Massage Therapy has recently gained a lot of attention due to its relaxing effect. It has made a phenomenal comeback. Massage Therapy helps to restore the body’s natural balance so that it can heal itself. There are many techniques and therapies of massage, Myofascial Release is one of them. Read further to know the information about Myofascial Release and how it works as a Massage Therapy. It further tells the benefits and contraindications of Myofascial Therapy. 

Myofascial Release and How it works in Massage Therapy

‘Myo’ means Muscle and ‘Fascial’ indicates the connective tissues that support and canopies the muscles throughout the body. Myofascial Release is a therapy which is primarily used to cure myofascial pain and its syndrome. These syndromes are caused by sensitivity and tightness in the Myofascial tissues. The pain developed by Myofascial tissues derive from specific points in the body that are also called as triggering points. Myofascial Release centers on decreasing the pain by easing the tightness and tension in the trigger points. Sometimes, it is hard to precisely locate the trigger points that are accountable for the pain. So, for that discernment Myofascial Release massage is implemented over a larger area of the muscle instead of single points of tissues.   Fascia has a structure like the spider web. They are long and thin tissues which are woven throughout the bones, muscles, nerves, arteries, and veins. As every part of the body is connected to them, if any complications occur in these tissues, then it leads to pain in other parts of the body.   The Fascia is flexible, stretchy and strong in its normal state. It bestows structural support to the body and protects the muscles. It is able to have unrestricted movements. But, when the body goes through any type of trauma or pain, the fascia loses its flexibility and becomes rigid and tight. This tightness can cause pain and/or loss of motion which can have a negative impact on the quality of life.   Myofascial Therapy is also called trigger point therapy. These trigger points are stiff areas in the fascial tissue of the body, and they may feel like bumps, knots, or nodules in the muscles.   

How Myofascial Release works in Massage Therapy

  The Myofascial Release treatment takes place during a massage therapy session. A therapist or chiropractor will gently massage the myofascial and sense or feel for any stiffness or tightness in that area. Ideally, a normal myofascial would feel flexible and supple. The medical practitioner then will commence massaging and stretching the area that feels rigid with light pressure of the hands. It helps the tissues and supportive covering to release pressure and tightness. This process is imitated numerous times until the tension is completely released.   The Therapist will use various parts of the hands like fingers, thumbs, knuckles and elbows to apply slow and deep pressure to the affected areas. They may also use other equipment like foam rollers, massage balls and massager sticks. It ultimately aids in loosening up the muscles and joints.    Myofascial pain usually rises away from the root of its pain. The massage therapist determines the exact area and applies myofascial release treatment accordingly. For instance, Headaches are treated with Myofascial Massage Therapy, where the therapist massages and stretches the trigger points like the area around the neck which affect the pain. While understanding the Myofascial release technique it is essential to know about different types of trigger points. 

Types of Trigger Points

  There are four types of trigger points utilized in the Myofascial Massage Therapy. They are:

Active Trigger Point

They are mostly present within a muscle and when pressure is applied on these trigger points it results in pain in both the trigger point and the associated muscle.

 Latent Trigger Point

They are inactive or dormant but present and can get activated. 

Secondary Trigger Point

They are found in the form of a knot that occurs in the muscle, but they are not the same as the active trigger point. An active trigger point and secondary can be irked at the same time. 

Satellite Trigger Point

They become inactive due to the overlapping areas of other trigger points.  

Techniques of Myofascial Massage Therapy

  These trigger points are effectively used and stimulated using following techniques of the Myofascial Massage Therapy.      

Direct Myofascial Release

In this technique sustained pressure is applied directly to the restricted fascia. This releases tension and facilitates movement. 

Indirect Myofascial Release

In this technique gentle pressure is applied along the fascial restrictions. It encourages the body to relax and release stress and tension naturally. 

Rolling Technique

In this Rolling Technique, the therapist applies broad and gliding strokes with forearms or elbows along the entire length of the fascia. It promotes better tissue mobility.

Cross Hand Stretching

This technique involves stretching motion by the therapist across the fibers of the fascia. It helps to release tension.

Fascial unwinding

This technique encourages movement of the body spontaneously in response to the touch of the therapist. It also enables the fascia to relax and release stored tension.  This knowledge of trigger points and techniques of Myofascial Massage Therapy can be conveniently applied to help in the following problems. 

Myofascial Massage Therapy Helps In

  The symptoms of Myofascial pain might differ in every individual. The pain also varies, from time to time. It might be sudden and everything pains all at once while other times it’s dull and loiters around in the specific area of the body. But the broad symptoms in which Myofascial Massage Technique is helpful are:
  •  Aching pain, throbbing, light, or stiffness
  • Trigger points feel unbearable pain when they’re touched or sometimes painful even when untouched. 
  •  Headache
  •  Fatigue
  • Tiredness
  •  Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Poor Sleep
  • Muscle Knots
  • Injury of the Muscle

Benefits of Myofascial Massage Therapy

Using appropriate Myofascial Massage Technique by the qualified professionals, following benefits can be derived from the Myofascial Massage Therapy.

Reduction in Pain

Myofascial massage therapy aids in relieving pain by decreasing tension in the myofascial tissues. It also encourages good restful sleep and elevates the mood while also regaining flexibility in the body.

