MYOFASCIAL RELEASE (MFR) is a soft tissue treatment that works primarily with the connective tissue (fascia).

MFR uses specific techniques that differ from the traditional deep tissue or sports massage, which targets the different layers of fascia within the body. There are two main techniques used, direct and indirect MFR.

 
Direct MFR (also known structural integration) involves applying pressure directly to the area of the body that is experiencing tension or discomfort to correct any structural imbalances. It can be more intense, but it is effective for releasing deep fascial tension and stiffness in the body. 

Indirect MFR is a much gentler approach that works with the natural movement of the body (a.k.a unwinding). This approach is more subtle and very effective, it is ideal for people who have conditions that make direct pressure uncomfortable or reactive.

The therapists may combine both techniques in a session that is tailored to suit.

What is Fascia?

Fascia is a fluid-filled, 3-dimensional web of connective tissue that is composed of collagen and elastin fibres that run through and between every single cell in the body. It surrounds, infuses, and protects every tissue, nerve, bone, and organ in the body and is designed to freely glide and move.

Formally disregarded as packing tissue in the medical field, it has more recently been recognised as playing a significant role in immune health, communication, pain, movement, and function.  It forms a continuous network that connects and communicates between different parts of the body. Therefore it is no surprise that restrictions on fascia in one area can have an effect somewhere else.

However, trauma, injury, surgery, and repetitive posture can lead to fascia restriction which lays down thicker, fibrous, tissue that over time can reduce the range of movement of the affected joints, leading to pain and compensation patterns.  

What does MFR treat?

Everybody can benefit from MFR and clinical massage often combines it with other techniques, however, it can be particularly helpful for: -

Fibromyalgia - thought to be a myofascial pain condition, indirect MFR is effective at reducing widespread pain and fatigue.

Crohn's disease, IBS & Acid reflux - these conditions can be exacerbated by tension causing restriction, causing more tension, in the stomach, colon, and associated organs. Fascia can get stuck between the layers of skin,  muscle, organs and bone causing functional restriction and MFR can help improve this, relieveing the build up of symptoms.

Asthma and other lung conditions - visceral MFR helps free up the lung tissue, ribs, thorax, and diaphragm to allow ease of breath and restriction, which improves oxygen absorption and related fatigue.

Migraines and sinus issues - advanced techniques, which may include intra-oral work, specifically targeting the skull, face, jaw, eye sockets and scalp to aim to reduce the impact and frequency of a migraine and allow the sinuses to drain more freely.

Chronic pain - fascia contains around 250 million nerve endings which means it has about 50 million more than our skin! By working with fascia we desensitise the nervous system and turn down the 'volume' of chronic pain. How long this takes depends on several variabilities, however, the desensitation aspect of MFR and manual therapy tells the brain it's 'safe' so it reduces the protective response of pain signals.

Scars - surgery, and injury lays down scar tissue as part of the healing process that binds to other tissues under the skin and causes restriction. MFR frees up the restriction of scar tissue to help restore function and range of movement.

Compartment syndrome/plantar fasciitis/Achilles tendinopathy - where the fascia becomes tight and restricts lymph and blood flow, MFR helps to improve tissue health and facilitate healing.

Body alignment issues - structural MFR is a body balancing treatment that corrects imbalances that affect the structure (bones/joints) without the need for forceful adjustments and where the body feels stuck or other treatments haven't really helped.

MFR is available with Danielle, Lee, Katerina, and Zuzana.

Prices from £70 and per therapist are found here