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By Young Lindsay


Many people lose function or flexibility after an injury or if ongoing pain is experienced in the soft tissue of shoulders, hips or the back. Myofascial release therapy is used to release tightness and help with reduction of pain and restriction of motion. The goal of therapy is to loosen the contracted muscles, stimulate their stretch reflex and improve the blood and lymphatic circulation.

A connective tissue web known as the fascia surrounds every tendon, ligament, muscle, bone and organ in the body. This cushion of connective tissue supports and protects, allowing for comfortable motion. When healthy, the tissue is relaxed but it becomes tight when damaged. Blood circulation is restricted and pain can be severe. Loosening and stretch the fascia is necessary for healing to take place, allowing all the contiguous structures to move more freely.

Some of the problems individuals may experience as a result of this are muscle spasms and pain, chronic back and neck pain, sciatica, headaches and breathing difficulties. Sensations such as numbness and pins and needles may be experienced as well as reduced flexibility. The problem is that X rays and other tests like MRIs do not pick up these types of restrictions. Many patients sit with undiagnosed pain when suffering from trauma of the fascia. Specialist training is required in order to diagnose such a problem and address it competently.

Those performing this type of therapy have to go through specific training. Many different courses are available, including ones aimed at those who are already graduates like occupational and physical therapists or osteopathic physicians. This is a different type of treatment to massage and various practical techniques have to be mastered. The therapist must be able to identify the areas requiring treatment and then move carefully through every restriction, applying just the right kind of pressure for the right amount of time.

At the first session, the therapist will determine just how bad the problem is and then devise a plan of treatment which is discussed with the client. It may be decided to have a session daily or every few days. It may take weeks or even months in some cases to successfully treat a patient. The progress of a patient is carefully monitored using increased flexibility and decreased pain as indicators.

The therapist does not use any creams, oils or machinery in this process and the techniques are different to that of massaging the muscles of the body. The pressure applied is gentle and sustained. The results are measurable and patients who have not experienced relief with other treatments, often respond to this treatment.

The pressure applied by a therapist gentle to much deeper. However, it is never beyond the tolerance level of the patient. Communication between the therapist and patient ensures this. Some patients experience a slight burning sensation on their skin but this is quite normal. Others may feel stretching in the area being treated.

This therapy is available from a wide variety of different therapists. It is important to find out what kind of training and credentials a practitioner has before making an appointment. Reading client testimonials is also another way to find out more about a particular therapist. This treatment can effectively address many orthopedic and soft tissue problems, providing relief for patients who may have been suffering for years.




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