Myofascial Release

Myofascial Release Therapy is a safe and very effective hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into the Myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion – it’s one of my favourite techniques.  Why?  Because, it is just so effective for my patients!

Effectively (and concisely) explaining Myfascial Release to a lay person can be a bit tricky, because there’s a lot to unpack.

So, if you want to spend a few (about 5) minutes, here’s a great video on YouTube with a ton of knowledge packed into it:

If you prefer a more brief “Cole’s Notes” version, I’ll try to explain.

Basically, your muscles are completely wrapped in fascia – a type of “spider-web” membrane.

Over time, the fascia can get “sticky” or constricted.  The Myofascial Release techniques involve releasing the “stickiness” of the fascia.

I perform Myofascial Release directly on your skin without oils, creams or machinery using gentle pressure applied slowly.

This allows the fascia (which is a viscoelastic medium) to elongate.

This enables me to accurately detect “fascial-restrictions” and apply the appropriate amount of sustained pressure to facilitate release of the fascia.

Fascia plays an important role in the support and function of our bodies, since it surrounds and attaches to all structures. In the normal healthy state, the fascia is relaxed and wavy in configuration. It has the ability to stretch and move without restriction.

When one experiences physical trauma, emotional trauma, scarring, or inflammation, however, the fascia loses its pliability. It becomes tight, restricted, and a source of tension to the rest of the body.

Trauma, such as a fall, car accident, whiplash, surgery or just habitual poor posture and repetitive stress injuries has cumulative effects on the body. The changes that life’s traumas cause in your fascial system directly influences your comfort and function of your body.

Fascial restrictions can exert excessive pressure causing all kinds of symptoms producing pain, headaches or restriction of motion.

Fascial restrictions affect your flexibility and stability, and are a determining factor in your ability to withstand stress and perform daily activities.