Myofascial Release and Medical Massage
Myofascial Release is a form of bodywork (alternative medicine) which includes, but is not limited to structural assessments (where a formal diagnosis is not necessarily given) and manual massage techniques for stretching the fascia and releasing bonds between fascia, integument, muscles and bones are mainly applied; with the goal of eliminating pain, increasing range of motion and balancing the body. The fascia is manipulated, directly or indirectly, allowing the connective tissue fibers to reorganize themselves in a more flexible, functional fashion. In addition Myofascial release (note the lower case r), can simply be considered a general manual massage technique any ‘lay person’ can use to eliminate general fascial restrictions on a living mammalian body.
Fascia is located between the skin and the underlying structure of muscle and bone, it is a seamless web of connective tissue that covers and connects the muscles, organs, and skeletal structures of the body. Muscle and fascia are united forming the myofascia system.
Injuries, stress, inflammation, trauma, and poor posture can cause restrictions to fascia. Since fascia is an interconnected web, the restriction or tightness to fascia at a place, with time can spread to other places in the body like a pull on a sweater. The goal of myofascial release is to release fascia restriction and restore its tissue health.
In medical literature, the term myofascial was used by Janet G. Travell, M.D. in the 1940’s referring to musculoskeletal pain syndromes and trigger points. In 1976, Dr. Travell began using the term “Myofascial Trigger Point” and in 1983 published the famous reference “Myofascial Pain & Dysfunction: Trigger Point Manual”. Some practitioners use the term “Myofascial Therapy” or “Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy” referring to the treatment of trigger points, this is usually in medical-clinical sense.
Here the term Myofascial Release refers to soft tissue manipulation techniques. It has been loosely used for different manual therapy, soft tissue manipulation work (connective tissue massage, soft tissue mobilization, Rolfing, strain-counterstrain, etc).
Medical Massage incorporates myofascial and trigger point release techniques, and can include neurological and cross pattern rehab training to restore balance and spinal movements. It is a specialty within neuromuscular treatment, and produces predictable results in biomechanical healing.
Our clinic offers a full range of myofascial release work, therapeutic massage, trigger point release therapy and non-needle acupuncture by our excellent certified therapists, Michael Abbott and Crickett Allen.
Testimonials:
“I was a passenger in a motor vehicle collision. I am in sales, requiring long hours on my feet. The collision caused injuries to my spine causing it to be painful to stand for long periods of time. Following the collision, I was unable to work for about two weeks. When I returned, I was unable to lift or do any exercise without aggravating the pain. Since coming to Advanced Chiropractic Center, Dr. Halverson has had a definite approach to my care. Tests were done which showed where and why I was in pain. Since the first visit with Dr. Halverson, I saw positive changes in my condition. My neck and back, both very painful and stiff have improved greatly. I have discovered that the benefits of care, including chiropractic and massage, are that I do not have to use medicine to cover up the pain when this therapeutic approach can correct the problem.”
-VIckie R.
“I worked for years as a secretary. When I first came to see Dr. Halverson, I suffered from sinus and allergy problems, my entire left side ached and I experienced pain and numbness in both feet. I had seen a foot specialist and another physician for allergies. I received medication and unfortunately saw no longstanding results. It got to the point where I no longer could do housework more than 15 minutes without resting. After Dr. Halverson examined me, he performed chiropractic and physical therapy including a type of traction developed by a former Nobel prize winner, which really helped my neck. My allergy and sinus problems are gone. My feet feel the best they have in many years, and the back pain is gone. I have not taken a pain pill, aspirin, or sinus pill in 18 months, and my blood pressure has dropped almost 75 points. I am better, I feel better, and am amazed at the results.”
-Shirley T.
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