Dec 20, 2022

General Post

Are you experiencing pain in your muscles? Maybe you’ve noticed a small bump on your muscle that hurts upon the tiniest pressure? Then you could be the victim of myofascial pain syndrome and may need myofascial release.

Myofascial pain syndrome is a common yet painful chronic pain disorder that causes an aching, pricking or stinging feeling in seemingly unrelated body parts. Below we discuss how this disorder develops and how a massage and physical therapist can help alleviate its symptoms:

What is Myofascial Pain Syndrome?

Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic condition that causes pain or tenderness in various muscles. The affected area is often referred to as “trigger points” and appears as taut knots, nodules, or bumps. Myofascial release takes care of these knots and bumps through the process of loosening them.

The trigger point forms due to the contraction of multiple muscle fibers, obstructing blood flow. As a result, waste material builds up in these fibers and weakens the muscles. Therefore, you might experience deep localized pain when stretching or straining the affected muscles.

A fantastic way to relieve the painful symptoms of this syndrome is to connect with a qualified physiotherapist. Not only will they help create a physiotherapy exercise plan, but they’ll also promote the strengthening and flexibility of your muscles.

What are the Causes of Myofascial Pain Syndrome?

Before we get into the details of myofascial release, let’s learn how myofascial pain syndrome develops due to excessive straining and contraction of muscles. However, there are several other risk factors, including:

• Injuries to the Musculoskeletal System- They can cause you a great deal of damage, which triggers this condition
• Stress and Anxiety- Struggling with chronic mental illnesses can increase the risk of developing trigger points.
• Maintaining Poor Posture- Poor body ergonomics can cause tension in your muscles, thus resulting in the taut formation

It’s best to consult your physical therapist or physiotherapist to discover ways to manage your condition.

How Does Myofascial Release Help?

Myofascial release is a unique manual therapy that helps release muscle tension and resolves knots. During the session, your physical or massage therapist will locate myofascial areas to loosen knots and improve joint movements. After that, they’ll apply manual light pressure on rigid and stiff areas to promote the rejuvenation of tissues and release tightness.

Typically, athletes and sports people are prone to this chronic pain condition. However, in-depth research reveals that MFR sessions help maintain mobility and strengthen muscles. That’s not all! Here’s a look at several different benefits of myofascial release:

• Improves your circulation throughout the body
• Helps athletes have proper pelvic alignment
• Assists in the tissue recovery process
• Plays an essential role in relaxation and relieves you of stress

How Can We Help with Myofascial Release?

Tight and sore muscles can reduce the quality of your life by hindering your ability to perform activities and making daily tasks painful. Alleviate the symptoms of myofascial release and improve your muscle’s flexibility by booking an appointment with our highly trained and experienced physical and massage therapists.

Or you can discuss treatment options with our Calgary therapists by visiting your nearest therapy clinic!