Myofascial Manipulation
Myofascial manipulation encompasses a variety of techniques that allow massage therapists to improve muscle mobility, reduce pain, among other things, by working on the myofascial tissue. The massage therapist is able to “manipulate” the myofascial tissue to restore comfort and proper function of the area being affected.
Some instances where a person may benefit from myofascial manipulation include muscle immobility following injury, ongoing pain in areas of the body that contain soft tissue, TMJ, carpal tunnel, and a variety of other conditions.
Symptoms that Indicate Myofascial Manipulation May be Necessary
- Tightness in the body that limits the range of motion
- Feeling intense pressure on the joints
- Severe pain in any part of the body that is chronic and ongoing
What Leads to Myofascial Pain?
There are a few main contributing factors that often lead to myofascial pain. One of these is overly tight fascia in an area that compresses the muscle. This type of pain is also sometimes caused by damage directly within the myofascial tissue.
What a Myofascial Manipulation Session Entails
During the initial treatment, your therapist will work with you to locate and target the specific areas that are in need of treatment. Once this has been established, your therapist will likely perform a few small tests to measure your current mobility levels.
A session is likely to last about 45 minutes on average, but in some cases can last up to an hour. The therapist will use a combination of techniques depending on your unique circumstances. Some techniques likely to be used include gentle pressure and sustained stretching.
Myofascial Manipulation sessions are typically spread out over the course of a few weeks or months, depending on the severity of your situation. As your mobility improves and your pain decreases the techniques used may be adapted to promote continuous improvement.