Myofascial Release

• is a hands on technique
• is a wholistic approach
• involves manipulating the fascial connective tissue using mostly mild and gentle stretching
• is done on the skin without oils
• is dynamic
• is profoundly relaxing, and deepening
• is lasting

Fascia

• is tough connective tissue with a tensile strength of 2000 lb's per square inch
  
• spreads through the body in an interconnected web
  
• surrounds organs, nerves, and blood vessels
  
• infuses muscle down to the cellular level
  
• is made up of collagen and elastin supported in a gelatinous matrix
  
• is the tough outer opaque white covering you see on some store bought meats

It results in

• increased postural alignment
  
• increased energy
  
• increased body awareness
  
• increased flexibility and strength
  
• decreased pain
  
• feeling more balanced physically, mentally and emotionally

Evaluation and treatment work best if you bring a pair of shorts and a workout top to change into.

Trauma, be it physical or emotional, chronic poor posture, or inflammation creates tension in the fascia causing it to stiffen locally. But, because it is essentially an interconnected web, this then pulls into other areas much like when you pull the threads on a sweater causing all the other threads to organize along the lines of tension. This can create bizarre symptoms such as pain, tingling or burning some distance from the originally affected area as the strong fascia binds down on pain sensitive structures like nerves and blood vessels. The body loses it's flexibility and orientation in space becomes compromised so it needs more energy just to stay upright and function. As this process continues the immune system may become compromised, stress may not be as easily managed, and chronic pain can set in.

Evaluating for fascial restrictions includes

• a visual assessment in standing, sitting, lying and while moving
  
• a tactile assessment of the tissues while treating
  
• asking for feedback from the client about connected areas felt during treatment
  
• an energetic assessment

Assessing is an ongoing process during treatment as the therapist is attuned to feeling the restrictions release and moving into the next barrier.