Myofascial Release - Jean Anne Zollars, PT, DPT, MA

“Don't try to steer the river.”  Deepak Chopra

Fascia, or connective tissue is continuous throughout the entire body.  It surrounds the muscles, bones, skin, organs, arteries, veins and nerves.  It is like a spider web which continues from head to toe, superficial to deep, microscopic to macroscopic.  Fascia envelops the muscle filaments, so that it is impossible to separate the muscles from the fascia.  Tendons and ligaments are made up of fascia.

Fascia is composed of fibers of collagen and elastin embedded in a gelatinous substance which provides circulation and mobility to the fibers.  The majority of the body is liquid and this gelatinous substance helps in the transport of the toxins throughout the body.  Collagen is a protein molecule which is released from fibroblasts and goes to areas of stress, infection or injury in the body. Collagen provides fascia with strength and form, it is hard, thus does not stretch.  Scars are composed of collagen.  Even though we need scars to heal, areas with too much collagen can cause problems.  Elastin gives fascia memory and elasticity.  It is elastic, so it has the capacity to return it is original length, but if the stretch is maintained for a long time, the tissue loses this ability.  Also, if the tissue is shortened for a long time, it loses the ability to return to its original length.  In the body, where there is stress, the fascia can thicken to gain more strength and support.  A lot of times, the fascia reinforces poor posture. 

Myofascial release is a gentle hands-on technique which helps to release restrictions in the fascia and muscle.  This process of lengthening of the tissues is guided and led by the fascia of the person.  Myofascial release is used in conjunction with other manual therapies to help decrease pain, improve mobility and function.