Fascia is connective tissue, made of thin sheets of collagen, which wraps each muscle fiber, each group of fibers, each muscle, each group of muscles, and each limb. Layers of fascia go from very superficial (directly under the skin) to very deep (inside joint capsules). Regular movement and good hydration keep fascia healthy. When fascia is working correctly, it provides a flexible structural support to your organs and muscles.
When muscles are tight and circulation is sluggish, fascia becomes dehydrated and sticky. The layers may stick together or fascia may stick to muscles or skin. While the body heals from injury, fascia may become attached to scar tissue as it forms. These “stuck places” are commonly called fascial adhesions, or simply adhesions. Because they are frequently painful to stretch, these adhesions limit free movement and reinforce dysfunctional muscle patterns. A person may feel a burning or tearing sensation as these adhesions are stretched. If the adhesions are close to the skin, there may be a feeling of tension around the muscles or armoring of the whole limb. A large area may feel too tender to touch. This painful, restricted feeling discourages a person from using the full range of his or her muscles and thus these adhesions limit movement. As movement decreases, fascial adhesions become more solidified and muscle patterns become more entrenched. Although one may receive thorough massage on the muscles, it may feel like there is something that isn’t being addressed.
Myo-fascial release is massage developed to address the problems associated with fascial adhesions. Myo-fascial massage is usually done without oil, so that the individual layers of fascia can be felt by the therapist. Although there is a common perception that fascial massage is painful, there are many forms of fascial massage. Some are very light to work on the superficial layers. Others use movement to release adhesions in the joints and deep muscles. Still others release fascial layers between muscles. Though the breaking up of fascial adhesions can feel like a burning or tearing sensation, most fascial massage is not painful or uncomfortable. A skilled practitioner releases fascial adhesions gently and without pain. People who receive fascial massage usually experience a sense of profound relaxation as long standing patterns of posture and movement open up to freer movement. Many also feel a sense of emotional openness as these patterns release.
When combined with specific muscle work, fascial massage promotes more rapid progress toward postural balance and injury recovery. Fascial massage addresses chronic pain patterns as well. Releasing fascial adhesions relieves pain patterns that other modalities may miss. Including fascial work in one’s massage regimen promotes an added sense of ease and freedom of movement to the other numerous benefits of regular massage. If you are experiencing chronic movement limitations, stubborn pain patterns or areas of extreme tenderness, myo-fascial massage will release these restrictions and make your movement freer and easier.
