One of my favorite and most rewarding aspects of training is when I see my clients moving comfortably. I attribute this to a couple main factors: Them becoming stronger through exercise, stretching and Myofascial Release Therapy. Most of my clients start their training program having little to no knowledge of what Myofascial Release Therapy is, but if you were to ask them, they are very glad it’s part of their program.  

 

What is fascia? Fascia is a thin layer of connective tissue that surrounds and holds muscle fibers in place. Healthy fascia is slippery and smooth but can become thicker and tighter due to the following: A sedentary lifestyle, overuse of the same part of the body due to repetitive movements, and injury that causes damage to a part of the body. When the fascia tightens up it causes fascial adhesions, also known as “knots”. These adhesions will limit muscle and joint movement causing joint pain and chronic muscle fatigue in their day-to-day movements. Many times, I have clients concerned they have an issue with their joint when in reality it’s just a very uncomfortable knot that needs to be released!

 

What is Myofascial Release Therapy and the benefits of incorporating it into a training program? Myofascial Release Therapy is an alternative medicine therapy useful for treating muscle immobility and pain by relaxing contracted muscles. After I determine what area of the body is likely being affected by a fascial adhesion or “knot”, I apply gentle but firm sustained pressure along the muscle fibers to determine where the knot is. Depending on the area of the body and how tight the fibers are, other tools may be used to aid me in releasing the tension. Such as: a foam roller, a theragun and a mobility blade. The benefits of this form of therapy and the use of the tools listed above, include increased range of motion and flexibility, relief from chronic pain and reduction of muscle inflammation. This allows for increased blood flow to the muscle allowing for quicker tissue recovery. The end result is feeling better quicker, moving more comfortably, both after exercise and in everyday movements.