Myofascial Release Therapy

How can myofascial release therapy help with back pain?

Myofascial release is a form of massage therapy that helps to release tension associated with myofascial tissue. This tissue is located within the muscles throughout the body including in the back region. When this tissue tightens and seizes up myofascial release therapy can help the body to release the tension so to provide pain relief without medication. As myofascial areas are associated with back pain and considered to be trigger points, this type of therapy is beneficial to reduce back pain.

Is myofascial release therapy safe for pregnant women?

Back pain serves as a major complaint among pregnant women, especially those who are later into the third trimester. For pregnant women, the main concern is finding a pain treatment that does not involve narcotic pain medications as this could harm the unborn child. Due to the increased pressure and weight on the lower back, myofascial release therapy can be of great benefit to pregnant patients. As a safe alternative, myofascial release therapy allows pregnant women to have muscle pain relief without issue. Since Myofascial release is a type of therapy similar to massage, there is no danger to the unborn child during treatment.

What is the average length of myofascial release therapy?

The amount of myofascial therapy required by an individual patient varies. The National Association of Myofascial Trigger Point Therapists suggests that some patients may receive relief from muscle pain in a single session. Other patients, especially those individuals who have perpetuating factors or underlying skeletal abnormalities, will need to go through several sessions. The main focus of the initial session will be to identify trigger points for myofascial release. Once those trigger points are located, the therapy can proceed accordingly. For some patients this identification process can take multiple sessions, again depending on the patient’s medical history and general health.