Myofascial Release

Myofascial release (MFR) is an alternative medicine therapy claimed useful for treating skeletal muscle immobility and pain by relaxing contracted muscles, improving blood and lymphatic circulation, and stimulating the stretch reflex in muscles.

Fascia is a thin, tough, elastic type of connective tissue that wraps most structures within the human body, including muscle. Fascia supports and protects these structures. This soft tissue can become restricted due to psychogenic disease, overuse, trauma, infectious agents, or inactivity, often resulting in pain, muscle tension, and corresponding diminished blood flow.

Myofascial release massage therapy can be broken down into two categories:

1. Direct release that is also known as “deep tissue myofascial release therapy” which involves using force or weight to release the fascial with the aim at improving extensibility and mobility.

2. Indirect release is a gentler method where the practitioner applies less pressure, encouraging the fascia to slowly ‘unwind’ itself until greater movement is achieved.

As a standard I incorporate these techniques into all of my massage treatments and am a firm believer that a massage does not have to ‘hurt’ or use excessive force to be effective, instead I have been trained to ‘listen’ to the body, what the muscles, tissue & fascia need and use my skills to effectively respond.

If you would like any further information; please drop me a message! Amy x