Starting with the basics
Hello, my name is Dr. Goldeen and I have been using myofascial release to help people live their best life since 2011. Over the past ten years I have come to understand myofascial release as a treatment method that can help relax tight muscles and decrease pain. An easy way to understand this treatment method is the break the word “myofascial” into two parts: Myo and Fascia. First, “myo” which in Latin means muscle. Second, “fascia” which is a glue-like substance that helps attach the bones to the muscles and the muscles to the skin. Therefore, myofascial release is a treatment method that targets the fascia that is inside as well as around the muscles.
Why the fascia is important:
The fascia is a glue-like substance that is located around the muscles, bones, tendons, organs, skin, and spine. When the body is injured or develops inflammation this glue-like substance becomes less flexible. As a result, the restricted fascia starts to reduce mobility and agitate the nerves. This irritation often is a reason that people start to experience pain. In addition to putting pressure on the nerves the tightening of the fascia can also reduce normal range of motion. In conclusion, the fascia is both a connective tissue and a lubricating substance that can be a contributing source of pain and dysfunction in the body.
Myofascial Release as Treatment:
Throughout Dr. Goldeen’s clinical experience he has found that patients get the best results with a style of myofascial release developed by John Barnes. This style of myofascial release uses a very light, sustained stretching technique, which is applied to tight area for anywhere from 30 seconds to 5 minutes. By applying pressure for an extended period of time fascial connections reestablish proper ‘gliding and sliding’ the joints, muscles, and skin. Afterwards, there will be less pain and an increase in range of motion.
In Conclusion:
Myofascial release is a treatment method that targets fascia. This substance can cause pain by putting pressure on the nerves and limiting the joints ability to move through a full range of motion. In Home Chiro use the John Barnes style of facial release. Which can be applied to one area for as long as 5 minutes. Dr. Goldeen combines this technique with chiropractic adjustments, exercise, and stretching during each treatment. Resulting in a comprehensive treatment that helps each patient live their best life.
