Myofascial Release

Myofascial release is a method of soft tissue mobilization focusing on the fascial component of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Fascia is a three dimensional web of connective tissue surrounding and infusing every structure of our body all the way down to the cellular level. Fascia is composed of collagenous fibers that coil around elastic fibers. Collagen fibers have a plastic quality and are pliable. Fascia also contains a ground substance that provides a lubricant allowing the free gliding of muscles. The connective fibers of fascia are interwoven allowing it to resist tension in all directions. Normally fascia is slightly mobile. Fascia tend to shorten and tighten secondary to injury causing pain by generating enormous pressure on pain sensitive structures. Myofascial release techniques involve stretching along the line of fibers of the restricted muscle until resistance to further stretch is felt. The stretch is held in the lengthened position until the soft tissue is felt to relax or "release". The slack is taken up after the release an a new position is held. Myofasical release also reduces pain and increases mobility while correcting posture.