What is Myofascial Release?
First, what is fascia?
Our bodies are supported from head to toe by fascia, a connective tissue largely made up of collagen protein fibers, as well as elastin fibers and a fluid-like "ground substance". The web-like fascial system supports the body's entire musculoskeletal system. It surrounds every single layer of muscle tissue, down to the smallest muscle fibers, and also surrounds tendons, ligaments, bones and joints. Fascia surrounds our nerves, blood and lymphatic vessels, as well as internal organs. Altogether, the fascial system resembles having a giant spider web in the body--with nerves and vessels passing through the web as well! The fascial system provides structural support and strength to the body, as well as flexibility, because fascia by design is meant to support the contraction and stretching of muscles. It allows for smooth sliding of muscular layers, as well as the gliding of nerves and vessels within the fascial web-like system. When working well, fascia is meant to be both strong and supple, enabling smooth and fluid movement in the body.
Havoc steps in when stiffness and tension arise in the fascial system. This can occur as a result of many factors, including trauma, postural dysfunction and compensatory movement patterns, or a general lack of movement. When fascia becomes stiff it can thicken and solidify, creating enormous tensile pressure on sensitive structures. This can lead to pain, strain and dysfunction in the body, even far away from areas where injury or trauma has occurred because of it's 3-dimensional, web-like structure. Like when a sweater gets a snag, it pulls on places farther afield from the actual snag. This tendency is called tensegrity.
Which brings us to Myofascial Release (MFR).
We offer MFR release as developed by John. F. Barnes, PT. Barnes is recognized as a pioneer and leading authority in myofascial release with over 50 years of experience. This method utilizes sustained, gentle pressure to help loosen fascial tightness, enabling fascia to move more fluidly again and thereby improve the body’s response to mechanical stresses. MFR can also be used to reduce compression along the spine and cranial structures.
Our bodies are supported from head to toe by fascia, a connective tissue largely made up of collagen protein fibers, as well as elastin fibers and a fluid-like "ground substance". The web-like fascial system supports the body's entire musculoskeletal system. It surrounds every single layer of muscle tissue, down to the smallest muscle fibers, and also surrounds tendons, ligaments, bones and joints. Fascia surrounds our nerves, blood and lymphatic vessels, as well as internal organs. Altogether, the fascial system resembles having a giant spider web in the body--with nerves and vessels passing through the web as well! The fascial system provides structural support and strength to the body, as well as flexibility, because fascia by design is meant to support the contraction and stretching of muscles. It allows for smooth sliding of muscular layers, as well as the gliding of nerves and vessels within the fascial web-like system. When working well, fascia is meant to be both strong and supple, enabling smooth and fluid movement in the body.
Havoc steps in when stiffness and tension arise in the fascial system. This can occur as a result of many factors, including trauma, postural dysfunction and compensatory movement patterns, or a general lack of movement. When fascia becomes stiff it can thicken and solidify, creating enormous tensile pressure on sensitive structures. This can lead to pain, strain and dysfunction in the body, even far away from areas where injury or trauma has occurred because of it's 3-dimensional, web-like structure. Like when a sweater gets a snag, it pulls on places farther afield from the actual snag. This tendency is called tensegrity.
Which brings us to Myofascial Release (MFR).
We offer MFR release as developed by John. F. Barnes, PT. Barnes is recognized as a pioneer and leading authority in myofascial release with over 50 years of experience. This method utilizes sustained, gentle pressure to help loosen fascial tightness, enabling fascia to move more fluidly again and thereby improve the body’s response to mechanical stresses. MFR can also be used to reduce compression along the spine and cranial structures.