Fascia (also called connective tissue) is a system of the body to which relatively little attention has been given in the past. It is a continuous web of connective tissue that extends without interruption from the top of the head to the tip of the toes. It surrounds and invades every other tissue and organ of the body, including nerves, muscle, bone, vessels, and viscera. The tough white membrane seen on butchered meat is an example of thick and dense fascia.
When fascia becomes less elastic due to injury, repetitive use, or postural considerations, it tightens down and restricts movement, blood flow, or nerve conduction. And because it is continuous throughout the body, symptoms may be located far from the problem area and may be resistant to treatment using traditional methods.
Myofascial Release is performed using various techniques of sustained pressure by a highly trained therapist to restore normal elasticity and function. Since fascia is a whole body system, Myofascial Release is a whole body treatment. It may be very effective on its own or in combination with other methods. The results are commonly very impressive. Long standing problems frequently fade over a series of treatments.
