Myofascial release is a new and exciting musculoskeletal treatment which aims to relieve pain and restrictions in the fascial tissue. Sue gained a diploma in myofascial release (MFR) at the School of Bodyworks, Exeter.
The fascia acts as a net throughout the body enveloping muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons and cells giving support but also interconnecting different parts of the body. Once thought just to act as a filler between other tissue, fascia is now known to have its own blood supply, nerve innervation with more proprioceptors (which detect movement) and nociceptors (which detect pain) then most other tissues in the body. Schleip (2020) estimated the fascial network to contains 250 million nerve endings, making it the primary sensory tissue of the body.
The fascia is normally well hydrated and pliable but injury, trauma, repetitive strain or local inflammation can cause it to become dehydrated and stuck and so impede mobility. This results in pain, restrictions and trigger points within the fascia. There is also autonomic innervation of the superficial fascia particularly in relation to the blood vessels.
Because the fascia runs in sheets throughout the body, restriction in the fascia in one part of the body can cause problems in more distant areas.
Yangting Lv and Yiwen Yin (2004) reported myofascial release to help with chronic pain, including lower back pain, and pelvic pain, sports injuries and tension headaches. Overmann ext al (2024) proposed chronic stress resulted in fascial stiffness which effects immunosuppression innervated by the autonomic nervous system as seen in fibromyalgia. (Evdokimov et al 2020)
Myofascial release therapy is a very gentle treatment where the practitioner will apply a light sustained pressure to release restrictions and encourage rehydration. The release takes a little time and so treatments last an hour to enable this to happen. It is usually a very relaxing experience for the patient. As the fascia interconnects throughout the body, treating one region will affect other areas of the body. I have found it extremely effective for shoulder problems, knee and hip problems and fibromyalgia pain. Please contact the clinic if you would like further information or to book a treatment.
Overmanned al (2024) Exploring Fascial Properties in Patients with depression and Chronic Neck Pain. An Observational Study. Act a Psychological Vol 244 April 2024 104 214.
Schleip, R et al (2019) Fascia Is Able To Actively Contract and May Thereby Influence Mysculoskeletal Dynamics: A Histochemical and Mechanographic Investigation. Front Physiol 10:336 doi:10.3389/fphys 2019.00336
Yangting Lv and Yiwen Yin (2004) A review of the Application of Myofascial Release Therapy in the Treatment of Diseases. J multidisciplinary Healthcare 2004 Sept 26:17 4507-4517. Doi 10.2147/JMDH 548 1706