Myofascial Massage

Fascia is a connective tissue web of strong collagen fibers surrounding every organ, muscle, bone, nerve & blood vessel. Fascia holds the body together, gives it shape, protects & separates tissues. Fascia becomes tight & shortened with trauma, inflammation, poor posture, age, and dehydration. Fascia is slow to heal because it has poor blood supply. It focuses pain because of its rich nerve supply.

Connective tissue massage was popularized in the 1960s by Ida Rolf, who taught Rolfing, or structural integration, in the U.S. to help postural alignment.  Therapists apply gentle pressure, skin rolling, and slow horizontal stretching to elongate muscle fibers. Compression, breathwork, trigger point therapy & range of motion exercises may be incorporated.  Little or no oil or lotion is used.

What Does Myofascial Massage Do?

Myofascial massage helps circulation, mobility, posture & cell nutrition. Pain, inflammation and tension are reduced. Space is created so muscles and organs can move.  Myofascial release is often recommended for:
chronic neck and back pain
carpal tunnel syndrome
dizziness and headaches
fibromyalgia
scar tissue
thoracic outlet syndrome
TMJ dysfunction
scoliosis
whiplash
sciatica
tennis elbow
shin splints
frozen shoulder
hammer toes

- http://www.myofascial-release.com
- Mind & Body by John F. Barnes, PT
- Healing Massage Techniques by Tappan & Benjamin