MFR Treatment: How Does Myofascial Release Work
Self-soothing techniques for the treatment of pain like MFR (myofascial release) are often considered as “alternative medicine”, which is often debunked by certain people as some form of quackery. But unbeknownst to many, this healing practice is actually based on science. And we’ll get to know more about how does myofascial release work in this article and see how it can benefit you if you are frequently suffering from muscle pain.
The Basics Of MFR
In order to understand myofascial release, allow us to discuss what fascia is first. In simple terms, fascia is a complex matrix of threads that are surrounding our muscles, nerves, organs, blood vessels, bones, and basically our entire body. And this infinitely adaptable and extremely flexible system of threads holds everything together.
And since the threads are strongly connected, they also cause a ripple effect when one area of the body gets pulled or injured. That’s why we may feel pain in the knee area when we get injured at the back because the fluidity of the fascia was traumatized, and therefore, causing it to tighten and harden.
How To Be Treated By Myofascial Release?
Most MFR treatments happen during a physical or massage therapy session like those being offered by a licensed physical therapist in Wisconsin. Likewise, some traditional medical practitioners and chiropractors may also offer this kind of alternative healing.
In myofascial release therapy, a gentle but sustained pressure is being applied to affected areas called ‘points of restriction’. This pressure releases the connective tissue. The therapist will massage bunched up spots to locate the stiffened or tightened areas. And they can easily identify the problem areas since normal myofascia feels elastic and pliable, while points of restriction feel tight and rigid.
Then, the therapist will start massaging rigid areas through light manual pressure and place a supportive sheath while aiding the affected tissue to slow release the tightening in the trigger point. The same process is repeated until the tension and rigidity are fully released.
MFR therapy does not work on the points where the pain is felt prominently, but rather it works on broader muscle areas that are actually causing the pain.
Who Can Benefit From MFR?
Myofascial release is beneficial to people who are frequently experiencing myofascial pain syndrome. Likewise, those who are experiencing chronic headaches can also find relief from this type of alternative healing by gently massaging stiff muscles around the head and neck to reduce headaches.
Also, people with blood pools in the veins or venous insufficiency may also be considered for MFR. Venous insufficiency is a condition when the blood clusters stretch (and eventually) damages the veins, which causes pain to the affected leg. And through myofascial release, the blood pools will be released through gentle massaging so the blood flow in the veins will back to normal again.
However, MFR is not recommended for people with:
- Painful wounds, burns, and similar injuries
- Bone fractures
- Weak or fragile bones
- Those who have a blood disease and are taking blood-thinning medication.
So if you’re looking for a physical therapist in Wisconsin that specializes in myofascial therapy, you can go for Trimotion Therapy’s website today.
