What is myofascial release?
Myofascial release is a remarkable form of soft tissue therapy that is relatively new to the UK. It focuses on releasing the body's most flexible yet durable structures (fascia) by improving posture and restoring balance to create change within the body.
The role of myofascia within the body.....
A simple way to visualise fascia is, for example, the thin, white membrane found between the skin and meat of a raw chicken. Its role within the body is to create space within the tissues, whilst maintaining movement, postural balance and the nervous system. Fascia is an all-encompassing web of connective tissue that runs seemingly endlessly throughout the body on both a superficial and deep level surrounding each and every muscle and organ within it.
In fact fascia was originally referred to as the organ of posture by Doctor Ida Rolf - the creator of one of the first myofascial release techniques, known as structural integration or rolfing. And it is posture that remains the main focus of this particular type of technique.
The application of the technique itself is quite a different approach to most forms of soft tissue work. Although the aim is always to try and eliminate pain, reduce dysfunction, restore balance and improve function the approach is somewhat more measured. We all have uneven stresses within our bodies created by illness, injury, surgery and repetitive movements which in turn cause pain, dysfunction, poor posture and inefficient movement patterns. Myofacial release stretches the tight and restricted fascia to return it to its normal state so that it can glide more efficiently hence allowing improved muscular movement.
Benefits of myofascial release include the following:
- General Well-Being
- Pain Relief
- Injuries (chronic and acute)
- Sleeping Patterns
- Emotional Health
- Allergies
- The Immune System
- Digestive system
- Circulation
