The Benefits of Myofascial Release Techniques:
You can not change your posture without changing your fascia.
Myofascial release literally means releasing the connective tissue that is within the muscles. Fascia is a strong connective tissue that surrounds every part of our body. Its function is to suspend, support, protect and keep separate all of our organs and tissues. It lies under our skin, permeates every muscle and surrounds every bone, nerve, blood vessel and organ. With incredible pressure and strength it keeps us defined in the shape that we know as our body.
As in this sculpture by Kenneth Snelson, our body is held, not by the bones (steel beams), but by the tension of the connective tissue (cables). If one side of the structure becomes too taught, the muscles on the opposing side need to contract to keep us from falling over. This contraction can lead to spasms and pain.
We move through our lives in a variety of patterned movements. These patterns train our bodies to function in a certain way and to hold in a certain way. We often develop emotional patterns and belief systems along with the physical patterns; for instance, our head may droop when we get sad or insecure. As our restricted fascia is released so are these restricting emotional patterns.
There are many modalities of myofascial release including Rolfing (from Ida Rolf) and the John Barnes technique. Myofascial release is simply working with the fascial system to release restricted patterns. An important thing to remember is that you can not change your posture without changing your fascia.
Many of our therapists at Siskiyou Massage specialize in myofascial release. Please contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our therapists.
