Fascia (/ˈfæʃ(i)ə/; plural fasciae /ˈfæʃii/; adjective fascial; from Latin: "band")
is a band or sheet of connective tissue, primarily collagen, beneath the skin that attaches, stabilizes, encloses, and separates muscles and other internal organs.
Fascia is dense white tissue that organises and structures all the cells and tissues in the body. It consists of protein (collagen for strength and elastin for flexibility) and water. It is a whole-body network ensuring there is tension and that movement is possible allowing tissues to slide over each other. It helps distribute the water in our body and gives structure for our nerves. It is a truly ‘fascianating’ topic we have only recently started to appreciate; in the old days, when examining cadavers, the 'white stuff’ was thrown out as it got in the way of the more interesting structures. We now know that these structures play an important part in our health. You can see fascia when you look at steak (those white lines crossing through the muscle) or a checking fillet (there seems to be a film surrounding the fillet). For more on research on fascia see here.
When we talk about the fascia in and around our muscles, we talk about myofascia. Injury, inflammation, and disease can cause myofascia to contract and dehydrate. This can result in reduced mobility, pain, or structural misalignment. When myofascia is contracted we call it a restriction which you can feel as tightness and knots (often in your shoulders and back).
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE (MFR) is a manual therapy targeted at tight restricted myofascia; it resembles massage but has a more targeted approach with deep sustained pressure with the goal of releasing restrictions in the layers of fascia which are stuck. The combination of heat and sustained pressure of the therapist’s hands that can return the fascia to its healthy fluid state.
MFR TREATMENT
The initial MFR appointment consists of an initial discussion regarding your current pain patterns (and any medical conditions that might affect it) after which a physical assessment is carried out. This will include:
a short observation of your standing posture
and sensing muscle tension while lying on the table.
You will be required to change down to your underwear, or if you prefer shorts and a bra top. During treatment you will be draped with sheets or blankets.
As MFR is done directly on the skin and does not use lotions or oils, it is advisable not to wear body lotion ahead of the treatment.