What is Myofascial Release?
MYOFASCIA: MYO = MUSCLES, FASCIA = CONNECTIVE TISSUE
Most of us know a bit about our muscles, but fascia was ignored for years (literally cut away and binned in anatomy training). The fascia is all the connective tissue that holds us together, comprising of different tissue types and forming a 3D web throughout the body. More recently, we’re recognising the important roles it plays in the body, including around how we experience pain. A myofascial approach focuses on working with the muscles and the fascia.
MYOFASCIAL TECHNIQUES
Myofascial Release can mean different things to different people – like with any hands-on therapy, what a therapist offers is a mix of their education, interpretation and experience, we are all unique, just like you as the client, so I’ll introduce my approach.
Specific Myofascial (MF) techniques are often really slow pressure or static holds, usually without oil or minimal oil. The pressure is gentle but the effect can feel deep.
I use both Direct and Indirect Fascial Techniques.
During Indirect Techniques, you just relax and focus on what you can feel, maybe adding in some breathwork. The therapist will apply a gentle stretch or hold and then wait to give time for the tissue to respond.
During Direct Techniques, you will carry out a simple movement to engage and release the tissue, like pointing and flexing the ankle whilst the therapist applies a pressure or slow movement through tissue.
In both types, there’s definitely an element of teamwork between therapist and client, with us both focusing on what’s happening in the tissue and communicating about it.
WHAT IT CAN DO FOR YOU
Myofascial Techniques can be helpful for any pain or discomfort you’re experiencing, particularly long-term, recurring or persistent pain which might be the result of long-term stress, postural imbalances, emotional or physical trauma (injury). They can also feel great and blend in really nicely with massage for an enjoyable treatment experience, so I might suggest we include something to target a specific issue or for a relaxation boost.
I also offer a series of 3 Structural Bodywork Sessions which systematically treats the whole body over the 3 weekly/fortnightly appointments. You don’t need to have any specific pain or issues to receive this treatment, although treating the whole body might help specific issues and we will discuss and monitor how and what you feel during and between sessions. Do get in touch if you want to find out more about this.
MY STORY & TRAINING
Myofascial Release is something that was introduced to me during my Sports & Remedial diploma as an idea & useful technique. Then about 5 years ago, I did some training with Myofascial Release UK, which developed my understanding of fascia and anatomy. It shifted the way I approached the body, clients and any pain or limitation they were experiencing. It also gave me a ‘starter toolkit’ to work with clients and I’ve used some alongside massage techniques, where it felt appropriate for clients. It seemed to yield really positive results for some clients, particularly those with longer-term or persistent pain issues, so I wanted to learn more.
I completed my Certificate in Advanced Myofascial Release in the summer of 2023 with Jing – 10 days down in Brighton, with excellent tutors and 27 other therapists, fully-immersed in learning and exploring fascial bodywork (and with daily immersion in the sea too, it was a brilliant experience).