Many people lose function or flexibility after an injury or if ongoing pain is experienced in the soft tissue of shoulders, hips or the back. Myofascial release therapy is used to release tightness and help with reduction of pain and restriction of motion. The goal of therapy is to loosen the contracted muscles, stimulate their stretch reflex and improve the blood and lymphatic circulation.
The fascia is the name given to the connective tissue that surrounds organs, muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments. It serves as a cushioning agent, protecting and supporting these structures. Healthy tissue is relaxed but when it is damaged, it becomes tight. The contraction or restriction prevents proper blood flow and the pain is accentuated if it is not treated.
Some of the symptoms experienced by patients as a result of this problem are chronic back or neck pain, sciatica, muscle pain, headaches and even difficulties in breathing. Flexibility is reduced and movement becomes difficult. Unfortunately, routine tests such as X rays do not pick up this tightness. People often go through various other types of treatment and use painkillers without experiencing any long term relief.
Therapists have to be specifically trained to administer these techniques. There are many different types of training courses available and some of them offer diplomas or certificates. Extensive training may be needed to reach a high level of competence. The therapist is taught how to identify problem areas and to apply various techniques to deal with them in the best possible manner.
Sessions are conducted on a one-on-one basis and the first appointment is used to assess the problem and discuss a suitable plan of treatment. Subsequent treatments may be conducted every few days or on a daily basis. This may take place over a period of weeks or even months, depending on the severity of the problem. Progress is measured by the decrease in pain experienced by the patient as well as the increase in motion.
With some other treatments, machines, oils and creams may be used. This treatment uses none of these as they may actually prevent identification of problem areas. The hands of the therapist do all the work. They carefully identify the problems and apply sustained pressure in a safe and gentle manner.
The level of pressure applied by therapists may be gentle or more intense and deeper. However, they are careful not to go beyond what a patient is able to tolerate. It is completely safe and all the patient may feel is a slight burning or stretching sensation.
There are many different therapists offering this type of treatment. Some are more qualified and experienced than others, making it important to check credentials before just randomly selecting one. If one is found online, it is usually possible to read testimonials from grateful clients. This is often very helpful when trying to make the right decision.
The fascia is the name given to the connective tissue that surrounds organs, muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments. It serves as a cushioning agent, protecting and supporting these structures. Healthy tissue is relaxed but when it is damaged, it becomes tight. The contraction or restriction prevents proper blood flow and the pain is accentuated if it is not treated.
Some of the symptoms experienced by patients as a result of this problem are chronic back or neck pain, sciatica, muscle pain, headaches and even difficulties in breathing. Flexibility is reduced and movement becomes difficult. Unfortunately, routine tests such as X rays do not pick up this tightness. People often go through various other types of treatment and use painkillers without experiencing any long term relief.
Therapists have to be specifically trained to administer these techniques. There are many different types of training courses available and some of them offer diplomas or certificates. Extensive training may be needed to reach a high level of competence. The therapist is taught how to identify problem areas and to apply various techniques to deal with them in the best possible manner.
Sessions are conducted on a one-on-one basis and the first appointment is used to assess the problem and discuss a suitable plan of treatment. Subsequent treatments may be conducted every few days or on a daily basis. This may take place over a period of weeks or even months, depending on the severity of the problem. Progress is measured by the decrease in pain experienced by the patient as well as the increase in motion.
With some other treatments, machines, oils and creams may be used. This treatment uses none of these as they may actually prevent identification of problem areas. The hands of the therapist do all the work. They carefully identify the problems and apply sustained pressure in a safe and gentle manner.
The level of pressure applied by therapists may be gentle or more intense and deeper. However, they are careful not to go beyond what a patient is able to tolerate. It is completely safe and all the patient may feel is a slight burning or stretching sensation.
There are many different therapists offering this type of treatment. Some are more qualified and experienced than others, making it important to check credentials before just randomly selecting one. If one is found online, it is usually possible to read testimonials from grateful clients. This is often very helpful when trying to make the right decision.
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