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Myofascial Release (MFR) Therapy and treatment techniques

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Terry Davis
Myofascial Release (MFR) Therapy and treatment techniques

Myofascial Release therapy refers to a group of techniques, many of which have specific names and protocols. Some methods aim to treat dysfunctional soft tissues, while others assess and treat. Such methods aim there are many ways of assessing and treating soft tissues and fascia. Other techniques are patented and trademarked, which can prove very lucrative for the owner. However, a soft tissue therapy (STT) technique with a patent or trademark does not mean it is better than other methods without a protected brand name and other commercial and financial protections. Many such techniques have a basis or lineage from much more ancient methods and techniques, with slight adaptations to enable patent and trademark approval. There are many well-known, trademarked and patented techniques with brand names such as Active Release Technique (ART) ® and Graston Technique ®. Gua Sha is an ancient Chinese method of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (IASTM), and Graston Technique ® fits under the broad umbrella of IASTM.


Some Myofascial Release (MFR) methods aim to precisely identify and treat Myofascial Trigger Points (MTrPs) or Trigger Points (TPs) for short, and examples include Trigger Point Dry Needling and Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT). Equally, some techniques work to assess and treat soft tissues, whereas others relate more to treating soft tissues. Soft Tissue Release (STR) is a specific method that assesses and treats dysfunctional soft tissues and myofascial pain. There are many reasons why tissues and fascia can become dysfunctional, resulting in restricted mobility and pain. One of the methods taught to Sports Massage therapists includes “stripping”, which is essentially the general basic form of Myofascial Release (MFR). The method involves using the thumbs, the thenar eminence (blade of the hand), forearm or elbow to gradually apply pressure along the length of specific muscles and underlying soft tissue structures. It is possible to apply the method superficially or more deeply, as with deep tissue massage and varying degrees of pressure. In a self-treatment context, the technique is the basis of what people try to do with a foam roller.

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Terry Davis
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