Myofascial Release Lecture PDF

MYO-FACIAL RELEASE BY: DR SARA ABDULLA  Myofascial massage: It is a tri-dimensional application of sustained pressure and movement into the fascial system in order to eliminate fascial restrictions. This technique focuses on the myofascial unit, including muscles, fascia and neuromuscular...

MYO-FACIAL RELEASE BY: DR SARA ABDULLA  Myofascial massage: It is a tri-dimensional application of sustained pressure and movement into the fascial system in order to eliminate fascial restrictions. This technique focuses on the myofascial unit, including muscles, fascia and neuromuscular junction.  FASCIA Is a type of connective tissue, collagen and some elastic fibers that provides structure and holds the body together, it covers the muscles and every fiber within each muscle. It also covers the bones the tendons the ligaments and all the organs in the body. Types of fascia a- Superficial fascia: Consists of loose connective tissue that lies beneath the superficial skin. b- Deep fascia: Consists of dense connective tissue, it surrounds individual muscle fibers, fibers bundles, and the whole muscles as well as tendons and ligaments C- Visceral fascia : suspends the organs within their cavities and wraps them in layers of connective tissue membranes. Each of the organs is covered in a double layer of fascia  The loose C.T present in the superficial fascia is irregular in nature i.e.; its fibers is not arranged in one direction. The dense C.T in the deep fascia is two types: - Dense regular where it is arranged in one direction, with its fibers parallel to each other and it is found in ligaments and tendons. -Dense irregular, is haphazardly present in multi-directions, it is present in areas where mechanical stresses are likely to take place as in joint capsule. Fascia is divided into 3 layers: the 1st layer, contains fats, nerve endings and blood vessels. the 2nd layer, is a potential space, where it can be enlarged by swelling the 3rd layer covers the muscles and organs of the body.  The fascia plays an important role in the support of our bodies, since it surrounds and attaches the structures. These structures wouldn't be able to provide the stability without the constant pull of the fascia on them. When fascia is healthy and relaxed, it is wavy in configuration; it has the ability to stretch and move without restrictions. If it is injured or inflamed it becomes tight, restricted and looses its pliability ( mobility) , which causes tension and the restricted area becomes tender. If this restrictions in the fascia aren't released it starts to affect the whole musculoskeletal system in a way or another causing loss of flexibility, postural limitations, deviations and may be deformations as well.  PROPERTIES OF FASCIA Fascia allows accommodation to changes in muscle bulk and stretching. It is continuous from head to toes, so, it moves freely during movement, but if it is restricted it will affect the adjacent structures, and may be some areas far away from the site of injury. Fascia has poor blood supply which makes it slow to heal, when inflamed or injured. Where as for nerve supply, the fascia is rich, what makes it painful when restricted. Fascia softens and releases in response to gentle pressure over a long period of time.  Fascia covers all organs of the body. - Muscles and fascia can not be separated. - All muscles stretching is myofascial stretching. stretching in one body area will be felt in that area and other body areas. - Release of myofascial restrictions can affect other body organs - Myofascial release can alter body malalignment If the structures are not fixed. Progress is measured by improvement in postural symmetry, reduction of subjective pain complaints, and increased fluidity of movement. - It is generally more comfortable than other stretching techniques. CONSIDERATIONS OF MYOFASCIAL RELEASE TREATMENT Accept the patient's physical status as normal for that patient. - Focus all attention on the patient and on the tactile feedback from the area treated. Allow feedback from the patient's body to guide the treatment. - Work with the patient, not on the patient. - Accept goals that do not necessarily reach the theoretical ideal. CAUSES OF MYOFASCIAL RESTRICTIONS 1-Traumas and injuries of the muscles which will cause muscle guarding and may lead to abnormalities in the movement. 2- Habitual deviations, which may cause connective tissue changes. 3- Strains or soft tissue injuries, that maybe due to over exercising. 4- Disuse atrophy of the supporting muscle. 5- Impaired nutrition and blood supply to the region. INDICATIONS FOR MYOFASCIAL RELEASE Muscle shortening. - Asymmetrical muscle weakness. - Restricted joint range of motion. - Postural deformation or asymmetry. - Postural deviations. Pain that doesn’t follow dermatomes, myotomes, or visceral referral patterns. Chronic conditions that causes tightness and restrictions in the soft tissues. Impaired respiration and inflexible rib cage due to chronic respiratory disease. Head aches that are triggered by tension in the posterior cervical musculature Indications *Dizziness and vertigo. *Fibromyalgia. *Headache. *Myofascial pain dysfunction. *Trigger points, tender points. CONTRAINDICATIONS OF MYOFASCIAL RELEASE Inability to tolerate close physical contact or touch. Unstable medical conditions. Dermatitis. Infectious diseases in the upper respiratory tract, or by direct skin contact. Patients under the influence or drugs or medications. Patients unable to give informed consent to treatment due to his mental status.  PRECAUTIONS Myofascial release consistently lowers blood pressure, so all the patients must rest in a horizontal position for 10-15 minutes following treatment. The patients should get up slowly and not get off the treatment table until any dizziness has resolved. Myofascial release may lower blood sugar levels, particularly when deep trigger point releases are performed. Patients who are diabetic should check their blood glucose level prior to treatment. Patients who are prone to hypoglycemia should have a snack prior to treatment. Individuals with healing fractures or wounds may receive Myofascial release to uninvolved areas and to the area of compromise while being closely monitored. GOALS OF MYOFASCIAL RELEASE Release of muscle spasm. - Stretch of abnormal fascia. - Stretch of abnormal fibrous tissue. - Release of fascial adhesions. - Increase blood flow to the area. Create structural harmony and balance. - Relieve pain. - Corrects posture. - Provide opportunities for general human performances. - Trigger points pain relief. RELEASING THE FASCIAL RESTRICTIONS First, we find the cause of symptoms by evaluating the fascial system. -By observation, we analyze the human frame, for any abnormalities. By palpation, we test the tissue texture of various fascial layers. -The region of the fascial restrictions is determined. -Gentle pressure is applied in its direction. This has the effect of pulling the elasto-collagenous fibers straight. This has a springy feeling; the elastic component is slowly stretched until the hands stop at a firm barrier. This is the collagenous component, which needs sustained pressure, over a long period. THANKS