The term MyoFascial is derived from the Greek "myo",
meaning "Muscle," and "fascia." Fascia is a thin layer
system of tough connective tissue that weaves it way throughout the body
surrounding, supporting all muscles, organs and bones of the body.
In its natural state fascia is elastic and relaxed much like
that of babies. However, fascia can become constricted due to traumas, of
various kinds. Physical traumas can be caused by accidents or can be
intentional as in the case of having an operation, or poor postural habits.
Mental traumas can also cause afflictions, for example, emotions and moods
alters our energy system and in turn affects our posture. If the emotional
states continues then the posture begins to form a habit and so stress is
placed the system thus causing constriction.
Fascia is said to have a tensile strength of up to 2000 pounds
per square inch. This being so, can place incredible stress and strain on any
bone or organ system. Conversely releasing the stress can pull any bone or
organ system back into its original condition.
The term Myofascial Release has been made popular and is
frequently associated with John Barnes P.T.
However over the years many other approaches towards Myofascial Release
cropped up.
Myofascial Release utilizes a gentle form of
stretching, which is slow and continuous in the area of restriction. Since it
is slow and gentle is non-threatening and so allows and encourages the fascial
system release and be restored to a state relatively stress free. Because of
the continuity of the fascial system, seemingly unrelated area of the body is
affected. Hence, with each individual the approach is specific to that their
condition and cannot be used recipe style.
Yet as with other system the attempt is to remove the the causes of the
affliction deeper and deeper still in order to eliminate dysfunctions and
restore homeostasis.
Explorer