When pain is caused by myofascial tightness within the
fascial system (the web of connective tissue that spreads throughout the body
and surrounds every muscle, bone, nerve blood vessel and organ to the cellular
level) the diagnosis is more difficult, as fascia restrictions do not show up
on MRI scans or x-rays. Yet, those restrictions can play a significant role in
creating pain and malfunction in the structure of the spine, extremities and
organs.
What is Myofascial Therapy?
Myofascial Therapy (also known as myofascial release therapy
or myofascial trigger point therapy) is a type of safe, low load stretch that
releases tightness and pain throughout the body caused by myofascial pain
syndrome, which describes chronic muscle pain that is worse in certain areas
known as trigger points. This article provides an overview of the treatment
technique, including:
Myofascial Therapy for the Treatment of Acute and Chronic
Pain
Myofascial Release Therapy
Myofascial Pain Syndrome Video
More Physical Therapy Info
Exercise Ball Therapy
Physical Therapy Benefits
Rehabilitation and Exercise
Core Strength Exercises
What is Fascia?
Fascia is a three-dimensional web that permeates the whole
body. The best way to envision the expanse of the fascial system is to think of
it as a layer of connective tissue (similar to a tendon or ligament) that
starts with the top layer directly below the skin, and extends to two deeper
layers.
When the fascia is in its normal healthy state it is a
relaxed and supple web—like the weave in a loose-knit sweater. When it is
restricted, it is more rigid and less pliable, and can create pulls, tensions
and pressure as great as 2,000 pounds per square inch. The fascia is a
continuous system, running from the bottom of the feet through the top of the
head and has three layers:
Superficial fascia, which lies directly below the skin. It
stores fat and water, allows nerves to run through it, and allows muscle to
move the skin.
Deep fascia, which surrounds and infuses with muscle, bone,
nerves and blood vessels to the cellular level.
Deepest fascia, which sits within the dura of cranial sacral
system.
Fascia restrictions can occur within any or all of the
layers.
Myofascial release (MFR) therapy focuses on releasing
muscular shortness and tightness. There are a number of conditions and symptoms
that myofascial release therapy addresses.
Many patients seek myofascial treatment after losing
flexibility or function following an injury or if experiencing ongoing back,
shoulder, neck, hip or virtually pain in any area containing soft tissue.
Other conditions treated by myofascial release therapy
include Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder, carpal tunnel syndrome, or
possibly fibromyalgia or migraine headaches. Patient symptoms usually include:
Tightness of the tissues that restricts motion or pulls the
body out of alignment, causing individuals to favor and overuse one hip or
shoulder, for example
A sense of excessive pressure on muscles or joints that
produces pain
Pain in any part or parts of the body, including headache or
back pain.
Causes of Myofascial Pain
Myofascial pain can have two sources. Pain can be generated
from the skeletal muscle or connective tissues that are ‘bound down’ by tight
fascia. In addition, pain can also be generated from damaged myofascial tissue
itself, sometimes at a ‘trigger point’ where a contraction of muscle fibers has
occurred. In either case, the restriction or contraction inhibits blood flow to
the affected structures, thus accentuating the contraction process further
unless the area is treated.
