Myofascial Release technique

Myofascia

Structure of Fascia

The fascial system is inter-connected system and it attaches with every tissues of the human body. This tensional network adapts its fibre arrangement and density according to the local and tensional demands placed on it (Schleip et al. 2012).

Composition of Fascia

1. Collagen and Elastin

• Type I collagen (90%)
• Type III, IV, V, VI, XI, XII, XIV, XXI collagens (10%)
• Collagen provides tensile strength to the fascia.
• Elastin provides elasticity of the fascia.
• Fascia is a colloid, which is continuously changing its shape in responds to pressure.
• Colloid comprises of solids of material suspended in the fluid.
• It responds to pressure.
• Colloid tissue resistance is proportional to the velocity. this is the reason fascial release should be gentle, slow and sustained.

2. Ground substance

• Hyaluronic acid and proteoglycans gel like contents provides lubrication for collagen fibres.
• It allows gliding between collagen fibres.

Force transmission

Fascial matrix works based on tensegrity concept. It means integrity of matrix maintained by balanced tension placed upon it. Increased tension in one area of matrix can cause increased tension in another area of matrix. It will alter fascial matrix (see the figure below).

Example of Tensegrity

Conditions affect fascia

1. Injury or Trauma

Fascia is a highly innervature structure in the human body. Hemorrhage due to injury or trauma can stimulate sensory nerve fibres in fascia leads to reflexive tightness of fascia. This condition is called as 'Compartmental syndrome'.

2. Inflammatory process

Inflammatory processes drain water content to injured area. it can cause loss of bound water in fascia. this will indirectly leads to adhesion formation between collagen fibres.

3. Poor posture

Continuous elastic force

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sustained force

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creep (permanent deformation)

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loss of fluid (gel) within fascia

Myofascial release which was first described by Andrew taylor still. It is a unique system of techniques that is directed at restricted myofascial structures.

Therapist identify the tissue barrier (tightness, restriction or adhesion) by palpatory testing in all the planes. MFR is performed without oil, lotion or lubricant to prevent slippage of hand on skin.

which states that weak stimuli increases physiological activity and very strong stimuli inhibit or abort activity. MFR works based on this law. Less pressure applied to tissue results in a greater response. firmer and quicker pressure results in tissue resistance. So MFR emphasis slow, sustained pressure during treatment.

A sustained pressure is applied into the tissue barrier. after 90-120sec the tissue will undergo histological length changes allowing the first release to be felt. the therapist follows the release into a new tissue barrier and holds. after a few releases the tissue will become softer and more pliable (Barnes 1997).

The therapist applies moderate pressure on tissue in a direction proximal to distal while patient actively moves the muscle through its ROM in both eccentric and concentric phases. Active participation of patient during release named as Active Release Technique (Leahy 1999).`