Myofascial release is an intervention administered to various patients to alleviate pain or restrictive tissue problems. The release treatment usually involves the application of gentle or moderate pressure on the connective tissues and leads to relaxation and eventual elongation of the fascia therein. These restrictions are often caused by traumatic accidents or inflammation of the soft tissue. Some patients get them as an after-effect of surgery. They always result in muscular tension and spasm of sharp pain. They cannot be detected through standard diagnosis tests like the x-ray scan. It is essential for a patient to visit a doctor or physiotherapy expert once they notice restriction of movement in the hip area or shoulder. Painful backs can also be a sign of the restriction and can only be treated through the Myofascial Release procedures.
What to Expect During Therapy
If you have never undergone a Myofascial Release procedure before, you might wonder what will be done. There is no need to panic any way, since it is a minor therapy intervention meant to alleviate any pain that could be as a result of fascia muscle pain and restriction. Here is what you can expect if you visit a standard therapist for you myofascial pain treatment:
- The therapist might have to interview you about what you think the cause of the pain could be. They may also palpitate the affected area to identify the particular fascia that needs to be massaged and given due attention during the procedure.
- A standard treatment should last anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour, but should not last longer than that as that may lead to soreness and fatigue.
- You may experience considerable relief, but if the case is severe, you may need to go for another session or two in the subsequent days.
- The treatment does not require the use of any equipment and creams or gels. The therapist will only need their hands to manipulate and apply slight pressure to the trigger points and affected muscles.
Complementary Treatment
To obtain optimal results on the affected tissues, experts recommend follow up, and if the condition does not show prompt improvement and reduced pain, subsequent therapy should be administered.
- The therapist might ask you to hold ice packs or heat packs on the affected muscles to reduce pain and swelling.
- If the pain is consistent and does not seem to get better, over the counter pain relievers can be taken. The recommended pain medications include ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
- Exercise and flexing are one of the follow-up practices that your therapist might ask you to do after the treatment.
Sportsmen and women can get a myofascial release before playing to align their soft tissues and muscles properly thus preventing pain and unexpected injury while playing.
For more information or to request an appointment, call us today at (414) 755-0016.