Myofascial Release in St. Louis

Chiropractor that offers myofascial release

The most forward-thinking chiropractors recognize that muscles are the crucial component of alignment and movement. Muscular tension and fascial restrictions interfere with the optimal mechanics of the spine and body. Addressing muscle and fascial dysfunctions significantly enhances the benefits of other therapies, such as chiropractic adjustments and rehabilitation. 

Muscles and fascia

Myo- means muscle, the contractile tissue responsible for moving our bones. In traditional anatomy classes, individual muscles are carefully studied and emphasized.

More recently, fascia has been gaining notoriety, becoming respected for its role in holding muscles in place. Fascia is the gluey web of connective tissues that weaves throughout and envelops muscles, binding them tightly together. 

Myofascial is used to respect the interconnectedness of muscles and fascia. Without the fascia, muscles would not have the necessary structure and support to function correctly. Essentially, the myofascial system permeates the entire body and is responsible for every detail of movement and alignment.

What is myofascial release?

Manual therapies that address pain or dysfunction arising from muscles and fascia are collectively called myofascial release. Most forms of massage therapy could technically be considered myofascial release. However, when therapists are working on muscles and connective tissue collectively with the intent to alter its structure and function, it is more appropriately called myofascial release. 

A more textbook definition of myofascial release is; Use of mechanical force used to manipulate the myofascial complex intended to decrease pain and improve function. 

Who can perform myofascial release?

Most therapists licensed to use their hands and touch clients therapeutically can perform myofascial release. Chiropractors, massage therapists, and physical therapists perform myofascial release most commonly. 

What's the difference between myofascial release and massage?

The difference is mainly in terminology and the intent of the session. Typically, myofascial release is reserved for when a practitioner uses deep pressure to manipulate the fascia connective tissue to change its flexibility. Myofascial release is also more commonly used when working with clients to overcome an injury or pain syndrome such as myofascial pain syndrome.

Massage is a more general term used in almost any situation where a therapist therapeutically touches a client. A great example of the difference is considering a lymphatic massage, which intends to improve superficial lymphatic circulation. Lymphatic massage is a type of massage but would not be considered a form of myofascial release. 

How does myofascial release work?

There are several proposed mechanisms for how myofascial release relieves pain and improves the function of the musculoskeletal system. The most common explanations are that it can release fascial restrictions, rejuvenate damaged tissues, improve circulation, and stimulate nervous system reflexes.

Rejuvenation:

The process of rejuvenating injured tissues is fascinating. When collagen fibers (the stuff that makes up tendons and fascia) become overly stressed, the cells replace with less durable and less resilient collagen cells. A therapy called transverse friction massage speeds up the process of breaking down old and injured collagen, stimulating a response to repair and regenerate stronger collagen fibers. The same regenerating process is thought to occur within fascia as well.

Releasing fascial restrictions:

Tension points within the fascia can interfere with optimal movements elsewhere in the body. For example, if there are fascial restrictions in the shoulder, it can impair how the neck moves. Myofascial release can relax those fascial restrictions, improving the body's overall performance.

Nervous system reflexes:

Muscles, tendons, and especially fascia have microscopic (very tiny) nerve fibers that sense touch and let you know where you are in space. Specific pressures in critical areas of the body with high densities of these nerve fibers can reflexively relieve pain and improve coordination of muscle movements.

Improved circulation:

A final component of how myofascial release works has to do with enhancing circulation. Trigger points, for example, are thought to be painful due to reduced blood flow from the muscle, which causes congestion. The congestion leads to insufficient oxygen and inflammation, which can become painful. Certain types of myofascial releases, such as ischemic compression, help return the blood flow and muscle function to their normal state.

What is the best type of myofascial release?

The best form of myofascial release depends on the goals of the therapy. For example, stretching and post-isometric relaxation techniques would be most valuable if the goal is to increase mobility. As mentioned previously, transverse friction massage regenerates connective tissue collagen. The key message is that there are a variety of techniques, and there is not one that is best in all circumstances. A qualified chiropractor or massage therapist should be able to discuss options and help you decide which would be best for you. 

Types of myofascial pain

Many injuries can cause muscle and connective tissue pain. The most common are muscle strains, joint sprains, tendinitis, tendinosis, and muscle spasms. Myofascial release is used to treat each of the above effectively.

Other conditions treated by chiropractors using myofascial release are neck pain, TMJ, headaches, hip pain, shoulder pain and low back pain. The following are other musculoskeletal pains commonly treated with myofascial release:

Myofascial pain syndrome

Myofascial pain syndrome is chronic unexplained muscle pain in a particular region or quadrant of the body. This pain is usually very frustrating because its cause is not very well understood. Myofascial pain syndrome is very similar to fibromyalgia. The main difference is that fibromyalgia is usually more widespread pain throughout the body. It's thought that myofascial pain syndrome is due to trigger points.

Trigger points

Trigger points are sustained contractions within a small bundle of muscle fibers. Think of something similar to a muscle spasm but in a tiny focal point. The hardness results from excessive activity at the junction where the nerve communicates with the muscle. In addition to myofascial release, acupuncture and exercise help treat trigger points.

Additional treatments and considerations

Acupuncture

Acupuncture and a technique called dry needling are often used to treat trigger points and facilitate a relaxation response. Dry needling is very similar to acupuncture; however, the philosophy and needle placements are different.

In the philosophy of acupuncture, it is believed that needles placed in specific locations release a healing energy called Qi. On the other hand, proponents of dry needling think in terms of reflex responses. Putting a needle in the center of a trigger point resets nerve impulses, relaxing the trigger point.

Chiropractic adjustments

Joint restrictions are frequently found near the areas of muscle tension. Chiropractors that do myofascial release can address muscle and joint dysfunction for the most holistic treatment.

Stress management

Stress and anxiety are contributors to muscle tension and pain. There are several stress management techniques, each working to varying degrees for different people. Examples of stress management strategies are meditation, breathing techniques, journaling, yoga, exercise, and counseling. Also, developing meaningful relationships and living life with purpose and passion help mitigate the consequences of stress and anxiety.

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