WHAT IS MYOFASCIAL RELEASE AND MEDICAL MASSAGE THERAPY?

Myofascial (Myo meaning muscle, Fascia meaning connective tissue) is a more medical aspect of massage that integrates physical therapy techniques. Myofascial release works with the network of connective tissue that run through the body that cover organs and the muscular-skeletal structures of the body.

During a Myofascial release session the therapist will identify slight tensions in the connective tissue and work with the client to see how gentle or intense to push into the area to help relieve the discomfort. When the therapist pulls the tissue in opposing positions with their hands directly on the skin (no oils), then the tissues relax and trigger points can be identified. Trigger points are often the source of the pain that radiates out to other areas in the body.

1. Passive myofascial release: The passive form of myofascial release is where the therapist’s movements are guided by the client’s body—the therapist is trained to find and identify tension in the client’s fascia and observe how the client’s body responds to treatment. This informs the therapist’s course of action, affecting where they stretch the client’s fascia, how much pressure they apply, and for how long.

2. Active myofascial release: The active form of myofascial release involves the client being directed to contract and relax certain muscles under the guidance of the therapist.

3. Medical Massage: Uses both Myofascial massage techniques to focus on specific problems or injuries that a doctor has diagnosed.

A session may combine passive and active myofascial release techniques, or only use one approach.