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?

  1. Myofascial Release – Originated in the 1940’s. It is a specialised physical and manual therapy used for the effective treatment and rehabilitation of soft tissue and fascial tension and restrictions. John Barns a physical therapist based in the US is one of today’s leading lights in the world of myofascial release.
  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.

With indirect Myofascial techniques you apply pressure and wait of the fascial to release, when you meet restriction you stretch the fascia. With direct Myofascial techniques you drag the fascia to create a Chinese burn sensation.   Hence why in clinic I often rely on the gentler indirect Myofascial techniques even when I know my clients prefer deep pressure.

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