What is MFR?
Myofascial Release (MFR) is a safe, gentle & effective hands-on technique that decreases myofascial connective tissue restrictions that cause pain and restrict motion. The fascial system is a three-dimensional continuous web that exists throughout our entire bodies, made of incredibly strong collagen, and connects to all elements including bone, muscles, ligaments, tendons, with veins, arteries, and nerves passing through it. Our organs are suspended in, and supported by, this one-and-only uninterrupted system of our body.
Healthy fascia is like a dripping wet 3D spider web that allows us to move in all planes, without pain. When there is restriction in the fascia system (caused by physical injury, repetitive use, emotional trauma, cumulative stress, etc), this inhibits circulation, decreasing the ability for essential nutrients to reach the tissue, creating dehydration, toxin buildup, and decreased tissue mobility.
This immobility is what causes our bodies to compensate for restricted movement, often leading to misalignment, progressive limited range of motion, pain, and an array of other possible symptoms. Restriction in the fascia of the pelvis, for example, can lead to misalignment of the entire body and pain may be felt anywhere from neck, shoulders, back, to ankles, and anywhere in between.
The fascial system is the communication superhighway of the nervous system, and MFR calms it, which is inherent to why this approach is successful. By applying sustained energetic pressure/tension to the fascial restriction, it has an opportunity to release, or soften. The softening of this barrier allows fluid and nutrients to reach the tissue, and the body's natural inclination to heal, including removing any buildup of toxins, can begin. Pain often leads to compensatory movement & holding patterns that become solidified over time. Treating the entire body is inherent to long term results and whole body healing and wellness.
What is pain?
“Pain is telling you that something is wrong and needs attention. It’s not good medicine to kill the messenger and ignore the message. When pain is seen in its true role as the messenger and not affliction itself, treatment can be directed to the cause of the pain.”
– Clair Davies, NCTMB