Myofascial Release Therapy Benefits Patients with Fibromyalgia

In a recent evidence-based article on pain, anxiety and depression, Myofascial Release techniques were shown to improve the level of pain and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia.  The full article and study by Adelaida María Castro-Sánchez, et al can be viewed online at:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3018656/

Myofascial Release (MFR) is a manual therapy that uses gently deep, hands-on pressure to release restrictions in fascia.  Fascia is connective tissue spread throughout the entire body, head to toe.  It is similar to a spider’s web interconnecting every cell, structure (muscle, bone, nerve, organ, etc), and system of the body.

Healthy fascia is relaxed, fluid, and stretches freely.  However when we experience trauma, inflammation, scarring, repetitive stress, etc., fascia loses fluidity, becoming tight and tender.  These restrictions can feel like living in a knotted, twisted straight jacket.  They do not show up on many standard tests (x-rays, MRIs, CAT scans), but can be felt and often seen under the skin and into the body.

Those that suffer from fibromyalgia and chronic pain are experiencing tightening of the fascia daily.  Because the fascial web interconnects every system of the body, this means everything under the skin and inside the body is being constricted and interrupted from its normal function.  Nerves, blood vessels, lymph nodes, glands, and such are functioning in an environment similar to that of a Chinese finger trap.  Muscles and bones are working too hard in a ‘stuck’ environment that is being literally shrink-wrapped from rigidity.  The digestive system, circulatory system, vascular, endocrine, etc., are all thereby inhibited from their proper function.

Most often patients with fibromyalgia and chronic pain present with a posture that is unbalanced and pulled off center due to this web compensating in different directions to support the body upright when standing.   A skilled MFR Therapist will treat the entire body so that it can begin to normalize and return to its free-flowing state.  If you or a loved one have been told to “live with the pain”, Myofascial Release is often the missing link in treatment of fibromyalgia and chronic pain conditions.

For more information or to find a qualified therapist in your area, please contact our center at (732) 539-8141 or visit www.EssenceNJ.com.