Soft tissue treatments in physical therapy aim to address restrictions in the muscle, its tendon, and the overlying fascia. Fascia is a thin connective tissue membrane surrounding each muscle fiber and the bundles of fibers which make up the muscle itself.
“Understanding Your Fascia” in Running Times by Julia Lucus provides a very comprehensive article on all things related to fascia.
See below for the take home points.
How Does Injury Effect Fascia In Your Body?
Chronic stress causes the fibers to thicken in an attempt to protect the underlying muscle. Poor posture and lack of flexibility and repetitive movements pull the fascia into ingrained patterns. Adhesions form within the stuck and damaged fibers like snags in a sweater, and once they’ve formed they’re hard to get rid of.
How do I fix it?
MOVE IT OR LOSE IT: Sticky adhesions form between fascial surfaces that aren’t regularly moved, and over time these adhesions get strong enough to inhibit range of motion.
STAY LUBRICATED: Just like every other tissue in your body, your fascia is made of water. It works better, moves better and feels better when it’s wet. So, drink!
STRETCH YOUR MUSCLES: When your muscles are chronically tight the surrounding fascia tightens along with them. Over time the fascia becomes rigid, compressing the muscles and the nerves.
STRETCH YOUR FASCIA: Once your fascia has tightened up, it doesn’t want to let go. Because the fascia can withstand up to 2,000 pounds of pressure per square inch, you’re not going to force your way through, so stretch gently. Fascia also works in slower cycles than muscles do, both contracting and stretching more slowly.
USE A FOAM ROLLER: Like stretching, using a foam roller on your fascia is different than on your muscles. Be gentle and slow in your movements, and when you find an area of tension hold sustained pressure for three to five minutes.
RESPECT YOUR BODY: If you’re attempting to run through an injury, or returning from one with a limp, beware: Your fascia will respond to your new mechanics and, eventually, even after your injury is gone, you may maintain that same movement pattern. That’s a recipe for an injury cycle. It’s better to take some extra time than to set yourself up for long-term trouble.
SEE A MOVEMENT SPECIALIST:
Physical therapists are experts on how the body moves. We can identify your area of dysfunction and after addressing restrictions restore normal movement patterns to prevent reinjury.
SEE A FASCIAL SPECIALIST:
Myofascial Release is a specialized technique used to stretch the fascia restoring normal tissue length. The stretch is guided by feedback the therapist feels from the patient’s body. This tells the therapist how much force to use, how long it is held, and what direction the stretch is applied.
In physical therapy massage is better described as soft tissue mobilization. One component of a comprehensive soft tissue approach addresses the fascia as well as the muscle. Other specialized treatments addressing soft tissue in physical therapy include the Graston Technique and Trigger Point Dry Needling.
Myofascial Release is often used in treating the following conditions:
• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Headache, TMJ dysfunction
• Trigger points, referred pain patterns
• Whiplash
• Knee pain, ITB syndrome,
• Achilles tendonitis, Plantar Fasciitis
Call now to schedule an appointment and discuss how myofascial release may help you or with any questions you may have regarding this treatment.
(603) 378-0082.
95 Plaistow Rd | Plaistow NH, 03865
Hours: Mon. – Fri. 7a.m. – 7p.m.
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