This is considered a Connective Tissue approach. It's meant to reduce pain by focusing on the release of those restrictions. Myofascial Release is a modality that combines evaluation that may become one with treatment. The therapist works with sustained pressure on restrictions and patiently waits for the release of tissue. Various techniques may be used involving cocoa butter/deep tissue formulated lotion for a slow tissue drag or dry chalked hands for more effective holds. This therapy should not be painful. Deeper isn't always better. If you're tightening up, then we'll need to work more gently. On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 is little or no pain, while 10 is the worst pain you can imagine. Usually, you would tell someone to stop at a 7.) The session should run at about a 3 to a 5.
There are many thoughts on how myofascial treatments actually works. The old school of thought is that we are actively lengthening the tissue, including the connective tissue. If you know anything about how strong connective tissue is, you might understand why there are other ideas out there. A newer school of thought is that we are activating a nerve response to release the tissue and stop the pain nerve feedback loop. Nerve feedback, huh? The most relatable example of this is breathing. If you had to think about taking every breath like you do to pick up a glass of water, life would be very challenging and short. How would you sleep and breathe? Sometimes, pain and muscular contraction signals do the same thing when there is no longer serious injury.
My own thoughts on the matter vary widely. Nerve, muscle tissue and connective tissue are all very highly integrated with each other. It's reasonable to think that affecting one affects the other and that injury/dysfunction to one can reflect injury/dysfunction the another. It almost makes it seem like all massage therapy is a type of MFR. It's kind of true. While there are so many similarities, I believe it's the approach, intent and integration methods that are at work here. "Intent" is a word you may hear quite a bit from massage therapists in regards to rational behind their method(s). The slower approach just seems more neurological in nature. The deeper or faster work does more to increase circulation and break up adhesions. Integrating the right "tools" at the right time during your session is where we find your relief.
TIPS: You should bring a tank top and shorts for the evaluation, as I am highly dependent upon visual assessment. Please avoid putting on lotion before the session. Added lotions will hinder the session.
Updated 6/14/20
