Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, tight muscles, or simply looking to get more out of your physical therapy routine, myofascial release could be the key to unlocking a more flexible, pain-free life. Also called pressure point massage or trigger point therapy, this therapeutic approach is a steady favorite among our patients for its ability to relieve tension and promote overall well-being quickly and effectively.
What is myofascial release?
Myofascial release is a form of physical therapy that focuses on releasing tension in the myofascial layer of the body. The myofascia (or fascia) is a complex web of connective tissue that runs throughout your body, enveloping muscles, joints, and ligaments. Imagine it as a protective sheath that keeps everything in place while allowing for ease of movement and flexibility.
However, this tissue can become tight or inflamed due to injury, repetitive stress, or even poor nutrition, leading to discomfort and restricted mobility. Myofascial release or massage is an attempt to release tension and reduce inflammation in targeted known trigger points, restoring movement and reducing pain.
What are trigger points?
Without getting too technical, trigger points in myofascial release therapy are what people usually call “knots” of tension in their body. Trigger points can show up pretty much anywhere throughout the body, but are most common in the shoulders, back, and hips.
Trigger points may also arise from pain or disorder somewhere nearby in the body, which demonstrates the interconnected nature of the myofascial tissue: when a joint is misaligned or has a buildup of scar tissue, you may feel pain or spasm in a nearby muscle, rather than directly at the source of the problem.
This is one of several key reasons to talk about knots, tension, and localized pain with an experienced physical therapist, because sometimes the problem can be hard to identify correctly just by the way it feels. A physical therapist trained in myofascial release therapy will understand the multiple factors that go into any single symptom and has many other techniques in addition to trigger point therapy to help relieve many different causes of discomfort or pain.
Conditions myofascial release can treat
Because the fascia exists throughout the body, damage and inflammation can manifest in many different areas and with different symptoms. In the history of physical therapy and myofascial massage in particular, we’ve found this treatment to be helpful as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for conditions like:
- Sciatica
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Golfer’s elbow
- Tennis elbow
- Osteoarthritis
- Frozen shoulder
- Headaches and migraines
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder
It can be tempting to just break out a foam roller or start to massage the area yourself if you can reach it, and in some cases, this can help. However, besides the fact that some areas of your body are difficult to reach, pressing and massaging on some “knots” of pain or tension may not be what’s best for healing the root cause of the symptom. That’s where a physical therapist comes in, offering expert guidance and techniques to ensure effective treatment.
What to expect from your myofascial release appointment
Even if you’re already going through physical therapy or athletic training, each new treatment plan will begin with an evaluation of your symptoms, range of motion, and overall health condition. This evaluation will help identify potential trigger points and determine the most effective approach for treatment, including pressure point therapy. Your therapist will consider multiple factors, such as your posture and movement patterns, in developing a plan that’s personalized just for you.
It’s important to know that myofascial release is typically performed as just one part of a full physical therapy treatment plan. This holistic approach ensures that the myofascia is not just treated as a symptom but also addresses the underlying causes of tension or damage.
Find lasting relief and enhanced movement with myofascial release therapy
Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast who wants to eliminate every limiting factor in their performance or are just seeking relief from discomfort, myofascial release may be able to provide the support you need. By working with a skilled physical therapist, you can benefit from evidence-based treatments for pressure point pain and muscle soreness. Learn more about how we do myofascial release therapy by calling a nearby clinic location or by requesting your first appointment online today.
