How Does Myofascial Release Compare to Regular Massage?

Is there anything more relaxing and life-affirming than a great massage? Perhaps a myofascial release massage in Napa County, CA—that is, if you’re looking to improve your chronic myofascial pain syndrome. Myofascial release isn’t like regular massage. It uses trigger points to help the muscles in your body relax and release tension, allowing you a better, more pain-free range of motion.

If you have problems with myofascial pain syndrome or something similar, this therapy might be right for you. Read on to learn more, then call Focus Forward Wellness & Physical Therapy to schedule an appointment.

How does a regular massage work?

Chances are, you’ve had a professional massage at least once in your lifetime. There’s nothing like walking back out into the world, feeling ridiculously relaxed and calm. Myofascial release can help you achieve the same feeling, but it’s not the same as a regular massage.

The average professional massage in the United States uses four basic techniques: effleurage (deep or light strokes), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (light slapping) and friction. These techniques accomplish various goals, but ultimately, you should walk out of the massage therapist’s building feeling a lot more relaxed. Your massage therapist will use one or more of these techniques to further their goals—and with any luck, you’ll release all the tension you’ve been carrying around.

How does myofascial release work?

If you come in to a physical therapist’s office for myofascial release, you shouldn’t expect it to be like a regular massage. There probably won’t be any soothing music or aromatherapeutic massage oils. However, your physical therapist will help ease the pain, tension or tightness in your body by applying pressure to trigger points.

First, your massage therapist will gently massage the tight areas to assess the problem. If your muscles feel tight and rigid, they will know they’ve found the right area to address. At this point, they’ll start stretching the tense areas. Then they’ll apply gentle pressure on specific pressure points, which helps your muscles release tension and relax. Basically, myofascial release helps a bigger range of muscles relax and eases your tension. This is especially great if you carry a lot of stress in your body—it forces your muscles to let go of the pain and tension so you can walk around pain-free.

Myofascial release is also great if you suffer from tension headaches. Massaging the neck and spinal muscles allows them to relax. It also improves blood flow, which in turn allows your muscles to receive nutrients and heal faster.

Generally, myofascial release is slower and more targeted than a general regular massage, so you might not feel quite as relaxed afterwards. However, it can really help provide long-lasting pain relief and freedom from muscle tension.

If you’re interested in learning more about how myofascial release compares to a regular massage, or would like to try myofascial release with a physical therapist in Napa County, CA, call Focus Forward Wellness & Physical Therapy today. We can help you identify the techniques and trigger points that will bring you the most relief.

Categorised in: Myofascial Release

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