Blood Circulation

Another benefit of Myofascial Massage Therapy is that it boosts the circulation of blood throughout the body. In turn, it also increases flexibility and motion or movement.

Decreasing Tensions

One of the many benefits of Myofascial Massage Therapy is the tensions in the tissues of the fascia are reduced and the tensed tissue becomes a restricted barrier and leads to tightness and pain. The direct myofascial massage therapy works wonders by helping release blockages and adhesions in the myofascial. It contributes in releasing the tensed up tissues when myofascial release stretches and extends the fascia and helps making the motion of the body even more flexible. 

Soft Manipulations

The Soft Tissue manipulation implemented in Myofascial release therapy assists in curing a broad variety of illnesses such as muscle and joint aches to chronic stress and tensions. It’s been remedial for conditions like fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic fatigue and postural imbalances. 

Syncing the Mind and Body

Consistent sessions of Myofascial Massage Therapy can create a positive perspective on life and have a pleasant experience as it reduces anxiety, stress and uplifts the mood. It is a holistic healing technique that leads to overall wellness which in turn assists in establishing a great connection of the mind and body. It also helps in releasing deep accumulated physical and emotional tensions and stress.   Despite the multiple benefits of Myofascial Massage Therapy, it is to be avoided by people with certain conditions. 

Contraindications of Myofascial Massage Therapy

Some contraindications of the Myofascial Massage Therapy are as follows:

Contagious Disease

If the patient or client is suffering from any sort of contagious disease, then it is wise to cancel the massage appointment immediately. It becomes risky for everybody to carry on the massage because of the contagious nature of the disease.

Fever

Since this massage surges up the circulation in the body, getting a massage would not be a good idea which would escalate the fever. So, patients with fever should strictly avoid this massage.

Blood Clots

If the patient has blood clots, then it is not advisable to go to a massage session, as massage can loosen up the clots which in turn can prove to be disastrous to the patient. The blood clots can travel to the brain, heart, and lungs if the patient is not aware of the blood clot, causing further complications.

Inflammation

If the client or patient has inflammation in any part of the body, then getting a massage would make the condition worse. In such cases it is advised to consult a physician before the therapy session.

Hypertension

In Myofascial Massage Therapy, the flow of the blood spikes up so if the client has uncontrolled hypertension or BP then the massage therapy would create more problems.

Liver or Kidney Problems

As massage creates an increase in the flow of blood in the body, it leads to a boost in the movement of waste in the body. So, if the client or patient has liver or kidney problems then a health expert must be contacted. And Myofascial Massage session should be done only after his affirmation. 

Best Myofascial Massage in Newport-

If you want to experience this holistic Myofascial Massage in Newport, try Kenji Omori Massage. It offers one of the best Myofascial Massage Therapy. Regular massage sessions at Kenji Omori means lifelong relief from continuous pains, injuries and other symptoms. The massages are performed by licensed practitioners who are professionally trained in various types of massages. They provide excellent service to their clients by offering both Western and Eastern massage therapies according to their client requirements and demands.  Some Western Based Massage Therapies provided at Kenji Omori are:
  • Deep Tissue Massage
  • Myofascial  Release
  • Prenatal Massage
  • Post-Natal Massage
  • Swedish massage
  • Sports Massage
Some Eastern Based Massage Therapies provided at Kenji Omori are:
  • Cupping Massage therapy
  • Thai Massage
  • Tui Na
  • Hot Stone Massage

Conclusion

Myofascial means the connective tissues that support the muscles throughout the body. In Myofascial release, the stiffness and tension of this tissue are released through massage therapy. It stimulates different trigger points using different types of techniques. There are multiple benefits of Myofascial Massage Therapy: decreasing pain, improving blood circulation, decreasing tensions, soft tissue manipulation and syncing of the body and mind. To avail these benefits and try the best Myofascial Massage Therapy in Newport, contact Kenji Omori Massage. It provides the most beneficial massages by professionally trained and experienced staff. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I perform Myofascial Massage on myself at home?

You can perform Myofascial Release Therapy Massage on yourself at home, by referring to the YouTube videos online using basic myofascial techniques. Using a foam roller, gently apply pressure to your fascial tissues. But in some cases, the foam roller has helped increase joint movement in motion. It is always better  to contact your medical practitioner before conducting any therapy on self by using such techniques.                            

Where can I contact a Myofascial release therapist near me?

 If you think you need a Myofascial therapist and are interested in visiting one, then you can talk to your medical practitioner or healthcare provider. Many osteopathic physicians are trained with Myofascial Therapy but if your healthcare provider isn’t then they may recommend you to visit a Healthcare Professional who might be a Chiropractor, Physical therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist, or Athletic Trainers or Sports Medicine. 

What does my Myofascial Release Therapy cure? 

Though Myofascial Release Therapy can help cure many health conditions like pain in your connective tissues, conditions where there is numbness and weakness in your hands and wrists, Lower Back Pain, aches due to postural imbalances, Inflamed muscles in the joint of your jaw and Chronic migraines.

 What are the complications of Myofascial Massage Therapy? 

It is a rare scenario where there are complications caused by Myofascial Massage Therapy. But if these conditions are present then you must first speak to your medical practitioner before going to the therapy: Internal Bleeding, struggling to move your muscles, short-term paralysis, nerve damage.