Overview
Myofascial release is so much more than just another therapy modality.
It is a path to authentic healing. The concept of interconnectedness is
key. Not only the interconnectedness of the physical body via the
fascial system, but the interconnectedness of the mind and body as well.
Clues from a patient’s history, visual observation of posture, and
hands-on assessment provide the framework for finding fascial
restrictions. Actual treatment consists of manual, hands-on techniques
such as traction, compression, and three-dimensional stretching of the
tissue. The result is permanent, structural change.
How MFR is Different from Traditional PT
Symptoms such as pain are regarded as the body’s attempt to alert us to a
problem. MFR therapy does not attempt to mollify the symptoms with
external modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, heat and
cold. These treatments provide temporary relief at best, and at worst
distract us from finding the root of the problem. Also unlike
traditional physical therapy, there is not much emphasis on
strengthening the body. MFR sees most pain syndromes, postural
abnormalities, and restricted motion as a result of tightness, not
weakness.
Description of the fascial system
In order to understand the theory of the
MFR approach and how it works, we need to become familiar with
the fascial
system. Only then can we fully appreciate the role of fascia in
the healing
process. Simply put, fascia is connective tissue. It is a three
dimensional,
continuous web that surrounds and envelops all parts of the
body. It provides
stability and support while allowing for gliding and flexibility
with movement.
Fascia suspends organs, gives muscles shape, provides protective
sheaths for
nerves and blood vessels, and encases the brain and spinal cord
in fluid.
Furthermore, it permeates throughout these structures down to
the cellular level. The very walls of our cells are actually composed of
fascia. Since fascia is a continuous structure, this means that every
cell is connected to every other cell from head to toe!
Origin of Fascial Restrictions
The things most people experience as a ‘normal’ part of life can cause
fascial restrictions. These include things like falls, car accidents,
surgical scars or adhesions, childbirth (our own and that of our
children), infections and prolonged postures. Chronic stress, tension,
and emotional trauma can also lead to physical tissue restrictions in
the body. Even though we may appear to heal from individual incidents,
underlying fascial tightness or restriction can accumulate over time.
These restrictions build up and overlap in a unique, individual pattern
depending on our life experiences. Symptoms may appear seemingly out of
nowhere that have origins in past injuries.
How fascial restrictions result in symptoms
Fascia in its normal, healthy state is stretchy and flexible while
restricted fascia is compressed, stiff, and tight. Because fascia is
contiguous with every part of our body, restrictions can have various
and far reaching effects. Restrictions may be present in areas of the
body that seem unrelated to the current symptoms. The most obvious and
common symptom is pain. Other symptoms may accompany pain, depending on
the specific structures involved. For example, numbness and tingling
may occur with involvement of nerves. Restricted range of motion,
decreased flexibility, and postural changes occur with restrictions
pulling on muscles and bones. Circulation of blood or lymph is
compromised if these vessels are compressed. Headaches/migraines occur
when there is tension in the fascia that surrounds the brain and spinal
cord. Fascial restrictions can also effect the functioning of organs.
For example, restrictions or adhesions around the bladder can affect
proper expansion/contraction properties leading to incontinence,
frequency, etc.
The role of the patient and therapist
Mind-body practitioners generally agree that in order to feel better, we
have to get better at feeling. The patient is active in the healing
process by staying present in their body, attentive to sensations and
feelings that arise both during and after treatment. Expressing
emotions that may spontaneously surface during treatment is encouraged
by the therapist and can have a profound effect on the healing process.
Feedback and communication from the patient is very valuable. In
effect, therapist and patient are working together as a team to tap into
the innate healing properties of the body. Performing the MFR
techniques in areas of restriction allows for the body’s own
self-correction. In this sense, the therapist acts as a facilitator and
not a “fixer”.
What MFR can treat
The list of diagnoses located on the opening page of this website is a
general list of some of the most common diagnoses that I see but should
not be considered exhaustive. Diagnoses are simply labels for clusters
of symptoms. They are an efficient way for the medical community to
categorize disease and dysfunction. Treatment is then prescribed based
on what is believed to be the cause of that particular category disease
or dysfunction. However, the role of the fascial system in assessing or
evaluating symptoms is commonly minimized or missed entirely. Why?
The importance of the fascial system is not taught in the traditional
medical model. Also, today’s diagnostic machines, such as MRI or X-RAY,
do not detect fascial problems. This is important to consider if you
are someone who has been told ‘nothing’ is wrong with you. Many people
have received various forms of treatment even extensive surgeries, with
limited or no relief. So, regardless of your diagnosis, or what you
have been told is the cause of your problem, MFR treatment may be the
missing link in your recovery.
Please review the following link for more information on the John F Barns approach to Myofascial Release.
