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October 30, 2007

Myofascial Release Article

I love finding good bodywork articles for the layperson to better understand a given technique and its benefits. My husband found one such article in a great little magazine that I get called Experience Life. Their article titled Deep Release from July 2007 outlines several myofascial problems such as migraine headaches, plantar fasciitis, and arthritis.

Using an orange as an example of the anatomical structure in the body the author describes fascia.
To understand fascia and how it works, think of an orange. Under the orange peel is the pith, the white fiber netting. Beyond the pith is the membrane that gives orange slices their shape, and even deeper is a thinner membrane that forms the tiny individual pulp. All of this internal material — the netting and the membranes — is much like the fascia in the human body.

The article discusses bodywork modalities that act upon fascia such as Rolfing or structural integration, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, massage, acupressure, stretching, and nutrition. Self care involves identifying problem areas with the help of a professional and using a tennis ball, foam rollers, and stretching techniques to keep myofascial pain under control.

The end of the article has describes some indicators to help readers determine if their pain is myofascial in nature.

tags: massage massagetherapy wellness massage therapy bodywork health myofascial

Posted by linda at October 30, 2007 8:12 AM