Why

We have connective tissue called fascia that surrounds every cell in our body. Every force that is exerted on our bodies, from birth on, leaves an imprint on this vast system. Injuries and stress cause our connective tissue to tighten. This tightness causes increased pressure on nerves, blood vessels, the lymphatic system, and every other structure in the body. It also causes pulling into other areas of the body. When there is pressure on nerves, it is difficult for them to send and receive messages properly. Symptoms can include pain, tingling, numbness, stinging and burning. Pressure on blood vessels makes it difficult for the body to provide fresh nutrients to the injured area. These nutrients are crucial for healing. Our lymphatic system is our “clean-up” system. Pressure on this system makes it difficult for the body to flush waste products from the injured area. Myofascial release not only relieves pressure on structures on a microscopic level, it also helps alleviate tension within and around entire muscle bellies, organs and body parts. This is similar to the effect of getting your car aligned. Allowing the return of more normal lines of pull in one area of the body allows for a return of more efficient structure and movement throughout the entire body. This treatment intervention can help regardless of diagnosis. For example, even if you have a herniated disk… how much of your pain is caused by the actual pressure of the herniated disk on the nerve root and how much from tight connective tissue in the area? Whatever forces caused the disk herniation were bound to cause micro tears in other area tissues. The body heals the injured area by laying down collagen fibers to patch up the damage. This is known as scar tissue. It is wonderful and amazing that the body can heal in this way, but the body does need a little help to return functional elasticity to the area. The hands-on stretch used in myofascial release actually helps to loosen the tight bonds of the collagen fibers and return vitality to the area.