Myofascial Therapy: Uncovering the layers
Fascia
Fascia is a sheath of stringy connective tissue that surrounds every part of your body. It provides support to your muscles, tendons, ligaments, tissues, organs, nerves, joints, and bones. When your fascia is healthy, it’s flexible and stretches with you. When your fascia tightens up, it can restrict movement and cause painful health conditions.
Fascia, it’s everywhere…
Fascia is such a huge topic that could be explored for weeks on end. It is a topic that we at Flex and Flow Massage are passionate about and will revisit in future blog posts. Continue to follow us on Instagram and right here online to continue learning more about fascia and other tissues in the body and how they impact you.
What is Fascia
When we talk about the human body and its anatomy most of us are familiar with the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and organs. However, the connective tissue that supports those structures is not as commonly known or talked about. Myofascial release may be a buzzword in some medical and health groups, but fascia plays a major role in supporting and interacting with the structures in the human body.
Fascia is a layer of connective tissue found throughout our body that attaches to and stabilizes every muscle, tendon, ligament, bone, organ, and tissue in our body. Healthy fascia is relaxed, pliable, and flexible and allows the structures. Fascia is also comprised of a lot of water which can be greatly affected by dehydration, causing the fascia to tighten and restrict.
Fascia is comprised of four layers: superficial, deep, visceral, and parietal.
Superficial fascia is the outermost layer of fascia in the body and sits just under the skin. This layer is made of loosely interwoven collagen and elastic fibers; sometimes it may also contain muscle fibers.
Deep Fascia is what surrounds your musculoskeletal system. It covers your muscles, tendons, bones, cartilage, nerves, and blood vessels.
The superficial and deep fascia are the layers of fascia that most massage therapists treat in. The visceral fascia which surrounds the organs and parietal fascia which lines the walls of certain body cavities such as the pelvis are typically outside of most massage therapists’ practice.
How does it affect you?
When looking at all the structures that are affected by and interact with fascia, it is easy to see how fascial restrictions, damage, or dysfunction can affect the body. Dehydration alone can have significant implications for the mobility and flexibility that fascia has throughout the most. It is always recommended that clients drink lots of water before and after treatments. Many disorders and conditions have also been linked to fascia. Plantar fasciitis which is caused by inflammation and pain in the plantar surface of the foot is one of the most common causes of heel pain. Myofascial pain syndrome is also becoming more researched and understood, as many “trigger points” (or muscle knots as most refer to them in the mainstream) and muscle tenderness may actually be linked to the fascia. Fibromyalgia, which is still very narrowly understood may also have root causes linked to fascial pain and restrictions.
Myofascial restrictions create rigidity and tension within the body. It may even pull the body out of alignment and cause pressure on muscles and joints. Severe fascia restrictions may even cause functional scoliosis within the body, creating an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine that may cause a person’s body to appear crooked. Fascial restrictions can occur within any layer of the body, and it is important to find a massage therapist who knows and can treat the fascial layers of the body alongside the muscle fibers and other soft tissues of the body.
How is Myofascial Therapy applied?
Skin rolling is a technique used by massage therapists to reduce fascial restrictions below the skin’s surface.
Cupping
Myofascial cupping is a therapeutic technique gaining popularity in the realm of holistic wellness and physical therapy. Rooted in ancient Chinese medicine, this method involves the use of suction cups placed on the skin to create a negative pressure, which helps release tension and promote blood flow. The cups lift and separate the layers of fascia, breaking up adhesions and allowing for better movement. Many individuals find relief from chronic pain, muscle tightness, and even conditions like fibromyalgia through myofascial cupping. With its non-invasive nature and potential for enhancing overall well-being, myofascial cupping is becoming a go-to staple for those seeking a natural and effective approach to improving their physical health. Myofascial cupping is a widely used staple at Flex and Flow Massage.
IASTM
Instrument-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), Gua Sha, and Graston massage tools are innovative approaches to myofascial release, offering targeted and effective techniques in the realm of therapeutic massage. IASTM involves the use of specially designed tools to detect and treat fascial restrictions, scar tissue, and muscular adhesions. These instruments allow therapists to precisely apply pressure and engage with soft tissue, promoting increased blood flow and reducing muscle tension.
Similarly, Gua Sha, an ancient Chinese technique, employs smooth-edged tools to scrape the skin gently. This process stimulates blood circulation and encourages the release of built-up tension within the fascia. Gua Sha is known for its ability to address pain, inflammation, and restricted movement, making it a valuable tool in the hands of skilled practitioners.
Graston massage tools, on the other hand, utilize stainless steel instruments to perform a form of soft tissue mobilization. By applying controlled pressure, therapists can effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions, leading to an improved range of motion and reduced pain.
These advanced massage tools are valuable additions to the therapist's toolkit, providing a focused and efficient means of myofascial release. Whether it's IASTM, Gua Sha, or Graston, each technique enhances the therapist's ability to address specific areas of concern, offering clients a more targeted and personalized approach to their wellness journey.
