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Myofascial Release: Triggering Relief

Massage therapists are trained in myofascial release, a technique that targets stiff muscles. Stretch into new knowledge with Groupon’s overview of this modality.

Although we may be tempted to blame all everyday aches on our muscles, they might not be the only thing pulled out of line when the body hurts. Over every muscle lies a dense blanket of connective tissue known as the fascia. If the fibers of the fascia blanket are stretched too tightly due to stress, injury, or the attempt to reach the cookies Mom thought she hid on the top shelf, they can cause pain and restrict movement. That’s where myofascial release comes in, a specialized variant of deep-tissue massage. During myofascial-release therapy, practitioners first use their hands to locate trigger points, or tense spots where the fascia has become so stiff that it actually contracts the muscle beneath it. (Since fasciae can bundle several muscles together, these points may or may not be near what the client perceives as the source of pain.) Then, the therapist applies light pressure to these areas using the knuckles, elbows, forearms, or other tools, stretching the tissue in an effort to reduce stiffness.

Generally, practitioners of myofascial release receive specialized training before working with such delicate tissue, and the technique is often incorporated into chiropractic or physical-therapy regimens in conjunction with prescribed exercises and stretches. Many people find the treatment relaxing, though it can also be used to treat discomfort from serious conditions, such as fibromyalgia and the jaw disorder TMJ. A series of treatments is generally required to see dramatic improvement.