Many people lose function or flexibility after an injury or if ongoing pain is experienced in the soft tissue of shoulders, hips or the back. Myofascial release therapy is used to release tightness and help with reduction of pain and restriction of motion. The goal of therapy is to loosen the contracted muscles, stimulate their stretch reflex and improve the blood and lymphatic circulation.

A connective tissue web known as the fascia surrounds every tendon, ligament, muscle, bone and organ in the body. This cushion of connective tissue supports and protects, allowing for comfortable motion. When healthy, the tissue is relaxed but it becomes tight when damaged. Blood circulation is restricted and pain can be severe. Loosening and stretch the fascia is necessary for healing to take place, allowing all the contiguous structures to move more freely.

Some of the symptoms experienced by patients as a result of this problem are chronic back or neck pain, sciatica, muscle pain, headaches and even difficulties in breathing. Flexibility is reduced and movement becomes difficult. Unfortunately, routine tests such as X rays do not pick up this tightness. People often go through various other types of treatment and use painkillers without experiencing any long term relief.

Therapists have to be specifically trained to administer these techniques. There are many different types of training courses available and some of them offer diplomas or certificates. Extensive training may be needed to reach a high level of competence. The therapist is taught how to identify problem areas and to apply various techniques to deal with them in the best possible manner.

The first appointment will be devoted to establishing the extent of the restriction and suggesting a treatment plan. Follow up sessions may be held weekly or more than once a week. They may continue for weeks or even months, depending on the progress made. The progress is evident by reduced pain and increased range of motion experienced by the patient.

No oils, creams or machinery of any sort is used for this type of treatment. It is the therapist who does all the work. The process is safe and gentle and it has been used successfully for many years to treat injuries and pain that do not seem to respond to other measures. The whole body approach used makes this therapy really effective.

The level of pressure applied by therapists may be gentle or more intense and deeper. However, they are careful not to go beyond what a patient is able to tolerate. It is completely safe and all the patient may feel is a slight burning or stretching sensation.

This therapy deals with restrictions, promotes flexibility and helps to improve skeletal alignment. It is safe, gentle and has proved to be effective in many cases, even providing relief for patients who have lived with undiagnosed pain for years. There are many trained therapists available and so choosing a competent one is important. Find out how long the individual has been practicing as well as what training was undergone. Getting recommendations from others who have been helped and reading testimonials written by satisfied clients can be helpful in making such a decision.