Myofascial Release Technique
What is Myofascial Pain Syndrome?
The word myofascial means muscle tissue (myo) and the connective tissue in and around it (fascia). Myofascial pain often results from a muscle injury or repetitive strain. When stressed or injured, muscles often form trigger points, like contracted knots, that cause pain and tightness. Myofascial trigger points are an extremely common cause of pain and are painful when pressed on, causing a shortening of the muscle fibers and generating referred pain (trigger point in one muscle can create pain in another part of the body).
When diagnosed with Myofascial Pain Syndrome it means that a large part of your symptoms stems from myofascial trigger points. They frequently appear secondary to other sources of pain such as bulging discs. You may develop tripper points as a result of an injury by compromising your posture because you may be compensating for pain on the other side of your body. There are many conditions that aid in the creation of trigger points such as:
- Back pain
- Disc pain (bulge/rupture/herniation) and radiculopathy
- “Sciatic” pain (buttock and leg pain
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Jaw pain (TMJD)
- Rotator cuff (shoulder) pain
- Frozen shoulder
- Tennis elbow
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Hand and arm pain
- Pelvic pain
- Hip pain
- Leg and knee pain
- Arthritis
- Plantar fascitis (foot) pain
- Tendinitis/tendinopathy
- Bursitis
- Fibromyalgia
What is Myofascial Release Technique?
The myofascial release technique is a type of physical therapy used to treat the above described pain by easing the tightness in the trigger points. Since a trigger point is the contraction mechanism of the muscle locked into a shortened position, the treatment of the trigger point involves unlocking that contraction mechanism (sarcomere). This treatment typically involves dynamic and very slow stretching and tension on the tissues with an aim to influence the fascia fabric which surrounds muscles. The focus here is more on encouraging the smooth sliding of muscles and the fascia so that restrictions are reduced.
To find out more about this treatment and how to stop your pain today, please call us to schedule an appointment (561) 867-8789 or click here to schedule through our website and one of our friendly staff members will reach out to you to confirm your appointment!