Myofascial release therapy is a specialized form of hands-on bodywork that focuses on releasing restrictions and improving mobility within the muscular and fascial systems. “Myo” refers to muscles, and “fascial” refers to the fascia, a network of connective tissue that surrounds and supports every structure in your body, like a 3-D web.
Myofascial therapy is a fantastic way to address pain and movement restrictions, and is a wonderful complement to lymphatic drainage. I often integrate it into 90 minute Lymphatic Drainage sessions.
How it Works
When muscles and fascia are tight or restricted, blood and lymphatic flow can be compromised. By releasing these areas, we improve blood circulation, delivering essential oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. Additionally, we enhance lymphatic flow, which helps reduce swelling, improve immune function, and remove waste products.
The Magic of Myofascial & Lymphatic Drainage Together
Myofascial release and lymphatic drainage work hand-in-hand. Myofascial work improves blood circulation, bringing nourishment to every cell, while simultaneously enhancing lymphatic flow to carry away waste and toxins.
This fluid exchange occurs in the Interstitium, your body’s “Inner Ocean,” where cellular health is maintained. Together, myofascial and lymphatic drainage create a healthier environment for your entire body, bringing more health at the cellular level.
Techniques I Use
During my years of massage therapy practice, I’ve successfully used various myofascial techniques to create positive change in my clients’ bodies. Here are a few I may incorporate into your session, depending on your individual needs.
For most myofascial work, no oils or lotions are used. The exceptions are IASTM/ Gua Sha and Cupping – I often add hot stones to these treatments to warm up the tissues first.
Manual Myofascial Release: Through gentle sustained pressure and stretching, we’ll encourage your fascia to release its grip, allowing for improved mobility, reduced pain, and enhanced lymphatic flow.
Skin Rolling: This technique involves gently lifting and rolling the skin, helping to release superficial fascial restrictions, improve blood and lymphatic flow, and reduce adhesions between the skin and underlying tissues.
Muscle Play: This technique involves gentle rhythmic movements to loosen fascial adhesions, improving tissue pliability, promoting a sense of freedom in your movement, and stimulating lymphatic circulation.
Trigger Point Therapy: By applying targeted pressure to those pesky knots or trigger points, we can release them, reducing discomfort and improving function.
Muscle Energy Technique: This gentle technique involves you actively contracting your muscles against a counterforce I provide. This helps to reset muscle length, improve joint mobility, and release fascial restrictions.
Traction and Range of Motion (ROM): This technique involves gentle stretching and mobilization of joints to improve range of motion, reduce pain, and enhance overall joint function.
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM/ Gua Sha): These specialized tools help release restrictions, reduce inflammation, promote healing, and stimulate lymphatic flow for enhanced detoxification. Oil or lotion is used for this technique.
Cupping: This technique uses negative pressure to create a lift and separation within the fascial layers, improving blood and lymph flow, reducing pain, and encouraging lymphatic drainage. Oil or lotion is used for this technique.
Hot Stones: I often use hot stones to help warm up the tissues before myofascial work that requires oil/lotion, unless it is contraindicated by certain health issues or by your personal preferences.
I always tailor your session to your individual needs and preferences, ensuring a comfortable and effective experience. Please reach out if you have any questions about Myofascial Therapy!
Fun fact:
The Craniosacral, Zero Balancing, and deep Abdominal Therapy I offer are also forms of myofascial work!