Myofascial Release

Myofascial Release is a gentle, safe and exceptionally valuable hands-on technique that involves the application of gentle sustained pressure into restrictions of myofascial connective tissue. Many factors contribute to restrictions in fascia such as; trauma, inflammatory responses, and/or surgical procedures. Restrictions can produce tensile pressures of approximately 2,000 pounds per square inch on pain sensitive structures. Myofascial release is used to increase blood flow, eliminate pain, and restore motion.

Myofascial release sessions are performed by several of our skilled physical and massage therapists, using hands-on techniques to decreased restrictions and improve soft tissue mobility. Myofascial release is performed directly on the skin to allow for sustained pressure as well as accurate detection of fascial restrictions.  Patients are provided with education on posture, body mechanics, and self-treatment techniques.

What is Fascia?

Fascia is a dense type of tissue/body system covering and surrounding every muscle fiber, bone, nerve, artery and vein, as well as internal organs including your heart, lungs, brain and spinal cord. The fascial system is a continuous structure that travels from your head to toes connecting every body part together. Fascia has an important role in the support and function of our bodies as it surrounds and attaches to all different body structures.  When fascia is healthy it is mobile and elastic, moving without restriction. However, with injury fascia loses its elasticity and becomes rigid and tense compressing blood vessel, nerves, organs, joints and other tissues.

Any type of trauma, inflammatory response, scarring, repetitive stress and/or surgical procedure can create myofascial restrictions that can produce tensile pressures on pain sensitive structures.  Myofascial restrictions often go undiagnosed as they do not show up in most of the standard tests, such as x-rays, myelograms, CAT scans, electromyography, or MRIs.    Many people suffering with sub-acute and chronic pain and/or lack of motion may be experiencing fascial restriction.  Fascial restrictions can exert excessive pressure causing all kinds of symptoms producing pain, headaches or restriction of motion.

Myofascial release performed by our skilled physical & massage therapists can provide significant benefits for the many condition, such as:

• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic back & neck pain
• Whiplash
• Headaches
• Scoliosis
• External pelvic and sacral issues
• Restricted mobility post – surgical (not limited to the following)
  • Mastectomy
  • Lobectomy
  • C-section
  • Heart surgery
  • Thyroid
  • Spinal surgery
  • Post radiation

Our therapists specialize in many different aspects of physical therapy; working together to maximize functional gains for our patients. Balance Solutions believes in providing continual opportunities for professional growth and educational advancement.

Our therapists are trained in-house and participate in regularly scheduled in-services training as well as hands-on continuing educational courses to advance their knowledge and skills. Our staff trains as a team, all therapists can perform similar techniques with slightly different styles to accommodate the many types of patients seen at Balance Solutions. We practice what we teach, several of our therapists travel the country teaching these methods to other therapists and facilities.