Can Myofascial Release Treat the Whole Body?

Myofascial release is a popular form of manual therapy that is able to reduce muscle pain and stiffness. It may even help to treat headaches, overuse injuries, and more. It can be very effective! But what exactly is myofascial release, and can it be used to treat the whole body? This blog post explains some important information.

Myofascial Release: The Basics

Myofascial release is a special type of therapeutic massage. During sessions, a treatment provider applies gentle pressure to trigger points in the fascia, which is a network of connective tissues that surrounds the muscles. As those trigger points are carefully released, it can lead to a reduction in pain, an increase in joint mobility, and other benefits.

What Areas of the Body Can Myofascial Release Treat?

Myofascial release can be beneficial for head-to-toe wellness. In fact, applying gentle pressure to one part of your body may help to decrease referred pain in other areas!

However, while myofascial release can provide widespread benefits, your therapist might not apply direct pressure to certain parts of your body, including:

• The cervical spine region. This includes the seven vertebrae in the neck. It is very delicate, and improper techniques could cause significant harm. Your care team may recommend gentler alternatives to traditional myofascial therapy.
• Areas with injuries or open wounds. Applying pressure to fresh injuries or open wounds can cause significant pain and may interfere with your body’s natural healing process.
• Near bones or joints. These areas are sensitive, and improper myofascial release technique may result in injury. If your therapist chooses to work in these areas, they should be well-trained and highly qualified.
• Near major blood vessels or organs. The myofascial tissue in these areas is intertwined with delicate structures. Extreme caution is necessary to avoid causing harm.
• Areas with nerve damage. If you have been diagnosed with any type of nerve damage, be sure to let your care provider know so they do not irritate these sensitive regions.
• Areas of acute inflammation. Acute inflammation is a key part of the body’s healing process after injuries. Applying pressure might increase discomfort and worsen the underlying condition.

Trusting Your Care Provider

A well-trained practitioner will know what areas to avoid and what areas to focus on so you can benefit fully from myofascial release therapy. Remember, it is a highly beneficial treatment that comes with very few risks when it is properly performed!

Meet the Practice

At the Institute for Non-Surgical Orthopedics of Fort Lauderdale, our team is proud to offer myofascial release therapy. We take patient safety very seriously, so we always perform a thorough evaluation before starting any type of treatment. To learn more about how we may be able to help you enjoy improved wellness, contact our office at 954-985-3932.