Myofascial release is a body work therapy that works the fascia of the body. Fascia is the connective tissue which surrounds and interweaves between all organs, muscles, bones, and nerve fibres of the body. It gives the body structure and allows the body’s systems to work together to maintain homeostasis. Fascia can become restricted (due to physical and emotional trauma) which can create tension and pain in the body.
During the first appointment with me, I will take your medical history. There are medical conditions that are contraindications for myofascial release; if there is a contraindication, I will discuss this with you and explain why MFR is not appropriate for you at this time. I use your medical history to inform my treatment plan. The first session includes an extra 15 mins to allow for paperwork such as reading/signing my privacy notice, gathering personal information i.e. medical history, and finding out what you are hoping for from the MFR treatment. The treatment itself will be the length you have booked i.e. 60, 75, or 90 minutes.
You need to remove clothing for myofascial treatments. Please wear full briefs or shorts for the treatment. Treatments start with the client lying on their front. I normally start by warming up the fascia on the back with cross-hand and forearm stretches. I occasionally use a small amount of MFR wax to help get the fascia moving but not always. The purpose of MFR is to help get the fascia moving. I will work on the area that is causing pain or tension and may also work other areas where the fascia feels sticky or where I get a sense that there may be stuck fascia. During the first part of the treatment, I use techniques to get the fascia moving and then move to techniques which can allow the fascia to unwind. These often involve limb pulling to the head, arms, and legs. The sessions normally end with the client lying of their backs.
I will check in with clients about how they are feeling during the session to make sure clients are not feeling extreme pain or starting to dissociate.
During treatments, fascia may start to move and release restrictions. This may result in physical and emotional responses in the body such as muscle twitching, limb movement, and rushes of emotions. These are all normal responses to Myofascial Release treatments.
Occasionally after a myofascial release treatment, you may have a healing response. This can mean that you may feel a bit off-colour, sleepy, or groggy. You may experience an emotional response. You may notice that the fascia in your body continue to respond after the treatment. This is normal and should pass within 24 hours. I normally suggest that you drink water after a treatment, do not do any strenuous exercise, and do not drink alcohol after a treatment.
You are welcome to book another appointment with me at the end of the session, or you can book, in your own time, using the Setmore booking app.
During follow up appointments, I start the session checking in on how you felt after the last treatment, asking if there have been any changes to your health, and what you would like the treatment to focus on.
I hope this is helpful and gives you an idea of what a MFR treatment looks like with me.