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MYOFASCIAL RELEASE
Definition The word "myofascial" is derived from the* Greek word "myo", which means "muscle," and the word fascial
Myofascial release is the application of the *
gentle manual application of sustained .pressure to release fascial restriction Fascia Myofascial Restriction Fascia covers every muscle and every fiber * .within each muscle
When muscle fibers are injured, they heal by *
forming adhesions, the fibers and the fascia .which surrounds it become short and tight
In scaring and adhesion the ground substance *
of fascia is converted from gel state to solid .state Scarring or injury to this network of* connective tissue is a major cause of pain .and limitation 0f motion This impose uneven stress, Because the* fascial system is interconnected, this stress can be transmitted through the fascia to other parts of the body, causing symptoms may appear in areas of the body that unrelated to the actual .restricted area ?How Myofascial Release Work The gentle and sustained myofascial* release is believed to supply mechanical and thermal energy which converts the ground substance into gel state again which allow facilitation of sliding movement of collagen and .elastin fibers The gentle and sustained pressure and* stretch of myofascial release is believed to free these adhesions and soften and .lengthen the fascia
By freeing up fascia that may cause*
compression on blood vessels or nerves, myofascial release is also said to improve circulation and nervous system .transmission Effect of Myofascial Release Relieve pain* Restore function* Increase range of motion* Improve motor performance* Restore body equilibrium* Myofascial Release is highly effective* in treating patients with the -:following diagnoses Back strain, chronic back pain, low* .back pain, thoracic pain Carpal tunnel syndrome* Chronic cervical pain* Indications
pregnancy, some movements or .stretches may not be appropriate High fever, inflammation, infection, * phlebitis, thrombosis, jaundice, or an .infectious skin condition Technique of Application
The physical therapist finds the area of*
.tightness A sustained pressure over time is applied * .to the tight area The physical therapist waits for the tissue* .to relax and then increases the stretch The process is repeated until the area is * .fully relaxed .Then, the next area is treated* Cross hand release With relaxed hands, using cross hand* technique, slowly apply gentle pressure and slowly open your hands to slowly stretch out elastic component of fascia until reach a .barrier At this point, maintain sufficient pressure to * hold the stretch at the barrier and wait a minimum of 2 minutes, usually longer .(approximately 3-5 minutes) Wait for release to occur and follow along the* .direction of ease of tissue, barrier after barrier Procedures The therapist will first ask about the patient’s* complaints The therapist closely examine patient first by * inspection of posture as you sit, stand, walk, .and lie Then By palpation of neck, chest, pelvis, back,* or other areas will be felt The skin is palpated and stretched or moved in* .all direction to feel for areas of tightness Using the fingertips, knuckles, heel of the hand,* or arm, the therapist then feels, or "palpates," .deeper layers Procedures When a restricted area is found, the* tissues are stretched gently by applying low load gentle pressure along the direction of the muscle fibers until a .resistance to further stretch is felt
The stretch is guided by feedback the*
therapist feels from the patient's body. This feedback tells the therapist how much force to use, the direction of the .stretch and how long to stretch The stretch may be held for one to two minutes, and sometimes for up to five minutes, before "release" is felt (creep). The release indicates that the muscle is relaxing, or the fascia has been realigned to its .proper orientation The process is then repeated until the .tissues are fully elongated The patient should feel less pain and .move more easily than you did before Sessions typically last 30 minutes to an hour and may be given one to three times a week depending on your .condition Cervical muscles release Para-spinal muscles release Neck muscles release