Myofascial release
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release (pronounced: my-o-FASH-al release) is a type of physical therapy often used to treat myofascial pain syndrome. Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain disorder caused by sensitivity and tightness in your myofascial tissues.
Etymology
The term "myofascial" is derived from the Greek words "myo" (meaning muscle) and "fascia" (meaning band). "Release" in this context refers to the process of relieving tension or tightness.
Definition
Myofascial release focuses on reducing pain by easing the tension and tightness in the trigger points. It's not always easy to understand what trigger point is responsible for the pain. Pain can also be caused by other muscles not in the direct area of pain. This is called referred pain.
Procedure
During myofascial release therapy, the therapist locates myofascial areas that feel stiff and fixed instead of elastic and movable under light manual pressure. These areas, though not always near what feels like the source of pain, are thought to restrict muscle and joint movements, contributing to widespread muscle pain.
The focused manual pressure and stretching used in myofascial release therapy loosen up restricted movement, leading indirectly to reduced pain.
Related Terms
- Trigger Point: A tight area within muscle tissue that causes pain in other parts of the body.
- Referred Pain: Pain felt in a part of the body other than its actual source.
- Physical Therapy: The treatment of disease, injury, or deformity by physical methods such as massage, heat treatment, and exercise.
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A syndrome characterized by chronic pain in the muscle tissues, similar to fibromyalgia.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Myofascial release
- Wikipedia's article - Myofascial release
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