In the “Top 15 Massage Techniques You Can’t Afford to Miss” eBook, John F. Barnes, PT, LMT, expert in myofascial release, guides you through the myofascial release process. He breaks down the way myofascial release works and how it can be beneficial to use in your practice. Myofascial release could be the missing link that, when coupled with your area of expertise, can enhance everything you do in your session room.
The purpose of myofascial release is to find the barrier, which is very different in every human being, and then apply appropriate pressure for five or more minutes. Rather than sliding, therapists find another barrier since most people have multiple barriers.
Fascia restrictions can create the environment of pain, headaches, dysfunction, physiological chaos, disease, and necrosis. The maximum benefit of all forms of massage therapy, mobilization and exercise will be achieved by coupling this technique with the sustained pressures of myofascial release.
While forms of massage and bodywork are great, they do not sustain pressure long enough, which is why combining myofascial release with massage, bodywork or energy work can be valuable to maximize effectiveness. Massage therapists employ myofascial release (or deep tissue work) on the restricted fascia.
Using knuckles, elbows, or fingers, the therapist slowly stretches the restricted fascia by applying degrees of pressure. Myofascial release seeks for changes in the client’s myofascial structures by stretching, elongation of fascia, or mobilizing adhesive tissues. The therapist slowly moves through layers of the fascia until the deep tissues are reached.
Myofascial release therapists do not use lotions because this technique does not include hands sliding on the skin. The therapist’s hands go slowly into what is known as the depth barrier, which is toward the table until mild resistance is felt.
The therapist doesn’t force through resistance; that is the old form of myofascial release, which is an attempt to force a system that cannot be forced.
To gain more insights regarding Myofascial Release and the top 15 massage techniques, download our eBook here. You’ll learn all about the top techniques in massage therapy, an insider’s guide to medical massage and more!