What is Myofascial Release?

Gentle Hands on approach

Myofascial release is a gentle long sustained release of the fascial system.  The fascia is a network of connective tissue that surrounds every cell in your body.  When it is functioning properly it protects, connects, and cushions the structures of the body.  If it becomes injured it can exert up to 2000 pounds of pressure per square inch.  The normal fluidic nature becomes restricted and fibrous.  If these restrictions are over sensitive structures such as nerves, joints, blood vessels, and organs one can experience pain, chronic inflammation, and dysfunction.  These restrictions don't show up in any tests such as MRIs, blood work, or X-rays.

Living Fascia

This is a picture of living fascia.  It dynamically adapts to forces on the body by forming liquid filled microtubules that provide a clear tensegrity support for the body.  The water in the fascia is in liquid crystal form which forms not only a structural support, but provides an energetic pathway throughout the whole body.  Through the work of Dr. Gerald Pollack at the University of Washington, we just beginning to understand the complex interaction that occurs in microtubule structures filled with water.  Through studies by Dr. Stuart Hammeroff and physicist Sir Roger Penrose on these microtubules in the brain, there is an indication they are involved in consciousness and brain function.

How Release works

Since the fascia is so strong, with a tensile strength of 2000 pounds per square inch, we cannot force the fascial system.  It does, however, respond to a sustained stretch from 3-5 minutes at the end of its elastic component.  This stimulates anti-inflammatory responses in the body and there are indications this causes fluid to flow back into collapsed and fused microtubules of fascia that have been traumatized.  From the therapist perspective it feels like pulling taffy as the tissue releases.  This allows us to treat many problems that haven't responded to medication, exercise, and traditional stretching.  Chronic back pain, neck pain, shoulder issues, over use syndromes such as carpal tunnel, plantar fasciitis, and many issues related to restricted biomechanics respond very well to myofascial release.