Myofascial Release
Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain disorder in the muscles and surrounding tissues. Through low-risk myofascial release treatment from Munger Physical Therapy in Fort Gratiot, Clinton Township, and Marysville, Michigan, tightness, sensitivity, and discomfort can be eased for the right candidates.
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What Is Myofascial Pain Syndrome?
Muscle pain can occur anywhere in the body. Myofascial release is a form of physical therapy that addresses this pain as it occurs in contracting muscles and the fascia – the thin tissues – surrounding the muscles.
- Causes. Overexertion, lack of movement, aging, injury, and other problems can lead to chronic pain and tightness in muscle tissues.
- Signs. Pain originates at trigger points in a localized area or appears in other parts of the body as referred pain.
- Identifiers. Normal myofascial tissue should feel elastic and pliable, but problematic areas are likely to exhibit tightness.
How Myofascial Release Works
Every physical therapy patient in need of myofascial release will have treatment customized to their circumstances. Here is a general idea of what to expect from your specialist.
- Assessment. An exam and consultation are at the start of an assessment to confirm diagnosis and settle on a treatment plan. Physical therapy and massage therapy techniques are used to identify areas that hold pain and tension.
- Movement. Gentle stretching and massage are used to address areas that feel rigid. Light sustained pressure helps release muscle contractions that put pressure on surrounding tissues, so movement is not restricted and pain is reduced.
- Consistency. The goal of this type of physical therapy is to reduce pain, improve muscle function, and restore normal elasticity through manipulative myofascial release. People who are patient and consistently get treatment are more likely to experience success.
Good Candidates for Myofascial Release
It can be challenging to diagnose muscle problems or identify the source of bodily pain because symptoms that send people to a doctor or physical therapist can overlap. If you aren’t sure if you’re a good candidate for myofascial release, myofascial pain syndrome often presents in the following ways:
- Muscle aches
- Dull muscle pain
- Painful knots in the muscles
- Limited mobility in trouble areas
- Muscle pain increases with movement
- Sleep disturbances
- Mood fluctuations
Benefits of Treating the Trigger Points of Myofascial Pain Syndrome
When the thin connective tissues surrounding and supporting the muscles throughout the body contract and tighten, it causes areas of pain known as trigger points. With myofascial release, the focus is to reduce pain where it originates by easing tightness and tension in these trigger points.
- Relief. After undergoing myofascial release therapy, many people report that their pain is notably reduced. Rather than relying on pharmaceutical intervention for consistent pain relief, the problem is treated at its core and reduced naturally through adjustment, movement, and alignment.
- Mobility. Stiffness and difficult moving are hallmarks of myofascial pain syndrome but with the right therapy and release of tension in the fascia, flexibility and movement improves in muscles and joints.
- Improved circulation. Enhanced blood flow thanks to myofascial release therapy improves circulation to the affected areas and helps promote recovery and healing.
Learn More About Myofascial Release from Your Physical Therapist
Myofascial release is ideal for many people who experience muscle pain and sensitivity. It’s important to consult your doctor for a diagnosis and meet with a physical therapist to learn whether this treatment is right for your condition. Certain injuries or medical conditions may be better served with other types of physical therapy.
Speak with a qualified physical therapist at Munger Physical Therapy in Michigan. We offer three convenient locations to make it an easier road to feeling pain-free. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
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