If you’ve been looking for ways to get rid of localized or widespread body pain, you must have already come across several different treatment options offering various benefits. For most people suffering from chronic body pain due to injuries, conventional methods such as taking pain medications are not a recommended long-term option as they can be costly and have possible risks involved.
Luckily, there is now a very popular treatment known as “myofascial release,” which has been incredibly effective in eliminating pain and restoring function to patients suffering from body pain.
What is Myofascial Release Therapy
Myofascial release (MFR) is essentially a technique used in treating body pain by “releasing” tight muscles interconnected with the tendons and easing up the pressure in specific body parts.
The treatment makes it possible to help reduce any stress within the range itself, improving your muscles’ overall working efficiency and ultimately reducing the amount of pain you experience.
The therapy is done by employing manual techniques in calculating just the right amount of pressure to apply to the targeted muscles manually using the hands. This procedure helps enable the muscles to become more relaxed and provide substantial relief from pain.
Treating Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Myofascial release is also commonly used to treat acute myofascial pain disorder. The pain typically arises from specific areas within your myofascial tissues known as trigger points, which are nodules, bone spurs, or growths that can pressure the surrounding soft tissue, tendons, and muscles.
In some cases, chronic myofascial conditions are caused by years of inactivity and poor posture exacerbated by weak muscles throughout the body. Trigger point pain occurs because the delicate tendons at the base of the spine have been repeatedly forced to work against a very tight muscular foundation that has developed low tensile strength and integrity. Myofascial release is specifically used to reduce pain caused by chronic trigger point inflammation by allowing the affected myofibrils to work more efficiently through a more resilient myofascial network.
A typical therapy session begins with a brief introduction to the therapy and a review of the history of the patient’s pain, discomfort, and trigger point location. During the treatment, myofascial-fibers are manually manipulated to help loosen and reduce the tightness of the fibrous tissue and muscles that are the cause of the patient’s pain.
Standard MFR treatment techniques include manual traction, gentle bending, therapeutic ultrasound, etc. Most treatment sessions last for approximately an hour and are conducted on an outpatient basis. Often, you will need to repeat the treatment at least one additional time if the initial pain response is not sufficient.
Recovery is generally limited to physical therapy and conservative treatments such as ice and heat therapy. With the onset of weakness or decreased ability to perform daily tasks, patients are encouraged to take a rest and increase their normal activities gradually.
Benefits of Myofascial Release Therapy
Myofascial release therapy aims to improve and restore muscle function, restore joint mobility, and restore motion range, all of which are associated with improved function of the joints and soft tissues involved in the affected areas. Myofascial release techniques can offer long-term symptomatic relief, primarily when used in conjunction with other rehabilitative therapies, such as movement retraining, posture retraining and strengthening.
Many people are unaware that myofascial release therapy is a beneficial form of pain relief. MFR treats larger muscle areas located throughout the body that cause constant pain from a variety of ailments. These areas often hang out where muscles and tendons do not get enough blood flow. This results in constant tension, which causes a great deal of pain. Myofascial release therapy works by locating these areas and using a range of slow, deep, and more dynamic stretching techniques to reduce pain.
One of the most significant benefits of this technique is that it doesn’t involve any drugs or painful, invasive procedures and can sometimes be quite pleasant to experience.
How is Myofascial Release Therapy Different from Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy differs in specialized myofascial release therapy in treating particular conditions.
The benefits of massage therapy are also remarkable for patients seeking relief from minor muscle pain, commonly due to stress or fatigue, but not for injuries. On the other hand, myofascial release therapy involves precise pressure application and motions to treat muscle tissues caused by more severe conditions.
Now that you know how myofascial release differs from massage, you can determine which is the right choice for you. Conclusively, massage is a good choice for pain and soreness reduction. However, if you have chronic pain or any other type of myofascial issues, it may be best to seek help from a physical therapy specialist.
What to Expect After Myofascial Release Treatment
With myofascial release treatment, you can expect a reduction of body pain and stiffness, and you won’t experience any significant discomfort when getting treated. You can’t possibly achieve being 100% pain-free after one treatment, especially if you have severe injuries and experience chronic pain. However, you should notice some improvements in managing the pain after several treatment sessions, given that you’re getting the right procedure from a trusted physical therapist.
The common side effects that patients may experience include sore muscles, but they’re usually temporary and are not significantly alarming. Usually, however, these symptoms only occur after the first few hours or days of treatment. The healing process itself usually does not cause any side effects at all. However, it is essential to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and check with your doctor if you notice any pain or discomfort after completing the treatment.
Takeaway
Myofascial treatment therapy can help people who suffer from chronic pain and discomfort. Its expected benefits include pain reduction, better motion range, improved blood circulation, and increased flexibility and strength. After your treatment, it is important to note any sensation you might feel, which can be foreseen but will pass on with time. These after-effects may only be present because the tension is continuously released as the muscles are relaxing. Lastly, it is essential to follow all the instructions given to you by your specialist to experience the best outcomes in your recovery.
Trimotion Therapy aims to transform lives by improving our patients’ physical health. We specialize in complex, chronic conditions, chronic pain, and women’s health challenges. Discover our holistic solutions to providing quality service and care. Visit us here today to schedule a free consultation!