An Effective Pain Relief Method               
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE 
Melanie Jones, RN, LMBT 

Fascia is the soft tissue component of the connective tissue that provides support and protection for most structures within the human body, including muscle. Myofascial release is an effective hands on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into the myofascial connective tissue restrictions. It is used to eliminate pain and restore motion. Myofascial release is performed directly on the skin, without the use of oils or creams. This enables the therapist to accurately detect fascial restrictions and apply the appropriate amount of sustained pressure to facilitate the release of the fascia.

In my work as a massage therapist, I see many clients who have neck, back, and hip pain. Some have pain due to repetitive movements at work including answering the telephone or sitting in front of the computer all day. Over time, these actions will cause some muscles to shorten and others to stay lengthened. Other clients have pain from acute or chronic injuries, traumas, or inflammatory responses. Myofascial release helps these clients experience an increase in range of motion and pain relief that can last for longer periods of time. A few consistent treatments of myofascial release can be life changing, and eventually allow some clients to be pain free. I use myofascial release in combination with therapeutic massage, deep tissue massage, and craniosacral therapy to provide an integrative approach.

The theory of myofascial release, as taught by John F. Barnes, PT, requires an understanding of the fascial system or connective tissue. The fascia is a specialized system of the body that has an appearance similar to a spider’s web or sweater. The fascia surrounds all muscles, organs and bones throughout the body. Through injuries, overuse of muscles, traumas and inflammatory responses, myofascial restrictions occur that can produce intense pressure on muscles, nerves, blood vessels and bones, creating symptoms of pain, headaches, and restriction of motion.

Clients have had great results with myofascial release when medicine, surgery, or traditional therapy has not given desired results. Come experience the wonderful benefits of myofascial release, a gentle and effective method of pain relief.

Melanie Jones, RN, LMBT has been practicing massage therapy in Greensboro, NC   for 11 years. She is owner of the Body Mind Center, 612 Pasteur Drive, Suite 208, Greensboro, NC. Melanie worked as a maternity nurse for 10 years prior to becoming a massage therapist. She works with clients to help them obtain a sense    of well being and pain free living. For an appointment call 336-834-0100, visit http://greensborobodymind.com/.