A never-ending feeling of tightness in your body can be debilitating. Initially, that tightness may cause mild discomfort. However, it can slowly progress to cause ongoing pain, mobility limitations and other issues that impact your well-being. Fortunately, one unique form of registered massage therapy (RMT) can provide much-needed relief, helping you address pain and live more comfortably.
Myofascial release is a technique that gets to the root of the problem, addressing the cause of physical tightness, sensitivity and pain. In this blog, we’ll explore this facet of RMT to help you understand how it can help you achieve better overall comfort and wellness.
The Role of Fascia Tissue in Mobility and Comfort
Registered massage therapy can treat a wide range of conditions via the hands-on manipulation of soft tissue in your body. Myofascial treatment is no different, but it exclusively targets fascia tissue. Fascia is a densely woven tissue surrounding muscles, bones, organs, etc. It’s a single continuous system that offers structural support throughout your body.
Healthy fascia is flexible and capable of moving unencumbered to provide full mobility. However, physical trauma, inflammation, stress injuries and certain health conditions can cause the fascia to lose some flexibility. It can become stiff, creating that feeling of tightness and pain. Because the fascia is widespread and connects to each part of your body in some way, rigidity can cause severe mobility issues that impact your quality of life.
Releasing Tension with Myofascial Massage Therapy
Myofascial massage aims to relieve tension in fascia tissue. While other modalities may focus on deeper muscle manipulation, this technique prioritizes the surrounding tissue. As a result, it’s noticeably different from deep tissue massage and offers a lighter experience.
Registered massage therapists begin by identifying the areas in the fascia that feel more rigid than the healthy, flexible tissue. Sometimes referred to as knots or trigger points, these areas of tightened tissue are the culprits causing tension. Thanks to the expansive nature of fascial tissue, those trigger points may not be where your pain and discomfort originate. This technique works a broader section of your muscular system to provide relief throughout the body. Your myofascial therapist will massage and stretch the area with light pressure, encouraging the tissue to release pressure while improving circulation.
Myofascial Treatment: An Effective Solution to Various Conditions
The beauty of myofascial massage therapy is that it can treat a wide array of issues and conditions. Fascial tissue has a broad impact on whole-body mobility and comfort, making this RMT modality a versatile and effective treatment option for many people. Those who have the most to gain from myofascial massage include those managing:
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Chronic headaches
- Fibromyalgia
- Venous insufficiencies
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
- Poor circulation
- Muscle soreness
- Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)
- Plantar fasciitis
- Osteoarthritis
This form of RMT can also help with ongoing pain management and mobility problems. Regular massages may help improve your range of motion, enhance circulation to help move blood and oxygen throughout the body, relieve tension caused by stress and more.
Pain and stiffness can negatively impact your life in many ways, but it doesn’t have to. Working with a myofascial therapist can help you experience the relief you need to live comfortably and move better than ever.
