How Myofascial Release Can Benefit Your Whole Body
This hands-on treatment reaches deep down to reduce pain and relieve stress
Are you dealing with persistent pain or stiffness in your joints? Do you have recurring headaches? If so, consider myofascial release as a treatment option. Kintsugi Physical Therapy & Wellness in Normandy Park offers myofascial release as part of our holistic approach to physical therapy.
Myofascial release is a specialized type of massage that digs deep into your soft tissue and offers a wealth of benefits, including reduced pain, improved blood circulation, and decreased stress–all without pharmaceuticals! If you’re looking for a treatment that benefits your entire body, schedule an appointment with Kintsugi Physical Therapy & Wellness in Normandy Park and learn more about how myofascial release can help you.
What is myofascial release, and how does it work?
Your muscles, organs, bones, blood veins, and more are all wrapped up by thin connective tissue called fascia. Myofascial tissue is the fascia that wraps around your muscles, holding them in place.
When your myofascial tissue tightens, it can cause pain in the affected area. The tightened, tough myofascial tissue can harden into adhesions, constricting the nearby muscles and causing them to knot up. These knots are called trigger points.
Myofascial release works by loosening up those trigger points through deep massage. Because the myofascial tissue spreads throughout your entire body, working out one trigger point can sometimes have far-ranging effects, reducing pain in seemingly unrelated areas of the body.
What can myofascial release do for you?
Myofascial release primarily serves as a pain relief method. When the myofascial tissue becomes inflamed, it can lead to pain. However, any number of things can cause that inflammation. Here are just some of the conditions that myofascial release can help with:
- Myofascial pain syndrome, which is when you experience pain in the fascia itself
- Physical trauma caused by falls, car accidents, or other acute injuries
- Repetitive stress injuries (such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tennis elbow)
- Low back pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic migraines
Myofascial release also has mental benefits, however! Like most massages, it can also reduce stress and encourage relaxation, making it an important part of any holistic physical therapy clinic, including Kintsugi Physical Therapy & Wellness in Normandy Park.
What to expect from your myofascial release at Kintsugi Physical Therapy & Wellness
Our team of experts will begin with a thorough physical exam to help us get down to the root of your pain. We’ll also take a health history, focusing on potential injuries or conditions that might be a culprit.
Your myofascial release therapy at Kintsugi Physical Therapy & Wellness in Normandy Park will take place in a private room with one of our physical therapists. Note that this will not be like a massage at the spa–there won’t be any candles or soft music, nor will we use any oils or lotions during the treatment.
Our therapist will start by locating any place in your body where your myofascial tissue feels tight or knotted. They’ll then gently massage the tightness using a slow, even pressure, with the goal of lengthening your fascial tissue. Depending on your needs, they may do this by hand or with a tool like a foam roller or a ball.
You will want to be prepared for some mild discomfort during the process–while our therapists will work to ensure your treatment is as comfortable as possible, they will be manipulating tender areas. In addition, you may find that you feel sore after the therapy itself. This soreness is completely normal! As the soreness fades, you’ll find that your muscles will feel looser than before.
Myofascial release also isn’t a one-and-done treatment. For it to be effective, you’ll need regular sessions. Our therapists typically recommend myofascial release sessions every one to three days for a few weeks to a few months, depending on your specific condition or needs.
Schedule your appointment with Kintsugi Physical Therapy & Wellness today!
If you’re dealing with pain anyone where in your body–whether it’s a persistent twinge in your lower back or regularly occurring migraine–myofascial release therapy may be exactly what you need to feel better.
Schedule an appointment with Kintsugi Physical Therapy & Wellness in Normandy Park and learn more about what myofascial release therapy can do for you!