or development of scar tissue this fascia can prevent blood flow, cause swelling, decrease range of motion, contribute to misalignment and cause pain.

As John Barnes explains, “Trauma, inflammatory responses, and/or surgical procedures create myofascial restrictions that can produce tensile pressures of approximately 2,000 pounds per square inch on pain sensitive structures that do not show up in many of the standard tests (x-rays, myelograms, CAT scans, electromyography, etc.)” Gentle sustained pressure from your therapists’ hands help to reduce this pressure, and create space for your organs, muscles, or nerves to move freely and fluidly. After being released your tissue will be more pliable.

Fascial restriction can be caused by emotional or physical trauma, injury, surgery, repetitive movements, and poor posture. Basically, fascial restrictions are a part of life. It is not your fault if you have them. Although it is not possible to prevent restrictions all together, it is possible to prevent worsening restriction by seeking treatment and learning how to self treat.

No. One thing I would love to see change in healthcare, is the division of the body as separate parts. What happens in our feet can impact our shoulders and what happens in our neck can impact our pelvis. We are connected by fascia and myofascial release can help release fascia beyond what’s underneath the therapists hands. The goal is to achieve a whole body structural release and realignment. Often where you are experiencing your symptom is not the root cause. Myofascial release is whole-person, whole body treatment that fosters healing on a physical and emotional level.

If 20 years of working with bodies has taught me anything, it’s that emotions, stress, and trauma are stored in our tissues.

Often when these tissues are manipulated, they can trigger memories and emotional responses. This only happens if you allow it, and I create a safe and comfortable space for you to heal. You are in control and can stop or redirect the treatment session at any time.

Myofascial release includes gentle therapeutic touch that can have a calming and relaxing effect on the nervous system. It creates a deeper release at the collagenous barrier of the fascia and often the impacts are longer lasting. Massage creates a release at the elastic barrier of the tissues. This often feels juicier and more relaxing in the moment, but the impact is not always as long-lasting.

Fascia is so important for our mobility. When our bodies are pulled out of alignment by fascial restrictions it causes everyday movement to be taxing and painful. Myofascial release can lengthen this inner fabric allowing our bodies to be adaptive, flexible, and mobile, thereby reducing pain and allowing you to have a multitude of options for movement with more energy to execute them. This work will allow you to move more easily, trust your body, and engage in the activities you love doing without pain or fear. It can be truly transformational and improve quality of life.

This is very individualized. At times people feel better with one visit, while others need multiple visits to achieve their goal. Frequency is dependent on the client, their lifestyle, emotional and physical history, and whether the issue is acute or chronic. I will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan that helps you to achieve your goals. I will also provide self-care education enabling you to carry over the work at home.