Myofascial Release (MFR) Therapy

What is Myofascial Release MFR Therapy in Physiotherapy?

Myofascial release (MFR) therapy is a treatment technique that addresses various conditions and symptoms dealing with muscular shortness, tightness, or stiffness. This treatment is extremely helpful for people who have lost their muscular functions or flexibility after an injury. People with ongoing back issues, shoulder pain, hip alignment issues, or pain in body areas containing soft tissue can also benefit from this therapy.

Physical therapist John F. Barnes developed the MFR therapy technique. Unlike other physiotherapy techniques, this therapy focuses on treating the fascia. Fascia is connective tissue. Matrixes of this tissue surround each muscle cell, fibril, and fibre in our bodies. These three-dimensional matrixes comprise elastin fibres, gelatinous fluids, and collagen fibres.

Hence, fascia and myofascial connective tissues are extremely sensitive. During MFR in physiotherapy, physical therapists gently apply pressure to these tissue connections to restore flexibility and eliminate pain. The slow and rhythmic application of pressure enables the damaged fascia to elongate, rehydrate, and ultimately reorganise. MFR in physiotherapy also allows the gelatinous fluid in our tissues to move freely.

Physical therapists use this therapy to help patients break through their physical restrictions. This therapy unwinds the myofascial connective tissues, facilitating smoother blood circulation. These factors enable the damaged tissues to heal. Recipients of this therapy report feeling more aware and energetic.

Types of Myofascial Release Techniques

Myofascial Release (MFR) involves various techniques designed to release the restrictions in the fascia, the connective tissue that envelops all structures within the body. Physiotherapists use no oils or creams to conduct this therapy. The gentle tension between the patient's skin and the physiotherapist's hands improves the fascia's movement and function. The typical gliding effects of standard physiotherapy can't achieve this direct connection with fascial tissues. Here are some common types of Myofascial Release techniques used to treat pain and enhance mobility:

1. Direct Myofascial Release: Commonly called deep tissue release, this technique involves applying steady pressure to the myofascial connective tissue to mitigate pain and restore movement. The therapist employs knuckles, elbows, or specific instruments to gradually elongate the tight fascia through direct application of force.
2. Indirect Myofascial Release: This gentle technique involves a slight stretch with only a few grams of pressure, which allows the fascia to 'unwind' itself. The minimal pressure induces the tissues to relax, the fascia to stretch, and then slowly release.
3. Active Myofascial Release: This type combines manual pressure with active movement from the patient. The therapist applies pressure to a specific area while the patient moves the affected muscle or joint through its range of motion. This helps break up adhesions and increase mobility.
4. Passive Myofascial Release: Here, the therapist applies sustained pressure to the fascia without requiring active movement from the patient. The aim is to alleviate tension and enhance the flexibility of the fascia.
5. Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy: This method reduces pain by alleviating the tension in trigger points—highly irritable spots in the fascia surrounding skeletal muscle. The therapy involves applying pressure to these points to reduce muscle tension and pain.
6. Fascial Stretching: In this technique, the therapist stretches and loosens the fascia so that it and other contiguous structures can move more freely, and the patient's range of motion is increased.
7. Soft Tissue Mobilization: Techniques are applied to break up inelastic or fibrous muscle tissue (scar tissue), such as the fascia that surrounds muscles, and to move tissue fluids, and relax muscle tension.
8. Rebounding: Involves the use of oscillating movements to stimulate the fascia. These movements, which are similar to bouncing, help in increasing the fluidity and mobility of the fascia.
9. Craniosacral Therapy: Although broader in application, this gentle technique can be considered a type of indirect myofascial release. The therapist uses soft touch techniques to release restrictions in the craniosacral system and improve the functioning of the central nervous system.

These techniques can be tailored to individual needs depending on the patient’s condition, pain level, and specific MFR therapy goals.

Risks of Myofascial Release MFR

Myofascial Release Therapy is virtually risk-free. Whether for reducing back pain or regaining mobility – MFR in physiotherapy can help just about anyone without causing any long-term ill effects. There aren't many specific scientific studies about myofascial release. That's because therapy styles vary from practitioner to practitioner. Plus, this therapy isn't risky. Many patients with chronic back or neck pain issues who want to avoid surgical solutions are advised to receive this non-invasive therapy.

