Myofascial Release in London
Myofascial release is considered a neuromuscular technique since research is showing how its effects are due to nervous system reflexes.
Effects like softening of the muscles, mobilising and freeing up of the connective tissue are a reaction from the stimulation of specialised receptors housed in the fascia.
It is a useful therapy for dealing with all sorts of restiction in the muscles and tissues, it has an amazing capacity for relieving muscle pain, and can help restore postural imbalances.
Myofascial release therapy involves pressure on the body tissues in a specific direction, slowly building up to a point of resistance. The pressure is then maintained and the tissue allowed to relax, effectively releasing tension in the muscle unit.
It is currently thought that the directional pressure applied induces the peripheral nervous system to release the muscle. It can be effective in any problem featuring tight muscle tissue, and is very effective in relieving myofascial (i.e. muscular) pain.
We often use active participation of the clients while performing this technique in order that they become more aware of their bodies and ways of moving.
The movement is initially guided, but clients often instinctively find movements which feel good and are encouraged to use them.
Movement also helps the release of the tight tissues by encouraging blood flow and stimulating new movement patterns. This crosses over into what are called active release techniques.
Myofascial release techniques have grown and developed from the work of Ida Rolf in the 1920’s who called her therapy structural integration, but which was labelled Rolfing after her. There are a number of styles and schools of this work.
For Myofascial Release Therapy in London WC1 click here
References and further reading:
- Myers, T (2009) Anatomy Trains: Myofascial meridians for manual and movement therapists London, Churchill Livingstone.
- Schleip, R (2006) Fascial plasticity: a new neurological explanation Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies.
- Schultz, R.L. & Feitis R. (1996) The Endless Web: Fascial anatomy and physical reality, Berkeley, North Atlantic Books.
