If you are like most people, you have probably never heard of myofascial release. And if you are like most people who have never heard of it, you are probably wondering what it is and whether or not it works. Myofascial release is a type of massage that helps to release tension in the fascia, which is a thin layer of connective tissue that covers and supports muscles. This type of massage has been shown to be helpful for treating a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, muscle tension, headaches, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
There is a good deal of scientific evidence that supports the use of myofascial release for treating various conditions. For instance, a study was published in the journal Pain found that myofascial release was operative at abating pain and improving function in people with chronic low back pain. Another study, published in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, found that myofascial release may help treat tension headaches. And a study published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies showed that myofascial release effectively reduced muscle tension and pain in people with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Does myofascial release work?
What Is Myofascial Release and Does It Work? The answer is yes – there is a fair amount of research to support its use for various conditions. However, it should be noted that there is not a lot of high-quality research in this area, and more studies are needed before strong conclusions can be made about the effectiveness of myofascial release.
Myofascial release is typically performed by a trained therapist who will apply pressure using their hands (similar to massage) or other tools such as foam rollers or balls. The goal of this therapy is to break down adhesions (known as trigger points) in order to relax tight muscles and improve the range of motion.
How Does Myofascial Release Work?
Most myofascial release treatments begin with a therapist applying pressure to the affected area and then asking you to perform gentle stretches. This is done in order to release tight muscles that may be contributing factors to your symptoms or conditions.
Some people find myofascial release very painful, while others note less pain than expected. In some cases, it can actually make your condition worse before improving things over time (known as “the good hurt”). If this happens, just let the therapist know so they can adjust accordingly during future sessions!
Self-Massage Techniques
Myofascial tissue will often become tight in the following areas: Arms, Calves, Feet, Head, Hips, Jaw, Lower back, Neck, Quads, Shoulders. If you notice your muscles become tight, try applying mild pressure to the area with a foam roller or tennis ball.
Stretch before and after working out – stretching is essential for good health! It helps reduce tension in those knots that could be causing you pain later on down the road.
Does Science Support Myofascial Release?
In science, there are few studies on the benefits of myofascial release. However, one review concluded that this treatment could be a useful addition to traditional therapies for chronic pain and other conditions like fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). In addition, another study found that using foam rolling as part of your workout routine may help reduce muscle soreness after exercise or activity by up to two days! That’s pretty impressive, considering you don’t need any training to use these tools at home without supervision from someone else first.
What Are Some Other Benefits Of Myofascial Release?
The main benefit is usually relief from pain caused by tight muscles due to injury. It’s not entirely clear how myofascial release works, but it is thought that the pressure applied to the muscles and connective tissues helps to stretch them out and break down any knots or adhesions. In turn, it can help to improve blood flow and reduce muscle tension.
Consult a Massage Therapist and Your Doctor
Contact with doctor or a physical therapist to determine whether this treatment is right for you. Suppose your physician believes that myofascial release therapy can be helpful for you. In that case, it may be a good idea to start with some sessions at an established spa where the therapists are highly trained and experienced in this type of treatment. Once you feel comfortable with how it works, then try doing self-massage regularly on your own time!