Benefits of Myofascial Release MFR Therapy

MFR therapy is one of the most hands-on approaches to alleviating pain and discomfort in various body regions. If you have an experienced physiotherapist who knows how to knead and stretch the muscles and fascia to ease out the knots, you also receive benefits like:

• Long-term pain relief in the neck, shoulders, arms, head, jaw, lower back, hips, quads, calves, and feet.
• Drastic improvements in range of motion.
• Damaged tissues recover faster.
• The immediate impact on muscle tension.
• Reduce soreness in injured muscles.
• The body feels more relaxed overall as MFR therapy also improves our circulation.
• Healthier circulation leads to less stress.
• Myofascial Release MFR therapy is different from gentle massages. These processes are intense, as physiotherapists apply much pressure to the patient's tightest or sorest areas. It allows them to relax and feel more flexible in the long run. But, during and immediately after the therapy, patients can feel sore.

Common Conditions Treated with Myofascial Release (MFR) Therapy

 Myofascial Release (MFR) Therapy primarily benefits patients with myofascial pain syndrome. Such patients experience myofascial pain. This pain has two key sources -

• Pain arises when the skeletal muscles and connective tissues are tied down by tight fascia. MFR therapy can loosen the wound-up fascial tissues and help them regain their positions.
• The other is when the myofascial tissue gets damaged, creating 'trigger points' in muscle fibres. These trigger points are contractions in muscle fibres that impede healthy blood flow. MFR therapy loosens these trigger points and promotes healthy blood circulation.
• MFR therapy can also relieve chronic headaches or neckaches. Gentle massages of tightened neck muscles eliminate such pains.
• People with venous insufficiency are also prime candidates for MFR therapy.

Who Shouldn't Get Myofascial Release MFR Therapy?

Most people suffering from these issues and trying to avoid surgery can benefit from MFR Therapy. However, this technique isn't ideal for everyone.

• Who have open injuries or wounds (e.g., fractures or broken bones)
• People with naturally fragile bones
• People diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis
• Patients who consume blood-thinning medications
• People with underlying tumours
• Patients with extensive metabolic conditions

How to Prepare for Myofascial Release MFR Therapy? 

Here are some simple steps patients can take to prepare for  MFR Therapy:

• Wear something elastic and loose (t-shirts and running shorts)
• Visit the physiotherapist wearing no lotions, oils, or colognes.
• Read the necessary information in the form given by your physiotherapist to become familiar with the process.
• Drink plenty of water before/after the session.

What to Expect After Myofascial Release (MFR) Therapy?

Myofascial Release (MFR) Therapy is a unique physical therapy that targets specific areas of the patient's fascial system, aiming to loosen the fascia and increase flexibility. It can prepare patients for more aggressive forms of treatment that further improve movement and function. Due to the release of toxins during the fascial healing process, patients may experience temporary side effects such as headaches, nausea, and tiredness. Other physical therapies similar to MFR include acupuncture, neuromuscular therapy, and low-energy laser therapy.

Why Physiotattva?

Experience long-term relief and personalised care for your myofascial release by scheduling a physiotherapy session with Physiotattva today. Our expert therapists team is dedicated to providing innovative solutions tailored to your specific needs. Benefit from a comprehensive approach that ensures lasting comfort and improved joint health. Don't let it hinder your well-being—take the first step towards a pain-free future. 

Book your consultation now and discover the expertise and personalised care that Physiotattva brings to your journey of joint health and mobility. You can call us at +91 9741476476. You can even email us at info@physiotattva.com

FAQs

1. What is Myofascial Release (MFR) Therapy?

Myofascial Release (MFR) Therapy is a manual physical therapy that focuses on releasing muscular tension and restrictions through deep massage techniques.

2. What are the benefits of MFR Treatments?

MFR treatments can reduce pain, stiffness, and tension in the body, improve mobility, reduce recovery times, and aid in injury prevention.

3. Who should consider Myofascial Release?

Anyone looking for natural physical therapy treatments and those who experience chronic pain, spine health issues, soft tissue injuries, postural alignment issues, and fascial restrictions.

4. Who should consider Myofascial Release?

Anyone looking for natural physical therapy treatments and those who experience chronic pain, spine health issues, soft tissue injuries, postural alignment issues, and fascial restrictions.

5. How many sessions are typically needed for effective results?

The number of sessions varies depending on the individual's condition and response to therapy. Some may feel improvement after a few sessions, while others might need ongoing sessions to manage chronic conditions.

6. Who can benefit from Myofascial Release therapy?

Individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions, athletes experiencing muscle soreness, or anyone dealing with post-surgical tissue tightness can benefit from MFR therapy. It is also helpful for people with fibromyalgia, back pain, and headaches.