Myofacial Release

What is MFR and why is it so important?

Myofascial release is a type of body work that is focused on releasing restrictions in the facial network that connects and surrounds every part of your body.

Fascia is the tough, white connective tissue that wraps around all of the muscles bones nerves, organs, and vessels down to the cellular level. It forms a three dimensional, completely interconnected structure that holds everything together providing strength, flexibility and shock absorption, much like the guy wires on a suspension bridge.

It is made up of three components. These are collagen fibers, which provide the strength component, elastin, a rubber-like substance that increases elasticity, and ground substance, a gel that cushions by dispersing the force of an impact throughout the body. This gel increases in viscosity when heat is applied, which increases its ability to acts as a conduit for nutritive and protective substances, and decreases friction by providing lubrication for collagen, elastin and muscle fibers.

This is important to know about because any restriction in fascia increases the likelihood of pain (due to pressure on nerve receptors), and decreases shock absorption and mobility, setting the stage for injury. When someone says, “I don’t know why I am so stiff, I stretch and exercise” myofascial restriction could be the culprit. In this case MFR would be a good modality to ask your massage therapist to include in future sessions. Small applications can have profound results. I’ve felt it in my body, and seen it with my clients first hand.

How does it work? Heat and gentle compression from a therapist’s hands warms up the ground substance and causes a magnetic charge that sends a message to the brain to let go. This makes fascia more pliable, allowing the therapist to slowly glide with the releasing tissue. Care is taken to move slowly and without force to allow the fascia to release at its own pace. This work is soothing, relaxing and highly effective. It gently assists the body in resetting itself on all levels. Remember, every part of the body, large or small, is surrounded by fascia, and since it’s all connected, releasing one area affects all in a positive way.