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

. Dizziness and vertigo*

.Fibromyalgia*
.Headache*
.Myofascial pain dysfunction*
.Trigger points, tender points*
Precautions and Contraindications

Recent surgery or an injury or*

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