FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Myofascial Release?

Myofascial Release (MFR for short), is a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into the Myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. This essential “time element” has to do with the viscous flow and the piezoelectric phenomenon: a low load (gentle pressure) applied slowly will allow a viscoelastic medium (fascia) to elongate.

Myofascial Release sessions are hands-on treatments during which the therapist uses a multitude of Myofascial Release techniques and movement therapy. We promote independence through education in proper body mechanics and movement, self-treatment instruction, enhancement of strength, improved flexibility, and postural and movement awareness.

Each Myofascial Release Treatment session is performed directly on skin without oils, creams or machinery. This enables the therapist to accurately detect fascial restrictions and apply the appropriate amount of sustained pressure to facilitate release of the fascia.

What is fascia?

The fascial system is comprised of very densely woven collagen fibers that cover and interpenetrate every muscle, bone, nerve, artery, and vein as well as all of our internal organs including the heart, lungs, brain, and spinal cord.

The fascial system is not just a system of separate coverings but one interconnected structure that exists from head to foot without interruption. Each part of the body is connected to every other by fascia, like the yarn on a sweater or a spider's web.

What is the fascial system's job?

Fascia plays an important role in the support of our bodies, since it surrounds and attaches to all structures. These structures would not be able to provide the stability they need without the constant pull of the fascial system.

Our bones can be thought of as tent poles, which cannot support the structure without the constant support of the guide wires (or fascia) to keep an adequate amount of tension, allowing the tent (or body) to remain upright with prober equilibrium.

What is fascia made of?

Fascia is a thin layer of connective tissue made of ~80% collagen and 20% elastin, forming a three-dimensional web that surrounds and attaches to every body structure to provide stability.

Fascia is like the rind in an orange peel, surrounding and separating every slice of the orange while also holding them together, all the way down to the individual seeds and strands within each orange slice. Fascia covers every organ, bone, tendon, ligament, and nerve but also each muscle fiber, all the way down to the cell.

How does fascia get restricted?

Injury, poor posture, illness, stress, and repetitive motion or strain can cause the body to form restrictions in the fascial system.

Trauma such as a fall or car accident, or just habitual poor posture over time have a cumulative effect. The changes they cause in the fascia system influence comfort and the functioning of our body.

How do fascial restrictions impact us?

Fascia is STRONG and can exert up to 2,000lbs of force per square inch! These fascial buildups can place intense pressure on nearby nerve or blood pathways, producing pain and/or restriction of motion. This also affects our flexibility and stability, which are determining factors in our ability to withstand future stress and strain.

Since the fascial system runs through the entire body as one uninterrupted web, these restrictions can cause pain anywhere in the body.

What does MFR feel like?

Slow stretches, long holds and leans, with either broad or pointed pressure. MFR utilizes light, medium, and heavy pressure depending on how much resistance is felt in the fascia.

The body needs to be relaxed in order to release fascial tension. A body past its pain threshold will tighten up in response, and will be unable to release fascial restrictions. MFR should not feel forceful. It may feel intense at times, but MFR should always move at the body/nervous system’s pace of release, and engage the fascial restriction without forcing through the barrier.

How does MFR work?

Fascia changes from solid to gel to liquid in response to continued sustained pressure. When it becomes liquid fibers can stretch to their end range and release.

An MFR session consists of using various techniques to engage an area of fascial restriction in a stretch or compression, and then waiting, allowing the restriction to soften, unravel, and release.

it takes 90 seconds for fascia to begin to melt, and A 2-5 minute hold is often necessary to make a lasting change. Anything less may not reach the collagen component of fascia, working only on the superficial elastin part and providing more temporary relief.

What is the MFR treatment process like?

The treatment process varies greatly depending on the condition and how long it's been present, but a general framework is:

1. First appointment for assessments, consultation and treatment.
2. 4-6, possibly 8 sessions with homework in between to retrain your body and make a lasting impact on a specific issue. Expect that it may take several sessions to notice a change.

Each client is given self-care MFR exercises to do at home daily to continue to retrain your body. Possible strengthening suggestions once your body is ready.
3. Once pain areas have been addressed, the typical maintenance frequency for MFR is 4-6 sessions/year (if you have a very physical job the ideal frequency may be more like 6-8)