What is Myofascial Release and How Can it Help Me Feel Better?

Have you ever felt a painful knot in a muscle that wouldn't go away, no matter how hard you tried? It could be a trigger point, which isn't simply a tight muscle—it's a snag in the connective tissue that protects the muscles, called fascia.

Myofascial pain results from stress, injuries, and poor posture and can be challenging to treat. Myofascial release is an effective technique we use at Pinnacle Health Chiropractic to treat various types of pain.

Dr. Jason Ablett is our experienced chiropractor. He uses myofascial release therapy for issues such as back pain, headaches, and auto injuries.

Myofascial release facts

The human body contains many components, including muscles and connective tissues. The fascia is a vast network of connective tissue covering almost everything in the body.

The fascia is usually strong and flexible but tightens when stress or injury occurs. It is similar to a spiderweb, connecting every body part. When one part of the fascia tightens, it also affects other areas.

Myofascial release is a manual therapy that loosens the connective fascia to improve mobility and reduce pain. It's well-known as a massage therapy technique but can be used in many other treatment modalities.

Trigger points are areas of tight fascia that feel like small lumps or "knots" in the muscles. Myofascial release therapy is one of the main treatments for painful trigger points.

Who can benefit from myofascial release?

Myofascial release therapy is a widely used therapy that targets tight or inflamed fascia. It's beneficial for many people, especially as they age.

The advantages of myofascial release therapy are numerous, and many people benefit from the treatment. It's essential for various conditions and issues, including:

Pain

People experience pain for many reasons, including tight muscles and connective tissues. Those with sciatica, neck pain, and fibromyalgia can take advantage of myofascial release for quick and efficient pain relief.

Poor posture

Poor posture is typical, especially when you slouch or look down at your phone all day. Bad posture pulls on the muscles and connective tissues, resulting in tightness and pain.

Myofascial release therapy targets areas of the body that become imbalanced due to posture issues, such as the shoulders, lower back, and neck.

Injuries

Sprains and strains occur in the muscles and ligaments, sometimes around a joint. They are painful and inflame the surrounding tissues. Myofascial release targets painful areas after an injury to improve blood flow and reduce pain.

Stress

Stress causes muscle tension, which can lead to chronic myofascial pain syndrome over time. If you're dealing with chronic musculoskeletal pain from stress, myofascial release therapy offers relief.

Decreased mobility

Older adults have various issues that cause muscle stiffness, joint pain, and decreased mobility. Myofascial release loosens the tissues around the joints, improving mobility.

Musculoskeletal problems

Anything that affects the musculoskeletal system may lead to trigger points and myofascial pain; myofascial release therapy benefits issues like carpal tunnel syndrome, rib pain, and pelvic discomfort.

Less pain with a noninvasive treatment

Myofascial release therapy is an excellent option for many people, especially those who have tried home treatments without relief. It offers substantial and long-term relief without the need for invasive procedures.

Whether you're dealing with extreme stress and have muscle tension or suffered whiplash in an auto injury, myofascial release therapy is a successful therapy that eliminates muscle tension and reduces painful trigger points.

Dr. Ablett uses myofascial release, manual chiropractic manipulations, stretching, and massage to quickly and efficiently relieve muscle tension and myofascial pain. This results in increased mobility, improved functionality, and significantly less discomfort.

Call Pinnacle Health Chiropractic today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ablett for myofascial release therapy or request an appointment here on our website.