Unraveling Myofascial Release: part 2

Written by Dorene Garvin

Last month I talked about fascia. The word fascia is used to describe the connective tissue network that surrounds and intertwines all of the systems, organs, glands, muscles, and cells in our bodies. Protein collagen, elastin, and a gelatinous ground substance help to create form, give strength and protection, and lend support for everything. It is vital to who we are, physically.
 This month the topic is myofascial release. This describes therapy that focuses directly on the fascial system. When our bodies experience stress, this system responds by thickening and shortening. The strength of the collagen can have a devastating effect on the surrounding tissues if this structure gets out of balance. Yoga, sustained stretching, and other exercise can help to keep the balance; however, sometimes we find ourselves needing help.
 What is stress? A gall bladder needs to be removed. Someone types eight to ten hours a day without significant breaks. A student studies for school with their head forward and down for too many hours. The fascial system will accommodate and thicken appropriately to these situations. The more out of balance it becomes, the more symptoms show up like headaches, backaches, or worse.
 The body wants to be in balance and once this system is engaged it will start the road to recovery. Therapists find the thickened, shortened areas with their hands, and then utilize time instead of force to literally unravel the areas causing trouble, pushing into barriers, and waiting for the body’s intelligence to heal. Although some places can be uncomfortable to the touch, the actual therapy should not hurt. Because force is never used treatments can sometimes feel like nothing is actually happening during the session, immediate or delayed results will always occur.
 Customers always want to know how long the therapy will take. This is a fair question since many are stretched financially or challenged time-wise. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer. If a chronic unhealthy situation has been running many years unchecked, treatment can literally take years to fully turn the body around. Yet if someone is in tune with their body and seeks therapy at the onset of symptoms a session or two may suffice if the situation is not too complicated.
 Some people choose to have regular maintenance sessions and develop a schedule. Our bodies like patterns and the best way to integrate something into life is by cultivating a steady rhythm. A weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or quarterly bodywork session is one of the best habits a person can commit to.
 Whether one is finding relief from symptoms caused by disease, dysfunction, or daily stress, myofascial release addresses the connective tissue matrix to restore balance. If this system is causing problems in your life someone touching it will be a huge relief.

Dorene Garvin teaches therapists this technique through the Lucia Mar Adult-Ed Vocational Training.