By Bonnie Contreras


One of the fastest trends in the massages and medical community is myofascial release massage (MRM) which is reported to be hugely beneficial. Traditional therapy is more focused towards relaxing and loosening muscles through pressure application and gentle manipulation. MRM goes further using the theorem that connective tissues and muscles store tension and stress. This makes them become stiff and locked, resulting in pain and discomfort. The therapy works towards relieving this through stretching.

First, a therapist identifies the problematic areas in the body using a massage. The connective tissues and muscles holding up the stress are then opened up using stretches. The treatment is more intense on ligature and muscles and the stretches are extreme. In some instances, traction devices are even used to help patients achieve harder poses.

The therapy has various advantages, the main one being pain relief. It could help reduce the pain brought about by other conditions. As with similar physical routines, one is advised to consult a physician before they can start on the treatment. The doctor could either advise against it or offer directions on how to go about the therapy, depending on prevailing physical health.

The therapy is usually used on people suffering from muscle-associated health problems. Such include back pain and fibromyalgia. It is complementary to other pain relief techniques as patients usually feel little discomfort afterwards. It could also be used on other pain types such as those that come from severe tension, anxiety and chronic fatigue. It's also known to be effective on stress injuries of a repetitive nature as well as the muscular-skeletal system.

The treatment also loosens tight tissues and muscles. According to some health experts, it is believed that tightness within connective tissues brings about muscle restriction. This results in motion loss and back pain. Stress, injuries, inflammation, poor posture and trauma are thought to contribute to this tightness. MRM frees and loosens these connective tissues. The treatment is also thought to help with sustained physical injuries.

Another benefit of MRM is mood elevation. The treatment offers a higher sense of relaxation and wellbeing. It's linked with reduced levels of cortisol, heart rate and blood pressure. However, not much research has been carried out to find out the connection between the benefits claimed by its proponents and the therapy itself. Still, the anecdotal evidence offered is enough to earn support from a large percentage of medical practitioners.

Apart from making one feel good, it also works to relieve discomfort that's brought about by various medical conditions. People who use it could benefit from other forms of non-surgical care that aim to eliminate pain and maintain warm and loose joints and muscles. It could be used to complement and precede other treatments. Such include occupational and physical therapy, acupuncture and manipulation. It could also improve muscular and skeletal alignment prior to surgery and assist athletes in aligning their bodies before engaging in competitions.

Myofascial release massage can help patients get ready for other aggressive strengthening treatments. It also provides pain relief for people whose movements and flexibility are limited. This could allow them resume their normal movements and also restore various functions.




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