Myofascial release massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on easing tension in the soft tissues, relieving issues like somatic dysfunction, deep muscular tension, and pain overall by alleviating tension of the fascia. It involves applying very firm pressure in stretching and elongating motions to the body and can help increase a person’s range of motion and overall circulation.
How does it work?
The fascia in our bodies is the thin layer of tough, elastic tissue that surrounds the muscles and ligaments. It both protects and supports our muscles and our muscular structure. But our bodies succumb to regular wear-and-tear, some of which is acute (for example, whiplash sustained in a car accident), and some of which occurs over the long-term (wearing of the muscular structure in our backs due to poor posture when sitting). In all cases, the abuse of our muscular structure results in areas of the fascia becoming tightened or knotted which can limit our range of motion and bring pain.
Myofascial release massage targets these areas specifically: by focusing on releasing pressure beneath our surface-layer muscles and relieving tightening or stiffening that’s occurred deep within the fascia, our licensed therapists can work to correct abuses to our overall muscular structure.
The health benefits that result from this release of tension deep within the fascia are many, and some can be felt right away. Myofascial release massage can
- Release tension in the muscles and alleviate acute pains (that are brought on as a direct result of that muscular tension),
- Promote and speed healing after sustained tissue damage, and
- Increase blood circulation throughout the body.
Regular myofascial massage can also have its own long-term benefits, such as improved posture and alignment, increased range of motion and flexibility, and relief for chronic joint pain (for example, that pain which is brought on by poor posture or repetitive motions).
What can I expect from a myofascial release massage session?
Often in myofascial release massage, you will leave your clothes on (though this might differ based on therapist preference) while the massage therapist applies incredibly firm pressure (sometimes even making use of the elbows or fists). Pressure will be applied almost to the point of pain. Therapists will focus pressure on specific areas (these are sometimes referred to as “trigger points”) that are tensed, stiff, or knotted.
During your myofascial release massage, you may notice your massage therapist is not working where you feel the pain originates. This is because the therapist works the entire network of muscles in and around the area in which you feel pain, which reduces tension throughout your body by releasing these trigger points. He or she will work to alleviate tension through several layers of muscle in that area – until tension in the fascia is released – by applying sustained pressure to the area to loosen and elongate the muscle tissue (this is the key difference between myofascial release massage and other types of massage therapies: where other therapies require consistent, kneading pressure, myofascial release massage relies on singular sustained pressures to work beyond surface-layer muscle).
For athletes hoping not only to relieve pain and increase range of motion, but to also benefit their muscular structures overall, myofascial release massage is pivotal. Talk to the therapists and clinicians at Baltimore Sports Recovery about how myofascial release massage could help you reduce pain and keep your body limber and strong. We’re here to help you understand what makes your body tick and leverage therapies appropriately to keep you going for the long-haul.
Book an appointment today to learn how myofascial release massage can help you alleviate pain throughout your body!