Oh no, not the foam roller!

Myofasical Release

I talk about this in class quite a lot – you will probably know it best as the foam roller torture!

Myofascial release is the soft tissue therapy used to treat somatic dysfunction which results in pain and restricted movement.

Fascia is the soft tissue component of connective tissue that protects and supports most structures of the body including muscle.

Soft tissue can become restricted for many reasons, including overuse, trauma or inactivity resulting in pain, muscle tension/tightness and diminishing blood flow.

Direct myofascial release works through engaging the myofascial tissue restrictive barrier.  The tissue is then loaded with a constant force until release occurs.  ‘constant force’ is applied using fingers, knuckles, elbows or tools such as foam rollers to slowly stretch the restricted fascia.

Indirect myofascial release involves gentle stretching of the area which allows the fascia to ‘unwind’ itself.

Whilst myofascial release can be uncomfortable, the results most definitely out way the discomfort.