What is fascia release therapy?

The brief answer to this question is that fascia release, or myofascial release, is a type of manual therapy, and it can be used to treat a wide range of issues. 

Myofascial release targets a type of soft tissue called fascia. This is a type of connective tissue that’s found all over the body, and it holds body structures like organs, bones and nerves in place. Fascia is made up of multiple layers with liquid in between. This allows it to move easily, but damaged fascia can become stiff and harder to move, which can lead to knots that are painful and reduce mobility. Physical therapists use fascial release therapy to help reduce myofascial pain and break down mobility-reducing knots. 

What steps are involved in fascia release therapy?

The exact steps that your physical therapist uses during fascia release sessions can vary. For instance, the steps may be different depending on the area of the body being treated. However, there are several steps that are typically used in a myofascial release session. These steps can include: 

1. Examining the affected area — Your physical therapist will examine the affected body part before using their hands to apply myofascial release. This can help them pinpoint the exact location of fascial restrictions. It also gives them a chance to ask you questions about your symptoms. 

2. Applying pressure with the hands — Myofascial release is all about applying pressure to the tense areas of fascia, and this pressure is applied by your physical therapist’s hands. Hand application allows your therapist to more accurately judge where the tightness is. It also helps them judge how much pressure is needed to ease tension in the fascia. 

3. Using other therapy techniques — Often, other therapy methods are used after myofascial release. In turn, this can help increase the benefits, like pain reduction, that myofascial release offers. 

Find effective fascia release therapy at Advent Physical Therapy

Unsure where you can go to get top-notch myofascial release therapy? Look no further than our team at Advent Physical Therapy. Our specialists are trained to perform a wide range of manual therapy techniques, and we offer free screenings that can help you determine if myofascial release could help you. 

Additionally, our physical therapists are adept at building personalized therapy plans that can include myofascial release and other therapy methods like: 

• Joint mobilization
• Muscle energy techniques
• Dry needling
• Ergonomics assessments
• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM)
• At-home care
• Virtual therapy

Contact our team today for more information about all our therapy services or to schedule an initial appointment.