Article

During the last year, I have sought out alternative care for a painful lumbar disc extrusion that has limited my physical activity to moderate biking and walking. My traditional medical team recommended surgery. But my chiropractor suggested a more-appealing noninvasive approach that includes cold laser treatments and spinal adjustments three times weekly. As an adjunct treatment, he suggested myofascial release therapy. Surgery is permanent, so I elected to follow my chiropractor’s advice for a few months and then re-evaluate the surgery option. I’m glad I did!

 

The one element of my chiropractor’s regimen that was new to me, as I suspect it is for many readers, was myofascial release. What is myofascial release? This relatively young therapy is a hands-on technique in which the therapist applies sustained pressure in order to ease or release constrictions in the fascia. The fascia is a structure of fibrous bands of elastic connective tissue that surrounds muscles, bones, organs, nerves and blood vessels. It has been described as both a sweater and a shock absorber for the body.

 

In its healthy state, the fascia stretches and moves without restriction. But when an individual experiences a physical trauma, the fascia becomes tight, limiting motion and causing pain. According to physical therapist John F. Barnes, when an individual is injured or has undergone surgery, it is not uncommon to go into “freeze response.” Barnes, who is president and director of the Myofascial Release Treatment Centers in Paoli, Penn., and Sedona, Ariz., explains that injuries and traumas become imprinted in the subconscious, causing us to hold body positions that produce painful restrictions and limit motion.

 

Myofascial release aims to ease these problems through stretches that release constrictions in the fascia. The therapist uses gentle stretching and kneading motions to soften, lengthen and realign the fascia.

 

At the 2004 annual conference of the National Athletic Trainers' Association, physical therapist John Woolf, ATC, presented a program on using myofascial techniques for athletes. Woolf, director of the Arizona Athletic Treatment Center at the University of Arizona, suggested that myofascial therapy can be effective in certain situations and for certain conditions. He said when he began using myofascial release in a sports medicine setting, he discovered that a surprising number of athletes suffered from chronic pain, including back pain, neck pain and recurring tendonitis. He concluded that for some what felt like a pulled muscle was actually the result of a long-time fascial restriction.

 

I am not a medical expert, so I’m in no position to make treatment recommendations. What I can tell you is that I have tried acupuncture, massage therapy and energy work to relieve my back pain and sciatica. My recent experience with myofascial release has been far and away most effective, giving me instant relief and seemingly sustained benefits (though it’s still a little early to know how long-lasting the benefits will be). Myofascial release is no more expensive than massage. I find that 24 hours after a treatment I enjoy at least the same relaxation benefits as from massage. Plus, the pain relief and improved range of motion seem to last longer. Best of all, I’ve managed, at least for now, to dodge surgery.

 

To learn more about myofascial release, pick up one of Barnes’ two books – “Myofascial Release The Search For Excellence” or “Healing Ancient Wounds: The Renegade’s Wisdom.” If you decide to try myofascial release, I suggest consulting a practitioner who has been trained by Barnes. (Go to www.myofascialrelease.com for a listing.) And, please, let me know what you think so I can share your input with readers.

Myofascial Release: A Different Approach to Treating Pain

By Mayrene T. Earle, M.Ed

Mayrene T. Earle, M.Ed., is founder of MastersCoaching. She conducts camps and clinics for masters rowers around the world; provides coaching for coaches, and offers Erg Inspiration classes by phone. Contact her at mayrene@masterscoaching.com. 

 

Copyright © Mayrene T. Earle. All rights reserved.

Vital Spark Coaching

Creating Energy in Your Life!