Myofascial Restriction and Myofascial Release Techniques

And How to Foam Roll?

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In a previous article, we talked about the fascia, also known as myofascia, and how it forms a continuous web that surrounds and connects the body’s muscles, vessels, nerves and organs.  The fascia allows our muscles to move freely and slide against each other throughout their range of motion.

 

In its normal, healthy state, the fascia is relaxed, supple and hydrated.  However, it can get damaged and become restricted and inflexible.  In this state, the fascia becomes more rigid and less pliable, and can create adverse and unwanted tensile pressures of up to approximately 2,000 lbs. per square inch and affect adjacent parts of the body.

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Adhesions

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The area where the fascia becomes stiff and inflexible is called an adhesion. When this happens muscles become restricted, movement becomes difficult decreasing the range of motion.   Posture is likely compromised and the many systems the fascia supports also suffer such as efficient breathing.  

 

If left untreated, a localized adhesion will cause further restriction in global movements and develop into a movement compensation. This leads to lack of tissue flexibility and joint mobility. You might experience muscle weakness and pain.

 

This pain can be felt in the skeletal muscle, connective tissues or joint. The pain can also be caused by the damaged myofascial tissue itself as well as restricted muscle fibers.

 

In some cases, the area where a person experiences pain may not even be where the pain generator is located.  The actual site of the injury causes the development of a trigger point which causes pain in other areas. A trigger point is where contraction of muscle fibers have occurred.

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The Causes

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Dysfunctional fascia can be due to several different factors:

• Overuse due to repetitive actions (e.g. factory work or keyboarding)

• Trauma (e.g. fall, accident or whiplash or surgery)

• Infection and inflammation

• Bad posture (e.g. sitting crouched over a computer for a long time)

• Lack of activity or being sedentary

• Emotional or psychological stress

• Dysfunctional breathing

• Poor movement patterns and muscle recruitment sequencing

• Accumulation of overly dense layers of fascia

• Scar tissue

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Symptoms of Myofascial Restriction

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Here are some indications that your pain might be caused by restricted fascia and can be improved through myofascial release therapy such as Resistance Stretching:

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• Dull, hot, aching pain in the muscles and or joints

• General pain in the body including headache or lower back ache

• Chronic joint or muscle stiffness

• Clumsy, uncoordinated movements

• Limited range of motion

• Muscle cramps when you rest

• Sciatica

• Intermittent tingling or numbness in arm or leg

• Burning pain or cramping in an area of the body

• Breathing difficulties

• Recurring injuries

• Poor posture and reduced flexibility

 

When sever fascial restriction occurs, pain can be relieved several ways.  Depending on severity of pain, medication such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, may be prescribed.  It has been my continued experience that such medications are over-prescribed and you should be wary of the side effects

 

Many people also look to non-drug treatments to help manage pain.  A holistic approach to healing is Myofascial Release. What is it and how does it help?