What Is Myofascial Release?
As with remedial massage, the term myofascial release has many branches each with its own name. It is not well known in Australia yet, even though it is now being studied and the health benefits are being recognized. So it is easy to see why not many people have heard of it or even know it exists. Myofascial release stretches the fascia which is the internal skin and scaffolding of everything within your body. Myofascial release therapy helps the body become more fluid which makes moving easier. Some types of myofascial release can be very painful because the fascia is stripped using very strong pressure. If your body is already in pain it does not respond well to more pain.
Gentle - for lasting change
This is not the style I use. I use gentle pressure to sink into the tight area and then apply a gentle stretch. I could sit with this stretch for 15-20 minutes until I feel your body start to change. I then keep the pressure and stretch and follow what your body is doing. There is no formula. I allow your body to guide me.
Sandra focuses on a troublesome area and “feels” the restriction or pain, then applies gentle pressure there until my body begins to “unwind” (or so it seems) usually rather calmly, but occasionally my body seems to move of its own accord to support the position Sandra is holding. Benefits are noticeable immediately and are on-going for days to come as my body returns to its natural state of balance.
What I understand to be happening is that you are recognizing your own tension and you are working out what you need to do to undo it. You belong to your own movement and I just support you.