Myofascial Therapy can be applied in many different ways. A good massage therapist should know and be able to feel the difference between fascial restrictions, adhesions, and trigger points and apply techniques accordingly. A gentle, sustained pressure is often applied to areas of fascial restrictions allowing the connective tissue to release. Tools such as Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) or cupping may also be used. Specific spreading, stretching, and rolling of the skin may also be used by the massage therapist to release tension. Ischemic compressions, whereby a therapist or client (during self-massage) applies a sustained pressure on a localized trigger point may also be used to relieve tension.
Myofascial pain syndrome
Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common yet often misunderstood condition that affects a significant number of individuals, causing chronic discomfort and restricting daily activities. At the heart of MPS lies myofascial trigger points, knots in the muscles that can contribute to pain, restricted movement, and a host of other symptoms. In this comprehensive exploration, we will delve into the intricacies of myofascial pain syndrome, unravel the mystery of trigger points, and examine the role of massage therapy as a potent tool in managing and alleviating the symptoms associated with this condition.
Understanding Myofascial Pain Syndrome:
Myofascial pain syndrome is characterized by the presence of myofascial trigger points—localized areas of muscle fibers that contract and create knots. These trigger points can develop due to a variety of reasons, including muscle overuse, trauma, or even stress. When left untreated, myofascial trigger points can contribute to a cascade of symptoms that extend beyond the initial site of pain.
Symptoms of Myofascial Pain Syndrome:
Localized Pain: The primary symptom of MPS is localized pain at the site of the trigger point. This pain can vary in intensity and may feel like a deep ache or sharp discomfort.
Referred Pain: Trigger points can also refer pain to other areas of the body, creating a challenge in diagnosing the true source of discomfort. For example, a trigger point in the neck may cause pain that radiates into the head or shoulders.
Muscle Stiffness: Individuals with MPS often experience muscle stiffness and restricted range of motion in the affected areas, making everyday activities challenging.
Fatigue and Weakness: Persistent muscle tension and discomfort can lead to fatigue and weakness, further impacting one's quality of life.
Sleep Disturbances: Myofascial pain syndrome can interfere with sleep, as discomfort may intensify during periods of rest, making it difficult for individuals to achieve restorative sleep.
The Role of Myofascial Trigger Points:
Myofascial trigger points play a pivotal role in perpetuating the cycle of pain associated with myofascial pain syndrome. These hyperirritable spots within the muscles can cause local and referred pain, disrupt the normal functioning of the muscle fibers, and even lead to the development of additional trigger points in a domino effect. The exact mechanisms underlying the formation of trigger points are not fully understood, but factors such as muscle overuse, trauma, poor posture, and stress are believed to contribute to their development.
Massage Therapy as a Solution:
Massage therapy emerges as a holistic and effective approach in managing myofascial pain syndrome by directly addressing trigger points and promoting overall muscle health. Several massage techniques prove beneficial in alleviating the symptoms associated with MPS:
Trigger Point Therapy: A focused and targeted approach, trigger point therapy involves applying pressure to specific trigger points to release tension and encourage muscle relaxation. Skilled massage therapists can identify these points and tailor their techniques to address each individual's unique pattern of trigger points.
Myofascial Release: This technique focuses on stretching and releasing the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds muscles and organs. By applying sustained pressure, massage therapists can help release tension in the fascia, promoting increased flexibility and reducing pain.
Deep Tissue Massage: Deep tissue massage involves applying firm pressure to reach the deeper layers of muscle tissue. This technique helps break up adhesions, release tension, and improve blood circulation, contributing to the overall relief of myofascial pain symptoms.
Swedish Massage: While gentler than deep tissue massage, Swedish massage techniques can also contribute to the management of myofascial pain. The combination of long strokes, kneading, and circular motions helps relax muscles and improve blood flow.
Stretching Exercises: Massage therapists may incorporate stretching exercises into the session or recommend specific stretches for clients to perform at home. Stretching helps maintain muscle flexibility and prevents the recurrence of trigger points.
Benefits of Massage Therapy for Myofascial Pain Syndrome:
Pain Reduction: One of the primary goals of massage therapy for MPS is pain reduction. By releasing tension in trigger points and promoting muscle relaxation, individuals often experience a significant decrease in pain levels.
Improved Range of Motion: Massage therapy, especially techniques like myofascial release and stretching, contributes to improved flexibility and range of motion. This is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing stiffness and restricted movement.
Enhanced Blood Circulation: Massage therapy promotes increased blood circulation, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to the muscles. This enhanced blood flow aids in the healing process and reduces muscle soreness.
Stress Reduction: Stress is a known contributor to the development and exacerbation of myofascial trigger points. Massage therapy provides a holistic approach by promoting relaxation, reducing stress levels, and preventing the recurrence of trigger points.
Improved Sleep Quality: As muscle tension and pain are alleviated through massage therapy, individuals often experience improved sleep quality. This is crucial for the overall well-being of those managing myofascial pain syndrome.
Benefits of Myofascial Therapy
Myofascial therapy reduces pain and inflammation in the body. Relaxes the fascia and reduces the tension placed on restricted fascial throughout the body. It increases biomechanical feedback and increases the elasticity and stretch of the body back to its healthy state.
Did you know about fascia and the impact it had on your body? Do you suspect that some of your common aches and pains may actually be related to fascial tissue and not muscle fibers?