Massage & Myofascial Release Techniques

Myofascial Release...Stretching of the fascia.

Understanding what Myofascial Release is and why or how it works, you need to understand a little about fascia. Fascia is a thin tissue that covers all the organs of the body, Fascia covers every muscle and every fiber of and within each muscle. All muscle stretching then, is actually stretching of the myofascial unit (the fascia and the muscle), muscle and fascia cannot be separated.

When muscle fibers are injured, the fibers and the fascia which surrounds it become tense or short and tight. This uneven stress can be felt throughout the fascia to other parts of the body, which can cause pain and a variety of other symptoms in other areas you often wouldn't expect. Myofascial Release treats these symptoms by releasing the tension or tightness of the injured fascia.

Direct Myofascial Release done through Deep Tissue work engages the myofascial tissues restrictive barrier or tension. Using a constant force on the tissue until release occurs. This can be done using knuckles, elbows, forearms, knees or other tools to slowly stretch the tension or restricted fascia. Direct myofascial release attempts to relieve the tension by stretching the fascia, or bringing movement to the adhesive tissues. Moving slowly through the layers of the fascia until reaching the deep tissues.

The indirect Myofascial Release is done with a gentle touch and stretch, with just a small amount of pressure, which helps the fascia to relax and release itself.

There are a lot of reasons why muscles, tendons and cartilage need to be stretched.

•      Lengthens muscle fibers that have contracted from disuse or excessive use
•          Increases flexibility
•      Restores muscle balance
•      Restore muscle flexibility after injury
•     Assists in removal of natural wastes like lactic acid from muscles
•     Warms the muscles

The benefits extend far beyond the muscles though.

•  Improve posture
•  Improves mental focus and concentration
• Stimulate the digestive organs
• Energize the body
• Reduce inflammations in joints
•  Relieve stress and tension

 This massage technique is often integrated into your massage at Blue Pacific Massage & Body Works be it Direct Myofascial Release or Indirect Myofascial Release. I always encourage all my clients to do Stretches through out their daily activities and in between massage appointments, as stretching really is helpful in relieving tension.

Listed here are some basic stretches for the upper body.

•     Trapezius Stretch

Place right arm behind back, and grasp wrist with left hand. Bend neck sideways to the left while pulling on right arm.

Hold for 10-15 seconds. Repeat for other side.

Repeat cycle three times.

•    Levator Scapula Stretch

Sit on chair. Grasp seat of chair with right hand. Place left hand on head and gently pull forward and to the opposite side at the same time, until a stretch is felt. Hold for 10-15 seconds. Repeat for other side.

Repeat cycle three times.

•    Posterior Neck Stretch

Place hand on back of head. Gently push chin to chest, until a stretch is felt. Hold for 10-15 seconds.

Repeat three times.

•    Scalenes Stretch

Stand, holding hand behind back. Lower left shoulder, then tilt your head to the right. Slowly roll head backwards until a stretch is felt. Hold for 10-15 seconds. Repeat for other side.

Repeat cycle three times.

•    SCM Stretch  Sternocleidomastoid

Sit on chair. Grasp seat of chair with right hand. Place left hand on head and gently pull head toward the left shoulder. Maintain pressure and turn head to the right, until a stretch is felt. Hold for 10-15 seconds. Repeat for other side.

Repeat cycle three times.

•    Rhomboid Stretch

Bring left arm across front of body. Hold elbow with right arm and gently pull arm across chest, until a stretch is felt.

Hold for 10-15 seconds. Repeat for other side.

Repeat cycle three times.

Call or Text (760) 680 7910 Blue Pacific Massage & Body Works to schedule your massage today. Dedicated to providing quality therapeutic massage and helping people with their over all health and wellness. Blue Pacific Massage & Body Works is serving the High Desert CA Hesperia, Victorville, Apple Valley,  Phelan,  Oak Hills, and surrounding areas..