Question 1

https://tfmnd.com/myofascial-release/

Accepted Answer

It’s using the hands, forearms, elbows to lengthen shortened fascia, to shorten sprained ligaments, to unwind wound up muscles and tissues, to create space where you are compressed, to balance your pelvis, to lift your ribcage, to release the adhesions in your neck and upper shoulders, in your feet and everything in between. It’s a manual manipulation using the hands which can sense tissue changes, adhesions, hot spots. It’s using body weight and height to lean into the tissue in the direction you want it to move into. Its opening the limitations you have that are causing you pain and other frustrations.

When I work with client’s we get to discuss life; past and present as well as future. Discussion is great because there again, you’re releasing beliefs about the pain or the restrictions you’ve been experiencing. The spoken word is very powerful. You speak of what you are thinking as we work in a specific area and believe it or not, you’re letting out limitation and restrictions you possibly hadn’t realized even existed! This helps the fascia release, helps you heal, helps you feel much improved and much more positive.

Myofascial release is a generic term for a few different types of massage and muscle manipulation available. It covers a plethora of options and ‘massage’ forms available. Myo-fascia means muscle-tissue, it is the connective tissue that surrounds each muscle fiber in a muscle. Another layer surrounds the muscle. Another layer surrounds the muscle bundle and it surrounds your organs. It is the tissue that allows your body to move freely and painlessly when it is hydrated and healthy. To release fascia depends on the individual and their needs. Using fingers, hands, forearms, elbows we are able to be specific about a layer or area where fascia needs to be separated from that which it is stuck to. Sometimes its fascia to fascia, sometimes its fascia to bone.  Some is point specific using finger tips, some is more of a shield using the palm of the hand. The depth required depends on how deep the fascia is stuck in your body, however, one should always work superficially first, working through the layers so as not  to miss the layer where it is stuck.  Fascia might be stuck due to an injury or a surgery, scarring or, from an emotional trauma. Myofascia work can be used anyplace on the body.

Question 2

Does myofascial work hurt?

Accepted Answer

When you’re in pain, there may be pain removing that pain. The thing is, it’s releasing the pain you’ve been in, it’s not causing additional pain. Within a couple of minutes, no more pain and you’re in shock wondering what happened.  Fascial release happened. Set it free, set free the issues that live in the tissue!

Question 3

Why do I cry or feel so emotional when I hurt?

Accepted Answer

Pain can be attached to emotions. When there is sustained pain in your body there is usually an emotional attachment or reasoning for that pain. It’s serving some purpose in your life whether it’s to keep you from doing something you claim you want to do but are afraid to do, or to get others to stop expecting more from you. It’s your excuse, it’s your out… and when you’re finally ready to stop doing those things and really want to get on with your life, I take those obstacles away through fascial manipulation myofascial work.

Question 4

Will myofascial work bruise me?

Accepted Answer

Side effects; bruising may occur. Normally it means we’ve gone deeper than the body was prepared to allow, sometimes it means you had a lot of adhesion there.  Consider that dehydration, lack of appropriate supplementation or nutrition all play roles in how well you recover. My experience has been that no one’s ever stayed bruised long or regretted bruising.  Increase water consumption. Water is the secret weapon of being healthy. The quality and quantity of water you ingest is vital in your brain function, eye sight, how your teeth are, your blood pressure, pulse, muscle use, mobility, generic aches and pain.   Drink your water! The rule is simple, take ½ your body weight in ounces of water each day. For example, if you weigh 150 lbs., drink 75 ounces of water daily. If you are sweating a lot, drink more! Filtered, healthy water. Add electrolytes, lemon or lime juice, cucumber, mint, lemonade (splash)…. But drink the water!

Question 5

What is the difference between deep tissue massage and myofascial release?

Accepted Answer

Massage is to move fluids whether that is lymph or blood. Massage done properly, only goes in one direction focusing on not only  moving fluid but relaxing tense muscles on the entire body. You may use a cross fiber / friction movement on point specific areas. Myofascial release can be to lengthen the muscles, to release the connective tissue, to open joints and make room where they are compressed. Other times, it is used to shorten muscles, tendons, ligaments to assist in getting through a sprain faster etc. It is not the whole body in one session as is a massage.

Question 6

What do you wear to myofascial release?

Accepted Answer

My clients wear the least amount of clothing they are comfortable in as we need to assess their structure, posture and movement limitations in order to truly know where to make the releases.

Question 7

Is foam rolling myofascial release?

Accepted Answer

Not really, however it can release superficial layers.

Zach Saber

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Zachary M. Saber BS., MA., LMP, MFR