Myofascia – part 1

What is Myofasci?

Fascia is the main connective tissue of the body. Fascia surrounds every cell, muscle, bone, nerve, blood Bessel in the body, creating a three-dimensional web. This is one continuous network from head to toe. Myofascia is the fascia that surrounds all the muscle.

Why it is important?

In its normal state fascia is fluid and pliable, allowing full, pain-free movement. However, fascia is vulnerable to trauma from

  • Accident
  • Infection
  • Injury
  • Surgery
  • Repetitive Movement
  • Habitual Poor Posture

Such trauma causes fascia to tighten, solidify and develop restrictions. Over time these myofascial restrictions can lead to

  • Poor biomechanics
  • Altered structural alignment
  • Compromised blood supply
  • Pain
  • Reduce flexibility and stability

 

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  • Myofascia – part 2

    Last week I explained what myofascia is and how it can become restricted from, for example, poor posture. How to identify Myofascial Restrictions? It is important to acknowledge that it is difficult to diagnose myofascial restrictions as they do not show up on standard tests (x-rays, myelograms, CAT scans, electromyography etc). Massage therapists utilise their palpation skills to find myofascial restrictions. For example fascial drag, this is a very light press & slow technique to allow the therapist to feel the restrictions in the fascia. Who treats Myofascial Restrictions?

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    2. Rolfing – Dr Ida Rolf, started working with client in the 1930’s and by the 1950’s was teaching her work under the name of Rolfing .   A physical therapy which aims to release stress patterns from the body.   It is normally to require a series of treatment often up to 10.
    3. Massage – massage therapists utilise direct and indirect technique to address Myofascial restrictions.
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