The scientific bit
Myofascia is a fibrous network of collagen and elastin fibres surrounded by a shock absorbing fluid called ground substance. Fascia is entwined throughout the body and runs without interruption from head to toe like a spider’s web, penetrating every muscle, bone, artery, nerve and internal organ. In its normal healthy state fascia is relaxed and has an ability to stretch and move. However, if the body experiences any kind of trauma, either through postural bad habits, surgery, a car accident, a fall, physical or emotional trauma, inflammation or scarring, then the fascia will lose its pliability and can become hard, dehydrated and stuck. It responds to stress occurring in a particular area by laying down extra fibres, creating thickening and adhesions both through and between muscles. This in turn leads to restrictions, limitations of movement and poor tissue health.
Who may benefit from treatment?
Myofascial massage is aimed at everyone. Most people develop some negative postural habits due to repetitive activities or mental and emotional influences on the body. It maybe of specific help to:
- Athletes (occasional sports enthusiasts)
- Individuals with chronic joint or muscle injuries
- Individuals who perform repetitive work that causes strain on muscles and joints
- Individuals who suffer from stress
It may especially be useful to people with:
- Back pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Whiplash
- Pelvic pain
- Neck pain
- Sports injuries
- Disc problems
- Physical or psychological stress
- Postural irregularities
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic Fatigue syndrome
- Planta Facitis
- Sciatica
- Carpel tunnel syndrome
- Jaw pain
- Scars
- Scoliosis
- Frozen shoulder
- Arthritis
- Poor posture
The treatment (approximately 1 hour £38)
Myofascial Release Massage is a hands-on, manual therapy focusing on soft tissue dysfunction, pain, tension and holding patterns. It involves gentle and sustained pressure and does not use massage oils or creams. The fascia cannot be forced so there is a time element of holding the pressure for at least 2-3 minutes which is essential to gradually soften the ground substance surrounding the fascia and allow movement to happen. If you think of the ground substance as like standing on quick sand, it initially supports weight but soon allows things to begin to sink; or think of mixing cornflour in milk or water, at first it is solid but as you provide energy by stirring it softens and turns to liquid.
The first treatment will begin with a detailed health and well-being consultation to ensure MFR massage is appropriate and not contraindicated by any health issues. It is important to recognise that if a treatment is adjusting long lasting problems it can take a few treatments and some time for the body to realign and adjust to its new and better posture, which means at first it can lead in some cases to different aches and pains whilst this happens.
Please get in touch if you would like to discuss MFR or book a treatment.