Restoring Range of Motion with Myofascial Release

I usually talk about Chinese Medicine and seasonal changes in our energy. Today I want to talk about myofascial release and the benefit it brings.

Myofascial release “is a whole-body hands-on approach to the evaluation and treatment of the human structure” ( 1). It focuses on the connective tissue or fascial system which spreads throughout the entire body in a three-dimensional web. The connective tissue surrounds, supports, protects, and becomes part of the muscles, nerves, bones, organs, and blood vessels.

The strength of our connective tissue protects our organs and helps the body maintain its normal shape, and to resist mechanical stresses both internal and external. When we are in good health our body functions harmoniously. When we experience trauma from injury, accident, or overuse of our muscles, the fascia will tighten down to prevent further injury. This tightening will create restrictions in the fascia which can interfere with muscle mobility, creating nerve entrapment and pain.

Other causes of fascial restrictions include issues from the birthing process, inflammation, infection, structural imbalances (i.e.) pelvic rotation/ injury, dental misalignment, leg length discrepancies, and misalignment of the spine. These restrictions if not addressed can put an enormous amount of pressure on pain-sensitive structures. They are responsible for many headaches, backaches, and lack of muscle mobility.

“Most of these conditions go undiagnosed” (2) since the standard tests of x-rays, myelograms, CAT scans, and electromyograms (EMG) do not detect fascial restrictions.

I began studying myofascial release in 2009 after experiencing a session. It was a lifesaver for me since I had been suffering with chronic neck pain from an old injury for more than 10 years. If my neck was not supported correctly during the night, it would go out of alignment. I would suffer migraine headaches and be in bed a good part of the next day. Myofascial release addressed the restrictions not only in my neck, jaw, and head but also in my back. Over time my chronic pain was alleviated and the range of motion in my neck has greatly improved. This modality has made me pain-free and comfortable in my body. I would recommend it to anyone who has been unable to relieve chronic structural pain.

(1), (2) …The John F. Barnes Myofascial Release Brochure, Fall 2023