TREATMENT DATABASE

Myofascial release is a form of massage that involves exerting sustained pressure. It was originally designed by Andrew Taylor Still, the founder of osteopathy. The basis of osteopathic medicine is that the body is a self-regulating unit with the power to heal itself. Traditional osteopathic techniques involve manipulation of fascia (soft tissue) in order to reduce pain, increase lymphatic drainage, and improve blood flow.

There are two methods of myofascial release. In direct myofascial release practitioners use their knuckles, elbows, or other tools to exert a strong pressure that slowly stretches the restricted soft tissue. The practitioner moves slowly through the layers of soft tissue until the deep tissues are reached.

Indirect myofascial release utilizes a gentle pressure, which allows the fascia to simply “unwind” without causing undue stress on the tissue. The indirect method involves lightly contacting the fascia and slowly stretching the fascia for approximately three to five minutes. The slow stretching results in an increase of blood flow to the affected area, which, in turn, reduces pain.

USES IN ME/CFS: In 2011 a study was conducted on myofascial release for the treatment of fibromyalgia. The researchers found that “immediately after treatment and at 1 month, anxiety levels, quality of sleep, pain, and quality of life were improved in the experimental group over the placebo group.” The results were not sustained six months after the cessation of treatment, which suggests that myofascial release, like other forms of massage, provides benefits only in the short term.

Treatment rating for Myofascial Release